How to Express Your Dog’s Anal Glands: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve noticed your dog scooting across the floor, licking at their backside, or just acting a little uncomfortable, there’s a good chance their anal glands need attention. It’s not the most glamorous topic in pet care, but knowing how to express your dog’s anal glands — or at least understanding when it needs to happen — is an important part of keeping your pup healthy and comfortable. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from why it matters to how to do it safely at home.

Common Causes

Your dog’s anal glands, also called anal sacs, are two small glands located just inside the rectum at roughly the four o’clock and eight o’clock positions. Under normal circumstances, these glands release a small amount of fluid whenever your dog defecates, which is actually how dogs mark their territory and identify one another. Problems arise when the glands don’t empty properly on their own.

Several factors can contribute to anal gland issues in dogs, including:

• Soft or loose stools that don’t apply enough pressure to naturally express the glands during bowel movements
• Low-fiber diets that result in stools that are too small or soft to do the job
• Obesity, which can make it harder for the glands to empty properly due to excess surrounding tissue
• Allergies or skin conditions that cause inflammation in the anal area and block normal gland function
• Breed predisposition, as smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Beagles tend to be more prone to anal gland problems than larger dogs

Stool consistency is arguably the most important factor in natural gland function. When stools are firm and well-formed, they create physical pressure against the glands as they pass through the rectum, essentially squeezing them empty with every bowel movement. Chronic soft stools — whether from a dietary issue, food sensitivity, or gastrointestinal condition — remove that natural mechanism entirely. Veterinarians often diagnose this as a contributing factor by reviewing your dog’s diet history and performing a physical examination to assess gland fullness alongside stool quality.

Allergies deserve special attention here because they’re frequently underestimated as a root cause. Environmental allergens and food intolerances can trigger widespread inflammation throughout a dog’s body, including the perianal tissue. This swelling can narrow or partially obstruct the gland ducts, making it difficult for fluid to drain even when stools are otherwise normal. Dogs with recurring anal gland problems who also show signs like itchy paws, chronic ear infections, or belly redness are strong candidates for an underlying allergy workup. Your vet may recommend an elimination diet or allergy testing to get to the bottom of it.

Age and weight are also worth considering. Younger dogs occasionally experience anal gland issues simply because their muscle tone and anatomy are still developing, though problems become more common as dogs age and muscle tone naturally decreases. Overweight dogs face a compounding challenge — excess fatty tissue around the glands physically impedes drainage, and they often get less exercise, which further reduces the natural muscular activity that supports gland function. Spring and fall allergy seasons can also trigger flare-ups in atopic dogs, so if your dog’s anal gland issues seem to follow a seasonal pattern, environmental allergies may be playing a role worth discussing with your vet.

Symptoms to Watch For

Because your dog can’t exactly tell you when something feels off, it’s important to recognize the signs that their anal glands may be full or impacted. Catching the problem early makes it much easier to address before it becomes more serious.

Watch for these common symptoms:

• Scooting — dragging their bottom along the floor or carpet
• Excessive licking or chewing at the base of the tail or around the rear end
• A strong, fishy odor coming from your dog’s backside
• Swelling or redness near the anus
• Straining or discomfort during bowel movements
• Tail chasing or turning to look at their hindquarters more than usual
• Visible discharge or leaking from the anal area, which may leave brownish stains on surfaces where your dog sits

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action. Most dogs who need their glands expressed will show one or more of these behaviors repeatedly, and the discomfort tends to build over time if left unaddressed.

Symptom Severity at a Glance

Symptom	Risk Level	Action Required
Occasional scooting, no other symptoms	Mild	Monitor at home for 24–48 hours; consider expression
Persistent licking or chewing at hindquarters	Mild	Attempt home expression or schedule groomer visit
Strong fishy odor with visible gland fullness	Moderate	Express glands promptly; call vet if unresolved in 24 hours
Swelling, redness, or warmth near the anus	Moderate	Call your vet within 24 hours
Straining during bowel movements with visible discomfort	Moderate	Call your vet within 24 hours
Blood or pus in anal gland discharge	Serious	Contact your vet same day
Open wound, rupture, or your dog crying when touched near the tail	Serious	Seek veterinary care immediately

Breeds Most at Risk

While any dog can develop anal gland problems, certain breeds experience them far more frequently due to their anatomy, body composition, or genetic tendencies.

