Impacted or infected anal glands can be a painful and expensive problem for dogs, cats, and their owners. When the anal glands are not emptying properly on their own, finding a product that supports healthy natural expression can be a turning point for pets dealing with this issue.
Glandex is a veterinarian-formulated supplement designed to help pets who are having trouble expressing their anal glands normally. Its patented formula promotes healthy stools and supports normal expression of the anal gland material — addressing the root cause of most anal gland problems rather than just managing symptoms.
What Are Anal Glands and Why Do They Get Impacted?
Anal glands are two small structures located on either side of the anus. They expel a small amount of scent-marking fluid each time an animal has a bowel movement — this is how dogs and cats communicate territory and identity to other animals.
The key to healthy anal gland function is stool consistency. When stools are firm and well-formed, they put adequate pressure on the glands as they pass through the rectum, causing the glands to empty naturally. When stool consistency is not ideal — too soft, too loose, or inconsistent — the glands do not receive enough pressure. The fluid inside gets backed up and begins to thicken. Once the liquid has thickened, it cannot escape through the small ducts, and the gland can quickly become painful, impacted, or infected.
For a complete overview of anal gland anatomy, symptoms, and treatment, see our in-depth guide on anal gland issues in dogs.
How Glandex Works
Glandex takes a three-pronged approach to anal gland support: high-quality fiber to improve stool consistency, anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce gland irritation, and probiotics to support overall digestive health. Here is how each component contributes to healthy anal gland function.
Fiber for healthy stool quality
The foundation of Glandex's formula is high-quality fiber from two key ingredients. Pumpkin seed provides an ideal source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, and apple pectin contributes additional soluble fiber. Together, these ingredients help bulk up the stool so that adequate pressure is applied to the anal glands during each bowel movement, promoting consistent natural expression.
This is the most important piece of the puzzle — when stool quality improves, the anal glands are far more likely to empty on their own without the need for manual intervention.
Anti-inflammatory ingredients for gland irritation
For dogs with chronic anal gland problems or underlying allergies contributing to persistent irritation, Glandex includes targeted anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Quercetin dihydrate is a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables that provides powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine properties. Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapple that increases the bioavailability of quercetin while also supporting digestion and reducing inflammation. Together, these ingredients help calm irritated glands and address the allergic and inflammatory responses that often contribute to chronic anal gland issues.
Probiotics for digestive and immune health
Glandex includes Lactobacillus acidophilus, a well-studied probiotic that supports healthy digestion and immune function. A balanced gut microbiome contributes to consistent stool quality, which in turn supports the natural anal gland expression process. Probiotic support also helps dogs whose anal gland problems are connected to broader digestive issues.
Glandex's Patented Formula: What to Expect
Glandex's patented formula is designed to be a more sustainable and comfortable approach to anal gland health than frequent manual expression. Repeated manual expressing can actually irritate the glands further, creating a cycle of recurring problems. By supporting the body's natural expression process through improved stool quality and reduced inflammation, Glandex helps break that cycle.
Most pet parents see results within 3 to 5 weeks when Glandex is given as directed. Glandex contains all natural, premium ingredients and is made in the USA.
Glandex Soft Chews come in a peanut butter flavor that dogs love and are the most popular option for general anal gland support. For dogs with more severe or chronic issues, Glandex Advanced Vet Strength Chews provide a higher-potency formula. Dogs whose primary concern is digestive health and stool quality can benefit from Glandex Probiotic & Prebiotic Soft Chews.
For picky eaters who will not take chews, Glandex Powder can be mixed directly into food. An Advanced Vet Strength Powder is also available for pets with more persistent issues. Glandex is available for both dogs and cats.
Glandex Wipes for Daily Hygiene
Alongside the Glandex supplement line, Glandex Wipes provide a convenient one-step solution for keeping the anal area clean. These wipes are designed for use after anal gland expression or whenever odor is present due to anal gland irritation.
Glandex Wipes contain Deoplex, an enzymatic deodorizer that breaks down anal gland odor at the molecular level. They also include vitamin E, aloe, skin conditioners, and moisturizers to soothe the area, along with a light fresh scent to keep pets smelling their best.
Explore the full range of anal gland support products in the Glandex collection.
For more on the basics of anal gland anatomy and function, see our quick facts about anal glands in dogs and cats. For a comprehensive guide to anal gland problems including causes, symptoms, and treatment, visit our resource on anal gland issues in dogs.
