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My dog's anal gland ruptured. What should I do next for home care?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 4 months old | 2.5 lbs

Hello. Earlier this afternoon I noticed my dog had a swollen anal gland. The last few hours it looked worse. He is a 5 y.o. Male chi. 2.5 lbs and not fixed. I gave him a warm salt water bath and the anal gland seems to have ruptured. I've drained it the best we could and put neosporin on it. What should I do next? Very worried dog mom here. Any help would be awesome as it is after midnight.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on January 24th, 2019

Hi there. A picture of the lesion would be very helpful to understand better the situation, even though your description fits very well with an anal gland abscess due to infection. Your approach is fine even though I am afraid systemic antibiotics will be needed. Disinfection may be continue at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. If signs persist after 3 days from now and there is improvement at all, I would strongly recommend a check up. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 13th, 2019

    This is what I suggest you do: 1. Continue to hot pack the area. Take a washcloth soaked in warm (not hot) water and hold it to the affected anal gland for 5 minutes. Do this 3-4 times per day if you can for about 4-5 days. 2. Keep him from licking it by using an E-collar (cone). ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/contech-procone-soft-recovery-collar ) 3. Apply this wound gel spray topically 3-4 times per day. I would use this instead of betadine. Betadine can be very harsh to the tissue if not diluted properly. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-animal-wound-and-skin-care-hydrogel ) If after 5 days it is not significantly improved then he needs to see a vet. If after 5 days it is improved, but not completely healed, then continue with the E-collar and the wound spray until completely healed. Hot packing for only 5 days; no need to continue this past 5 days. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on May 26th, 2019

    Hi there. It looks like your question was cut off due to character limits, so I'm not sure what you wanted to ask. In general, it sounds like you're doing a good job with the warm compresses and keeping the area clean. I would recommend continuing this plan through the holiday weekend as long as she's acting okay, and taking her in to see your veterinarian on Tuesday morning - she will likely need antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to treat the infection.

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