How to express dog anal glands?

When a dog’s rear end starts acting up, it often spurs a mix of curiosity and concern in owners: scooting across the carpet, repeated licking, or a sudden, strong fishy odor can be worrying. This article walks through why those signs may point to the anal glands, gives a clear, cautious answer about when manual expression is appropriate, explains the anatomy and triggers, and outlines safe steps owners can take at home after professional instruction — plus when to stop and call the vet.

How owners typically discover anal gland problems — what they notice first

• Scooting, excessive licking, and tail-chasing — these behaviors are common first clues that something around the anus is uncomfortable. A dog may try to relieve pressure or itch, and owners often spot the behavior before they see any visible signs.
• Strong, fishy, or otherwise foul odors from the rear — anal gland secretions have a distinctive smell. When the scent becomes noticeable to people, it may mean the glands are overfull, leaking, or infected.
• Repeated grooming discoveries or vet visit findings — groomers and vets often find black or brown discharge when they clip or examine the area. If this keeps happening, owners may reasonably become curious about the underlying glands.
• Small breeds and dogs with chronic diarrhea — I typically see recurrent gland problems in small-breed dogs and in any dog that has frequent soft stools, because normal, firm feces help press and empty the glands during defecation; without that mechanical emptying, the sacs may remain fuller more often.

Manual expression at a glance: what it is, when it helps, and why

In short, manual expression is sometimes helpful for impacted or overfull anal sacs, but it’s safest when performed by a veterinarian or a groomer trained in the technique; home expression can be possible after clear instruction and hygiene rules, and it is not a substitute for treating infections or underlying causes such as diarrhea, allergies, or anatomical differences.

Anal gland anatomy and the nature of their secretions

Each gland sits at roughly the four and eight o’clock positions just under the skin beside the anus and connects to the surface by a tiny duct; they produce a smelly, oily material that dogs use for scent-marking and identification, so the secretions are normal in small amounts. The typical material is pale to dark brown and may be pasty to liquid; very thick, bloody, pus-filled, or bright white discharge is abnormal and may suggest infection or rupture. During a normal bowel movement, firm feces usually squeeze the sacs and empty them; anything that prevents complete evacuation, such as soft stools or changes in anal anatomy, can leave the glands fuller than they should be.

What makes glands flare — common triggers and risk factors

Several factors make anal sac problems more likely. Loose stools and diarrhea reduce the firm pressure needed to express the glands naturally, so dogs with ongoing gastrointestinal upset may need attention. Obesity and inactivity alter the geometry around the hind end and may interfere with normal emptying, while certain breeds and older dogs appear predisposed to recurrent trouble. Dietary shifts, food sensitivities, allergies, or repeat skin and anal infections are also frequently linked to flare-ups; in my experience, addressing stool quality and underlying inflammation often reduces recurrence more than repeated expression alone.

Don’t ignore these red flags: signs that require prompt attention

• Painful swelling or a palpable lump near the anus — a firm, hot lump may indicate an impacted gland or an abscess that needs prompt veterinary care.
• Pus, blood, severe redness, or extreme odor — these signs suggest infection or rupture; they are not appropriate for home management and usually require antibiotics or a procedure.
• Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or other systemic signs — when the dog is unwell overall, the problem is no longer local and an exam is warranted.
• Recurrent issues despite prior expression or treatment — if you’ve had the sacs expressed repeatedly and the problem returns, further diagnostics are likely needed to find and treat the root cause.

How to express your dog’s anal glands safely — clear steps for responsible owners

If a veterinarian has examined your dog and demonstrated that home expression is acceptable, follow a conservative, hygiene-focused checklist. First, get hands-on instruction and a clear indication from the vet (or trained groomer) that your dog’s condition is appropriate for at-home care; some dogs should never have their sacs expressed at home because of pain, infection, or temperament.