Chihuahuas and other toy breeds are consistently overrepresented in anal gland cases, and the reason is largely anatomical. Their gland ducts are proportionally narrow relative to the amount of secretion produced, making blockages more likely even under normal conditions. Many toy breed owners find themselves scheduling routine expression every four to eight weeks as a baseline part of their dog’s care.

Dachshunds are another commonly affected breed, and their risk is compounded by two factors: a genetic predisposition to obesity and a body shape that makes natural gland compression during defecation less efficient. The long, low-slung torso simply doesn’t generate the same internal pressure mechanics as a more compact body structure. Dachshunds with weight management challenges are especially prone to recurrent impaction.

Cocker Spaniels have well-documented susceptibility to anal gland problems, largely tied to their tendency toward skin and allergy issues. Chronic skin inflammation in this breed frequently extends to the perianal region, disrupting normal gland drainage. Cocker Spaniels who suffer from seborrhea — a common condition in the breed that causes greasy, inflamed skin — are at particularly elevated risk for anal gland infections and abscesses.

What You Can Do at Home

Expressing your dog’s anal glands at home is entirely possible, though it does require a calm environment, a bit of patience, and a strong stomach. Many pet owners learn to do this themselves, particularly those with breeds that need frequent attention. That said, if you’re ever unsure or uncomfortable, a groomer or veterinarian can handle it quickly and safely.

Here’s how to do an external anal gland expression at home:

1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need disposable gloves, paper towels or a warm damp cloth, and ideally a helper to keep your dog calm and still.

2. Position your dog. Have your dog stand on a stable surface, or have a helper hold them gently. Some small dogs can be wrapped in a towel to limit movement.

3. Locate the glands. With your gloved hand, lift your dog’s tail gently and identify the glands at roughly the four and eight o’clock positions on either side of the anus. They may feel like small, firm pea-sized bumps when full.

4. Apply gentle pressure. Using your thumb and index finger, apply gentle inward and upward pressure on both sides simultaneously. You’re essentially milking the gland toward the opening. The fluid released may range from pale yellow to brownish and has a very strong odor — this is completely normal.

5. Wipe and reward. Clean the area thoroughly with your warm cloth or paper towels, then give your dog lots of praise and a treat for being patient.

A few important notes: never squeeze too hard, as you can cause bruising or injury. If you feel significant resistance, if the area looks inflamed, or if your dog reacts with sharp pain, stop immediately and contact your veterinarian. Internal expression — where a finger is inserted into the rectum — should always be performed by a trained professional, as it carries a higher risk of injury if done incorrectly.

Adding more fiber to your dog’s diet is also a great preventive measure. A high-fiber diet helps produce firmer stools that naturally empty the glands during each bowel movement, reducing how often manual expression is needed.

When to See a Vet

While external expression can often be managed at home, there are certain situations where professional care is absolutely necessary. Don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:

• The area around your dog’s anus appears swollen, red, or has visible sores
• Your dog is in significant pain or crying when touched near the tail
• You notice blood or pus in the discharge from the anal glands
• Your dog’s symptoms aren’t improving after expression
• The glands feel very hard or seem impossible to express with gentle pressure
• Your dog has had recurring anal gland issues, as this may signal an underlying condition that needs to be addressed

An infected or abscessed anal gland is a medical emergency. Left untreated, it can rupture through the skin and create a painful open wound that requires surgical intervention. When in doubt, always err on the side of calling your vet — it’s far better to ask than to wait and allow a manageable problem to become a serious one.

How Pet Insurance Can Help

Recurring anal gland problems, infections, and abscesses can lead to vet bills that add up quickly, especially if your dog requires repeated professional expressions, medications, or surgical treatment. Having a solid pet insurance plan in place means you can focus on getting your dog the care they need without the stress of unexpected costs. The right coverage can make a meaningful difference in the quality of care your dog receives.

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For times when you need immediate guidance from a licensed veterinarian without leaving home, telehealth services can be a lifesaver.

For more clinical details on canine health, you can refer to the professional guidelines from the Merck Veterinary Manual.

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Dealing with anal gland issues may not be anyone’s favorite part of dog ownership, but your willingness to learn and take action speaks volumes about the love you have for your pup. With the right knowledge and a little practice, you can keep your dog comfortable, catch problems early, and build a stronger bond along the way. When something doesn’t seem quite right, trust your instincts — you know your dog better than anyone.