There are a few things people don’t like to talk about. Politics, religion, money, and… anal glands. Yep, I said it. Anal glands. Gross, right? But as uncomfortable as the subject may be, it’s an important one for dog parents to understand.
So why am I writing about this? Well, because I’ve been there — both in my past as a groomer and more recently as Benji’s loyal human staff. Anal gland issues aren’t just messy; they can be painful for our pups. And if my experience helps even one dog avoid discomfort, then it’s worth sharing.
When Food Becomes the Culprit
Two years ago, I decided to switch Benji’s food from bison to lamb. Everything seemed fine. Benji has always been a “perfect pooper,” so I didn’t think twice. His bowel movements were regular, his energy was good, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary — until one day he developed infected anal glands.
It happened out of nowhere on a normal day. Suddenly, we were at the vet’s office, where his glands were expressed (if you’ve ever heard that sound, you know it’s not something you forget). Poor Benji was not a fan of the process, and neither was I. A round of antibiotics later, we were back to his old food, and thankfully, life returned to normal.
Or so I thought.
Déjà Vu with Lamb
Fast forward to just a few weeks ago. I had forgotten about the lamb fiasco. My dog food purchase history didn’t go back far enough to remind me otherwise. So, I bought lamb again.
Big mistake.
This time, the glands weren’t infected yet, but I could tell something wasn’t right. Back to the vet we went. The warning signs were there, but they were subtle: his poop was stinkier than usual, he was tooting more often, and his stomach seemed a little unsettled. I brushed it off at first, blaming the heat and humidity or maybe some spinach he had as a snack. But no — it was the lamb.
Lesson learned: I won’t be making that stinky mistake again.
The Subtle Signs of Food Intolerance
One of the trickiest parts about food intolerance in dogs is that the signs aren’t always dramatic. It’s not always projectile diarrhea or vomiting. Sometimes it’s much more subtle, and if you’re not paying close attention, you might miss it — just like I did with Benji.
Here are a few signs to watch for:
- Changes in potty habits – Even if the poop looks “normal,” frequency, odor, or texture can shift.
- Stronger odor – Stinkier than usual stool is often a clue.
- Excessive gas – More toots than usual might mean your dog’s digestive system isn’t happy.
- Grumbly stomachs – That gurgling sound? Another potential sign.
Dogs can’t tell us when something feels off, but their bodies will. The tricky part is connecting the dots between what they eat and how they react.
Patience in the Process
If you suspect your dog has a food intolerance, it’s important to remember that changes don’t always happen overnight. Just because you switch foods doesn’t mean the symptoms will disappear immediately. It takes time for the old food to leave their system and for their gut to reset.
This is where patience (and observation) are key. Keep notes on what your dog eats and how they respond. Even small changes in diet or snacks can make a difference. And if you’re ever unsure, your veterinarian is the best resource. They can help you determine if the problem is food-related or something else altogether.
I often think about it like this: I know how my body feels when I eat something that doesn’t sit well with me (ice cream, in my case!). Our dogs can’t verbalize that discomfort, but they absolutely show us in other ways. It’s up to us to notice.
A Gentle Reminder
So, while anal glands may not be the most glamorous topic, they’re an important one. Food choices matter more than we often realize, and intolerance can look very different from dog to dog.
For Benji, lamb is off the menu forever. And while I may never get that sound out of my head from the first time his glands were expressed, I’ve learned to be more observant, more cautious, and more forgiving with myself when I miss the subtle signs.
Here’s to happy tummies, healthy digestion, and dogs who can enjoy life without discomfort.
With love,
Joan & Benji
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