Maltese dog- infected anal glands

Question
My 5 year old male Maltese has had 3 different episodes during his lifetime when an anal gland swells very large and makes him extremely uncomfortable until it drains. I would like to know why this happens and if there is something that I can do to help prevent this?

                              Thank-you!

Answer
Anal glands are a natural part of the anatomy and normally animals should express them when they defecate; however, some animals don't due to poor muscle tone, little stool volume or overweight.  You can add fiber to his diet in the form of canned pumpkin or metamucil.  And you should routinely have his anal glands expressed so they don't get to that point.  Some groomers will express the glands of contact your vet to have it done.