At times, dogs may need help with their anal glands to ease irritation.
Most pet parents are familiar with anal glands mainly because of the unpleasant smell they can create. While they aren’t the most pleasant part of dog care, these glands sometimes require attention to keep your pup comfortable. Here’s a guide to understanding dog anal glands, signs of trouble, and what to do if they need to be expressed.
Why Do Dogs Have Anal Glands?
Anal glands—also known as anal sacs—are two tiny pouches positioned around the 4 and 8 o’clock spots just inside a dog’s anus. These sacs are lined with special sebaceous (oil-producing) glands that release a strong-smelling, oily substance. Normally, when a dog has a bowel movement, the combination of firm stool and contracting muscles pushes a small amount of this fluid out through tiny ducts near the anal opening. This is what gives dog poop its unmistakable scent. In many ways, anal glands function like scent markers, helping dogs communicate with one another.
Dogs can also release these glands when they’re startled or frightened. It’s believed to act as a defense mechanism, throwing off a potential threat. If you’ve ever noticed a sharp, foul odor after your pup was scared—like being chased by another dog or startled by loud fireworks—that was likely their anal sacs emptying.
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Anal Gland Problems in Dogs
When a dog’s anal glands don’t drain the way they should, they can swell and cause irritation. In many cases, simply having the glands expressed can ease the discomfort (more on that shortly).
Sometimes, however, the small duct that allows fluid to escape becomes clogged. This condition is called an impaction. Because anal sacs are warm and moist, an impacted gland can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria, which may lead to an infection. In some cases, the process works in reverse—an infection develops first, which then causes the gland to become blocked.
Both impactions and infections are very uncomfortable for your pup. When infection is present, the gland may fill with pus, creating an abscess. Eventually, the swollen sac may burst through the skin near your dog’s anus, leading to a painful and messy rupture.
These issues can involve one or both glands, depending on the situation.
Symptoms of Anal Gland Trouble
The most well-known sign of anal gland discomfort is scooting—when your dog drags his backside along the ground in an attempt to ease the pressure. Not all dogs with anal gland problems will scoot. Some people might show different warning signs. Signs that an anal gland might be affected or infected include: .
- Frequent scooting across the floor
- Too much licking or biting at the back end
- A strong, foul smell is coming from the rear
- Swelling or redness near the anus
- Difficulty passing stool
- Whimpering or crying during bowel movements
- Blood or pus in your poop
- Discharge of blood, pus, or anal gland fluid around the anus
- Stains or smelly residue left where your dog has been sitting or lying down
What Leads to Anal Gland Problems?
Several factors can play a role in causing anal gland troubles for dogs. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Loose stools or diarrhea – Soft bowel movements don’t put enough pressure on the glands to empty them properly
- Constipation – if a dog isn’t passing stool, the glands aren’t being expressed
- Excess weight – obesity can interfere with proper gland function
- Recurring skin infections – whether bacterial or yeast-related
- Allergies – both food sensitivities and environmental triggers can contribute
- Parasites – such as mites
- Hormonal issues – like hypothyroidism
In rarer situations, anal gland impaction might be linked to a congenital abnormality that prevents drainage or to a growth/tumor blocking the ducts.
While dogs of any size can experience anal gland problems, smaller breeds tend to be more prone to these issues.
When Should You Contact the Vet?
If you see any signs of anal gland issues is a good reason to contact your veterinarian. In mild cases, it may be possible to manage expression at home (we’ll cover that soon), but it’s always wise to consult your vet first. Most anal gland concerns don’t require an emergency visit and can be addressed during regular clinic hours. However, if you suspect a ruptured gland or notice severe swelling and irritation, alert your vet right away.
For many dogs, a simple manual expression will relieve the issue. During this procedure, your veterinarian or a trained veterinary technician inserts a finger into your dog’s anus and gently squeezes the gland to release the trapped material.
Your vet can usually determine if the secretion is normal or not by examining its appearance, texture, and smell. Healthy anal gland fluid is typically a muddy brown color, ranging from watery to the thickness of soft toothpaste, and it has a very strong, fishy or metallic odor. If the fluid is unusually thick or if there are traces of blood or pus, this may point to an infection. In those cases, your vet will often prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear it up.
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How to Treat Anal Gland Problems in Dogs
When an abscess develops, your veterinarian will often recommend sedation to ensure your dog remains comfortable throughout treatment. If the abscess hasn’t ruptured yet, the vet will carefully drain it, then flush the affected gland and nearby tissues to clear out bacteria and debris.
In cases where the abscess has already ruptured, the cleaning process is similar. Your dog will be prescribed antibiotics, and you may also be given antiseptic wipes to use at home to help keep the area clean as it heals. For big abscesses, the vet might put in a small tube that stays there for a few days to help the fluid keep draining out. To prevent your dog from licking or irritating the wound, an e-collar (cone) is usually required during recovery.
For dogs that suffer from severe or recurring anal gland issues, surgical removal of the glands may be considered. This procedure is complicated because there are many muscles and nerves around the anal area, and it could lead to long-lasting nerve damage. For that reason, surgery is typically reserved for only the most serious cases and not for mild or moderate problems. Depending on the situation, your regular veterinarian may perform the operation, or they might refer you to a veterinary surgeon at a specialty hospital.
How to Express Anal Glands
If your dog has just started scooting, you may be able to handle basic anal gland expression at home—provided you feel confident enough. However, it’s strongly advised that your veterinarian or a trained veterinary technician demonstrate the process for you before you attempt it on your own.
Avoid trying this if your dog isn’t comfortable being restrained or touched in this way. Instead, spend time practicing gentle handling exercises first to make the experience less stressful.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Disposable exam gloves
- Water-based lubricant (such as K-Y)
- Paper towels
- Pet-safe cleaning wipes or spray
- Odor-neutralizing spray safe for dogs
Step-by-step process:
- Put on your gloves and have a paper towel ready to catch the discharge—it can spray unexpectedly. A helpful trick is to poke your index finger through the towel so it drapes around your finger like a little shield.
- Ask your helper to keep your dog standing up. One arm around the neck and the other under the belly, held snugly but gently, works well for most dogs.
- Apply lubricant to your gloved finger, then carefully insert your fingertip just inside the anus. You should feel two small sacs at roughly the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. Depending on your dog’s size—or if the glands are impacted—they may feel bigger.
- Using gentle pressure, squeeze each sac to release the fluid. This may take a little practice and often feels similar to “milking” the gland.
- Move to the other gland and repeat. Some people manage both sides with one hand, but switching hands is fine if that’s easier.
- Once both glands are expressed, clean your dog’s bottom with wipes or a paper towel sprayed with pet-safe cleaner. A quick spritz of deodorizing spray will also help with the lingering smell.
Important note: If the glands don’t express easily, or if you notice blood or pus in the fluid, this could signal an infection. Also, stop immediately if your dog shows signs of pain or extreme discomfort, and contact your veterinarian.
How Often Should I Express My Dog’s Anal Glands?
Anal gland expression should only be performed when it’s truly necessary. Many dogs never require manual expression, while others might only need it once in a while. Avoid doing it routinely without reason, as frequent expression can irritate the glands, damage surrounding tissue, and even lead to scar tissue that blocks proper drainage.
If your pup is dealing with recurring anal gland problems, it’s important to have a veterinarian evaluate the situation to find the underlying cause. Your vet may suggest a treatment plan that includes dietary adjustments, such as weight management and adding more fiber to promote healthy bowel movements. Safe fiber options for dogs include plain canned pumpkin (make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pie filling) and psyllium. In some cases, an Omega-3 supplement may also be recommended to support skin health and reduce inflammation.
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