Canine Anal Gland Expression: How to Express a Dog’s Anal Glands

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Your dog's anal glands are not usually a conversation starter. But knowing how they work and how to recognize a problem can ultimately save your dog (and you) much discomfort.

Anal glands secrete fluid originally meant for scent-marking in the wild. The anal glands are small sacs on either side of your dog's anus. When your dog poops, fluid from the anal glands is also released. But some dogs may not release enough fluid naturally. In that case, the excess anal gland fluid may need to be removed by you or a veterinarian.

Many dog owners will never need to know how to express their dog's anal glands. But if signs of anal gland issues occur, you should know how to recognize them and how best to treat them.

When do dogs need anal gland expression?

When dogs need their anal glands expressed, the first sign is usually scooting their rear on the ground. You may also be able to see and feel that your dog's glands are full; a full anal gland will feel puffy to the touch and be about the size of a grape.

Other signs that your dog needs their anal glands expressed include:

• Having a foul, fishy odor

• Licking or biting around their anal area

• Chasing their tail

• Showing a change in color of anal gland fluid from yellow or tan to a thick brownish-gray

• Straining or having difficulty pooping

• Showing signs of pain

• Having matted fur around their anus

• Having swelling and redness around their anus

How do you manually express a dog's anal glands?

Your vet's office can perform the procedure if you are not comfortable doing it. But if you decide to manually express your dog's anal glands at home, having a second person to hold your dog is helpful. You can distract your dog with a chew toy stuffed with natural peanut butter or treats to occupy their attention.

Here is how to express your dog's anal glands:

1. Place a large dog on the floor with a towel behind them. You can place a small dog on a table with a towel beneath them. Wear a pair of disposable latex or surgical gloves.

2. A dog's anal glands are on either side of their anus. You should be able to feel the glands when they're too full. Put some petroleum jelly on your thumb and forefinger and press your fingers against your dog's anus.

3. Hold a paper towel or rag behind your dog's anal area with one hand. With your other hand, gently squeeze their anal glands together with your thumb and index finger. A smelly, brown fluid will be released as you squeeze.

4. Squeeze both sides to express both glands fully. Praise and reward your dog throughout the process.

5. Once you have emptied both sides, use a washcloth and warm water to clean your dog's anal area. Clean all fluid out of their surrounding fur to eliminate any odor.

6. Remove your gloves and dispose of them with the rags or paper towels, and place all towels in the wash.

How often do dogs' anal glands need to be expressed?

How frequently a dog needs its anal glands expressed depends on the dog. Many dogs never require the manual expression of their anal glands.

However, some dogs' glands (anal sacs) can become full, impacted, blocked, or infected. When a dog's anal sacs become blocked, it is usually because of inflammation of the ducts. When this happens, the fluid within the sacs thickens, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty going to the bathroom.

When should you notify the vet about dog anal gland issues?

You should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if any fluid from your dog's anal glands is thick, chunky, green, yellow, or white. This could be a symptom of infection, and your dog may need antibiotics.

If your dog continues scooting their butt across the floor for more than a few days after their glands have been emptied, consult your vet to see if there is another cause. Anything that can cause itching - such as worms - may cause your dog to scoot their butt across the floor or ground.

What happens if a dog's anal glands aren't expressed?

If your dog cannot empty them naturally while going to the bathroom, their glands may become impacted. The fluid inside thickens, so the glands swell. Bacteria that usually leaves the body when your dog defecates will instead sit in the glands and become infected.

If not treated, abscesses can form. As an abscess grows, the anal sacs are filled with pus that blocks anal fluid from leaving the body. If not treated, an anal sac abscess can also rupture. An abscess is painful and messy and requires veterinarian treatment.

What health issues can affect a dog's anal glands?

Certain health issues can increase the chances of a dog developing impacted or infected anal glands.

Dogs are more likely to develop problems with their anal glands if they have:

• Atopic dermatitis

• Obesity

• Lack of fiber in their diet

• Chronic soft stool or chronic diarrhea

• Allergies (food or environmental)

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