Expressing Your Dog's Anal Glands

Ever notice your dog scooting its bottom along the ground or, perhaps the carpet? This could be a sign that your pup is struggling with its anal glands. It may also indicate worms, so make sure you're up-to-date with your dog's worming. 

The anal glads - or sacs - are the two small pouches located on either side of the anus. It's also where dogs sniff each other - because the anal sacs are rich with identifying scent (or odour).

The walls of the glands are lined with sebaceous (sweat) glands that produce a foul-smelling, oily and brown liquid. You’ll sometimes notice when your dog is pooing that there is an additional runny bit that exits during the poo. This is your dog naturally secreting the anal fluid.

But sometimes the glands get compacted and the dog is unable to release the build-up naturally. Anal sac 'disease' begins as this uncomfortable compacting /  blocking up or build-up, which, left untreated, can lead to infection or an abscess. So human intervention is required.

This human intervention, the 'external' expressing of anal glands, typically involves grabbing some kitchen roll, positioning it around the anus, then applying pressure to the glands to push the secretion out, catching it with the kitchen roll.

This should only be carried out by a Vet or a trained professional, like your pet groomer, who may be willing to provide this service (some groomers don't offer this service and will instead refer you to the vet).

In trained and experienced hands, it’s not a big deal. Yes, it might be smelly and gross. But it’s a relatively simple procedure and your vet may even show you how to do it at home yourself. 

How do I know when the anal glands need expressing?

You can often tell when your dog’s anal glands are building up because your dog may be scooting its hindquarters along the ground. Or, less appealing, the carpet. Leaving so-called skid-marks. This can often also be an indication of worms. If your dog has a foul fish-like odour in the bum area this is often an indication of built-up anal glands.

Can the Vet or Groomer do this for me?

 You can ask your vet to express the anal glands for you. The vet may also show you how to do it yourself, if you are so inclined. Some groomers - not all - will be able to do it as part of the normal grooming session. The groomer should be trained in providing this service and it should only ever be limited to ‘external’ expressing of the glands. There is a procedure for so-called ‘internal’ expressing of the glands - but you will have to leave that to the vet.

What if it’s not done correctly?

 Expressing anal glands can be tricky and should not be attempted if you don’t know what you’re doing. Done incorrectly, it can lead to ongoing problems for your dog - which is also why some groomers won’t take the risk or responsibility.

 At minimum, your groomer should be able to confirm to you if the dog’s anal glands require expressing and recommend a visit to the vet. 

Dogs have Anal glands which are scenting glands, the two small pouches are on either side of their anus. They make a smelly, oily, brown fluid that dogs use to identify each other and mark their territory. It’s why they often sniff each other’s behinds. Anal sac disease begins as an uncomfortable impaction and can progress to an infection or abscess.

If your dog is scooting its bottom along the floor, several times a day or is irritated in that region please consult your vet.

Anal glands should not be expressed externally unless recommended by a vet and expressed by the vet or trained professional.