Gather the right supplies before you begin: disposable gloves, absorbent paper towels, a water-based lubricant, antiseptic wipes, and a shallow, sealable container if you need to save a sample for the vet. Keep tasty treats or a calming aid on hand to reward cooperation. Work in a well-lit, easy-to-clean area and have a second person help if the dog is likely to squirm.

Understand the two basic approaches: external and internal. External expression involves massaging the area around the sacs from the outside — using a gentle, steady pressure from the perianal skin toward the duct openings — and it is the least invasive option. Internal expression, which includes placing a lubricated gloved finger just inside the rectum to apply pressure to the sac from behind the duct, should only be done after professional demonstration because it requires careful technique and awareness of comfort and risk. Stop immediately if the dog shows marked pain, if blood or a large amount of pus appears, or if you cannot get material to express after a couple of gentle attempts; these are signs to call the veterinarian rather than persisting.

After expression, clean the area with an antiseptic wipe and gently dry; wash your hands and dispose of gloves and contaminated materials safely. Monitor the site for increased redness, swelling, recurrent odor, or changes in behavior over the next 24–72 hours, and contact your vet if anything worsens. Remember that expression treats the immediate fullness but does not address infections, recurrent soft stools, or other drivers of recurrent problems.

Preventing recurrence: environment, diet, and behavior strategies that help

Reducing recurrence often depends more on environment and routine than on frequent expression. Improving stool quality is one of the most effective long-term steps: consider modest dietary fiber additions, a consistent feeding schedule, or a formulated diet that firms stools; consult your vet before changing diets. Keep your dog at a healthy weight and maintain regular exercise to support normal bowel function and perineal tone.

Behaviorally, desensitize your dog to handling around the rump in short, positive sessions so future checks and any necessary care are less stressful. Teach cooperative positioning and reward calm acceptance during grooming; include a quick gland check as part of the grooming routine so changes are noticed early. In dogs with anxiety or strong avoidance, consult a behavior-focused professional for handling strategies rather than forcing the issue at home.

Essential supplies and protective gear for safe at-home expression

When home expression has been approved and demonstrated, keep a compact kit that is only used for this purpose: disposable gloves (several pairs), absorbent paper towels, water-based lubricant, antiseptic wipes (chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine solution diluted as directed), and a small, sealable container if you need to collect a sample for the vet. Also have treats for rewarding cooperative behavior and a towel to steady or wrap the dog if needed. Avoid oil-based lubricants or household disinfectants on the dog’s skin, and never reuse materials that may spread infection.

Who to consult — veterinarians, specialists, and professional groomers

The primary care veterinarian is the first line for diagnosis, treatment, and teaching owners how to check or express glands safely; they can also decide whether an infection needs antibiotics or whether an abscess needs drainage. For complex, recurrent, or surgically challenging cases, a board-certified surgeon or a dermatologist may be appropriate. Experienced professional groomers can perform expression during grooming appointments and often recognize early signs that owners miss, but ensure they have training and perform the procedure cleanly. If there is an obvious abscess, systemic illness, or sudden severe pain, take the dog to an emergency clinic rather than attempting home care.

When home care isn’t enough: diagnostics, treatment options, and referrals

If the glands keep becoming problematic despite proper expression and management, further investigation is needed. Your vet may recommend stool testing, dietary trials, allergy evaluation, or imaging to rule out anatomical problems. Chronic, recurrent anal sac disease is sometimes managed with periodic veterinary expressions, targeted medication for infection or inflammation, or — in selected, refractory cases — surgical removal of the glands; surgery has benefits and risks that should be discussed thoroughly. In all cases, persistent or worsening signs are a reason to stop home attempts and return to professional care.

References and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Anal Sac Disease — https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/anal-sac-disease
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Resources on anal sacs and perianal disease — https://www.avma.org/
• Veterinary Partner (VIN): Anal Sac Disease and Expression articles — https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/
• Nelson, Small Animal Internal Medicine — chapters on dermatologic and perianal disease for dogs