Anal Gland Expression

Dogs have two small anal sacs just inside the bottom, at roughly four and eight o'clock. They fill with a strong-smelling fluid that is normally squeezed out when the dog passes firm stools. It is part of how dogs mark and recognise each other.

For most dogs, the glands empty on their own and need no attention at all. Problems start when they don't empty properly — often linked to soft stools, being overweight, allergies, or anatomy — and the fluid thickens, causing discomfort, impaction, or infection.

This article does not teach you how to express glands at home. Expressing them when it isn't needed can irritate them, and doing it incorrectly can cause pain and injury. If your dog needs it, your vet or a trained groomer should do it, and your vet can show you how if repeat home care is genuinely needed.

Your job as an owner is to spot the signs early, get your dog checked, and work with your vet on the underlying cause.

How to recognise anal gland problems and when to get professional help.

Why it matters: Catching problems early prevents painful impaction, infection, and abscesses, which can burst through the skin.

Difficulty: professional recommended

Also called: anal sac expression, anal glands

Frequency: Only when a vet decides it is needed. Routine expression is not recommended for most dogs.

Estimated time: N/A (professional care)

Supplies: awareness of the warning signs, your vet's contact details

Breed and coat considerations: Problems are more common in small breeds (chihuahuas, toy poodles, cavaliers, bichons) and in overweight dogs. Dogs with skin allergies or frequent soft stools are also more prone.

Age considerations: Can affect dogs of any age. Recurring problems deserve a closer look at diet, weight, and allergies with your vet.

• 1. Recognise the signs Watch for scooting, frequent licking under the tail, a sudden fishy smell, or reluctance to sit. Done right: You know what normal looks like for your dog and notice changes. Time: Ongoing
• 2. Rule out other causes Scooting can also be caused by worms, allergies, or skin irritation. Check your dog is up to date on parasite prevention. Done right: You have ruled out the obvious alternatives. Time: 1 day
• 3. Book a vet visit Describe the signs and how long they have been going on. Your vet will check the glands and express them if needed, and treat any infection. Done right: Your dog has been examined. Time: Within a few days; same day for swelling or bleeding
• 4. Talk about prevention If problems recur, ask your vet about stool quality, extra fibre, weight management, and allergy testing. Done right: You have a plan for the underlying cause. Time: At the vet visit

Safety notes: Do not attempt expression at home unless your vet has shown you how and recommended it. Never squeeze a swollen, red, or painful area — it may be an abscess.

When to get help: Scooting, licking or biting at the bottom, a strong fishy smell, swelling or redness near the anus, pain when sitting or pooping, blood or pus, or any lump in the area. Swelling or an open wound needs a same-day vet appointment.

• Routine expression without a reason Why it happens: Some groomers do it by default Fix: Ask your groomer not to express glands unless there is a problem. Unnecessary expression can cause irritation.
• Trying DIY without training Why it happens: Online videos make it look simple Fix: Leave it to your vet. Incorrect pressure can cause pain and damage.
• Treating symptoms but not the cause Why it happens: Expression brings quick relief Fix: Recurring problems usually have a cause — soft stools, weight, allergies — worth addressing.

• Scooting continues after glands were expressed Likely cause: Another cause such as allergies or worms, or an infection What to do: Go back to your vet.
• Swelling near the bottom Likely cause: Possible impaction or abscess What to do: See your vet the same day. Do not squeeze it.
• Problems keep coming back Likely cause: Soft stools, weight, or allergies What to do: Ask your vet about diet changes, fibre, and allergy management.