Dog Anal Glands — Signs of Problems and What to Do

What Are Dog Anal Glands (and Why Do Dogs Have Them)?

Dog anal glands — also called anal sacs — are two small, grape-sized glands located just inside your dog's anus, roughly at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. Each gland produces a pungent, oily fluid that's unique to every dog, kind of like a smelly fingerprint. If you've ever wondered why dogs sniff each other's backsides so enthusiastically, this is why — they're reading each other's "ID cards."

In a healthy dog, the anal glands empty naturally every time your pup has a firm bowel movement. The pressure of the stool passing by squeezes the glands and releases that fluid along with the feces. It's a perfectly normal process that most pet parents never even notice. Problems arise when those glands don't empty properly — and unfortunately, that happens more often than you'd think.

Common Dog Anal Gland Problems Explained

Dog anal gland problems generally fall along a spectrum of severity. Understanding the progression can help you catch issues early — before they become painful or require surgery.

Anal sac impaction is by far the most common issue. When the fluid inside the glands becomes too thick or the duct becomes blocked, the glands can't empty on their own. Left untreated, impaction can lead to infection, and infection can progress to a painful abscess that may burst — which is exactly as unpleasant as it sounds.

Signs Your Dog Has an Anal Gland Problem

Dogs can't tell us when something hurts, but they're actually pretty good at showing us — if we know what to look for. Here are the most common signs that your dog's anal glands need attention:

• Scooting: Dragging their rear end across the floor or grass. This is the classic sign and usually the first thing pet parents notice.
• Excessive licking or biting at the rear: Your dog may obsessively lick or chew around the base of their tail or anus.
• A fishy or foul smell: A sudden, strong odor coming from your dog's back end (or even their breath, if they've been licking) can indicate full or leaking glands.
• Swelling near the anus: Redness or a visible lump on one or both sides of the anus may indicate impaction, infection, or abscess.
• Difficulty or pain when sitting or defecating: Your dog may whimper, strain, or avoid sitting down.
• Blood or pus near the anus: This is a sign of infection or a ruptured abscess and requires immediate veterinary attention.
• Tail chasing or restlessness: Some dogs express discomfort by spinning, pacing, or seeming generally unsettled.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

While any dog can develop anal gland issues, certain factors make some pups more prone than others. Understanding your dog's risk level can help you stay ahead of problems.

• Small and toy breeds: Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, and Toy Poodles are especially prone to anal sac impaction. Their smaller gland ducts may clog more easily.
• Overweight or obese dogs: Extra body fat can put pressure on the glands and change the mechanics of natural expression during bowel movements.
• Dogs with soft stools or chronic diarrhea: Firm stools are what press against the glands to empty them. Soft or loose stools don't provide enough pressure.
• Dogs with allergies (environmental or food): Allergies cause inflammation throughout the body, including around the anal glands, which can lead to swelling and impaction.
• Sedentary dogs: Dogs that don't get much exercise may have less muscle tone in the area, which can affect natural gland expression.

If your dog falls into one or more of these categories, it's worth paying extra attention to the signs listed above and discussing a preventive plan with your vet. For breed-specific health tips, check out our pet care guides — we cover everything from nutrition to grooming for all kinds of pups.

Anal Gland Expression in Dogs: How It Works

When a dog's anal glands aren't emptying on their own, they need to be manually expressed. Anal gland expression in dogs is the process of gently squeezing the glands to release the built-up fluid. It can be done externally or internally.

External Expression

External expression involves applying gentle pressure on the outside of the glands through the skin around the anus. This is the method most groomers use. It's less thorough than internal expression but can work well for mildly full glands. However, it may not fully empty impacted glands and can sometimes cause irritation if done incorrectly.

Internal Expression

Internal expression is performed by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and squeezing each gland between the finger and thumb. This is the method veterinarians and vet techs typically use because it allows them to more thoroughly empty the gland and assess the consistency of the fluid. If the fluid is unusually thick, discolored, or bloody, it's a sign of infection.

How Vets Treat Anal Gland Problems

Treatment depends on the severity of the problem. Here's what you can expect at the vet for different levels of anal gland issues:

1. Simple impaction: The vet will manually express the glands (usually internally) and check the fluid. They may recommend dietary changes or more frequent expression going forward.
2. Infection (sacculitis): In addition to expression, your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics — oral, topical, or infused directly into the gland. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be given for pain relief.
3. Abscess: An abscessed gland may need to be lanced and drained under sedation. Your vet will flush the area, prescribe antibiotics and pain medication, and schedule follow-up visits. Your dog may need to wear an e-collar (cone) during healing.
4. Recurring problems: For dogs with chronic anal gland issues that don't respond to other treatments, a vet may recommend anal sacculectomy — surgical removal of the glands. This is generally a last resort because of the risk of fecal incontinence, but it can be life-changing for dogs with severe, persistent problems.
5. Tumors: Anal sac tumors (adenocarcinomas) require surgery, and possibly chemotherapy or radiation. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

If your vet recommends any of these treatments, don't hesitate to ask questions. Understanding what's happening and why helps you feel confident as your dog's advocate.

How to Prevent Dog Anal Gland Problems

The good news? Many anal gland issues are preventable — or at least manageable — with a few proactive steps. Here's what you can do to keep your dog's glands healthy:

• Feed a high-fiber diet: Firm, bulky stools are the #1 natural way to keep anal glands emptying properly. Talk to your vet about adding fiber through pumpkin (plain, canned — not pie filling), sweet potato, psyllium husk, or a high-fiber dog food.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces pressure on the glands and promotes overall digestive health.
• Ensure regular exercise: Physical activity promotes healthy digestion and good muscle tone, both of which support natural gland function.
• Address allergies: If your dog has food or environmental allergies, work with your vet to manage them. Reducing overall inflammation can significantly decrease anal gland flare-ups.
• Schedule regular vet checkups: Your vet can check the glands during routine visits and catch early problems before they become painful.
• Don't over-express: Having the glands expressed too frequently (when they're not actually full) can cause inflammation and make the problem worse. Only express when there's a genuine need.

How Often Should Dog Anal Glands Be Expressed?

There's no one-size-fits-all schedule. Many dogs go their entire lives without ever needing manual anal gland expression — their bodies handle it naturally. Other dogs, especially those prone to impaction, may need it every 4–8 weeks.

The key is to let your dog's symptoms guide you rather than sticking to a rigid calendar. If your dog starts scooting, licking, or producing that telltale fishy smell, it's probably time. Your vet can help you figure out the right interval for your individual dog.

Living With a Dog Who Has Chronic Anal Gland Issues

If your dog is one of the unlucky pups who deals with recurring anal gland problems, take heart — you're not alone, and it's very manageable with the right routine. Think of it like any other chronic health need: once you have a plan, it becomes second nature.

Work closely with your vet to establish a care schedule, optimize your dog's diet, and keep an eye on any changes. Keep a simple log of when your dog's glands were last expressed and any symptoms you notice — this information is incredibly helpful for your vet when adjusting the treatment plan.

And through it all, remember that your dog doesn't know or care about the "ick factor." They just know they feel better when you take care of them. That unconditional love and trust is what makes being a pet parent so special — even when the job involves, well, anal glands. 😄

Speaking of celebrating that bond — if you're looking for a heartwarming way to honor your resilient pup, PetTales creates personalized storybooks where your dog is the star. It's a beautiful keepsake that captures your pet's personality (and maybe their more dignified side). You can preview one for free — no credit card needed.