How to clean dogs anal glands?

As a veterinarian who has worked with many anxious owners and dogs, I can say that anal gland problems are one of those messy but important issues that often go unnoticed until a dog is clearly uncomfortable. Knowing what the anal sacs do, what warning signs look like, and how to respond safely can keep your dog comfortable and prevent painful infections or abscesses. This guide is practical: it explains when home care may be appropriate, when to seek professional help, and how to minimize risk.

The importance of your dog’s anal glands — comfort, health and when to act

Anal glands are small, paired sacs just under the skin at roughly the four and eight o’clock positions around the anus. They produce a strong-smelling fluid that is part of normal canine communication and may help lubricate feces. Most dogs empty these sacs during normal defecation, but when that process fails, the sacs can become impacted, inflamed, or infected. Owners who understand how the glands behave are better placed to keep dogs comfortable and avoid emergencies like abscesses that need surgery.

Typical reasons an owner might consider home expression include a single mild episode where a dog is scooting or licking and the fluid seems normal in color and smell. I often see small-breed dogs or overweight dogs with recurring fullness that owners choose to manage at home under guidance. Learning basic signs and preventative measures—diet changes that firm stool, weight loss, and prompt parasite control—may reduce the need for repeated handling.

That said, not every dog is a candidate for at-home expression. Puppies, elderly dogs, dogs with a history of severe aggression, or animals with rectal or perianal surgery in their history should not be handled at home. Also avoid DIY attempts if a sac appears inflamed, excessively painful, or draining pus—these signs are more likely linked to infection and need veterinary assessment. There are a few myths to correct: routine “cleaning” at set intervals isn’t necessary for most dogs; expression isn’t a substitute for addressing underlying causes like loose stools or skin disease; and internal surgery is rarely needed unless medical therapy fails or abscesses recur.

Immediate options: quick at-home steps, professional care, and the pros and cons

If your dog is mildly scooting, licking, or you can feel a slight fullness behind the anus but the dog is bright and eating, a cautious, externally focused home attempt may be reasonable. If you see bleeding, thick yellow-green pus, swelling that’s warm and painful, fever, or if the dog is very painful or off their food, seek veterinary care immediately.

Options typically fall into three tracks: conservative home care for brief, uncomplicated issues; veterinary expression and examination when signs are moderate or if you’re uncomfortable performing the task; and veterinary treatment including antibiotics, pain relief, or drainage if infection or abscess is present. Some dogs naturally need expression every few weeks to months; others never do. If expression is repeatedly required on a tight schedule, a vet visit is warranted to look for underlying causes and discuss longer-term options.

After successful cleaning you should expect your dog to show reduced scooting and less obsessive licking of the rear. The area may have a lingering odor for a short time, but overall the dog should seem more comfortable. If signs return quickly, don’t assume home care fixed the problem—recurrent issues often need a veterinary plan.

How anal glands work: anatomy, purpose and normal signals

Anal sacs sit under the skin at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions relative to the anus. Each sac has a small duct that opens at the side of the anus and is lined with glands that produce a thick, often foul-smelling secretion. In many dogs the sacs empty when feces push against them during defecation, which helps deposit that scent on the stool.

The fluid itself varies with diet, health, and individual makeup; in a healthy dog it may be watery to pasty and have a strong odor. If the ducts are narrowed, if stool is too soft to provide adequate pressure, or if gland secretions become thickened, the sacs may not empty fully. When material accumulates it can become impacted; bacteria already present on the skin or from the gut may then multiply and turn a simple impaction into an infection. In some dogs, chronic inflammation is linked to allergies or skin disease, which may make the sacs prone to repeated trouble.

When problems develop — common causes and who’s most at risk

Diet is a common influence. Loose, soft stools may fail to provide enough bulk to compress and empty the sacs, so dogs fed low-fiber or very wet diets may be more likely to have recurring issues. Conversely, very dry, crumbly stools may also fail to empty sacs in some dogs. Adding fiber that safely firms stool is often the first preventive step I recommend.

Breed and body shape matter. Small and toy breeds, as well as some mixed breeds, seem more likely to develop anal sac problems—this is an observation I see routinely; the reasons are likely multi-factorial and may include duct size and stool consistency. Overweight dogs and dogs with poor mobility may sit for long periods and not have the normal defecatory mechanics that assist emptying. Age can play a role: older dogs with weaker muscle tone or neurological issues may fail to express normally.

Concurrent conditions like intestinal parasites, recurrent diarrhea, or chronic skin disease may predispose to sac problems. Parasite control and treating skin inflammation often help reduce recurrence, so consider sac issues as part of a broader health picture rather than an isolated nuisance.

How to spot trouble: warning signs that need prompt attention

Local signs to watch for include visible swelling near the anus, reddened skin, or a small draining tract near the sac. Discharge that is thin and watery can be normal; discharge that is thick, yellow-green, bloody, or has a markedly foul smell may suggest infection and merits prompt veterinary attention. An abscess may feel fluctuant and be warm and painful to the touch.

Behavioral signs are commonly the first clue: scooting on floors, dragging the rear between carpet and floorboards, repeated licking or chewing at the area, flinching when touched near the tail base, or a sudden reluctance to sit. I often see owners dismiss scooting as “just scratching” when it can be an early sign of sac fullness.

Systemic signs such as fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite suggest the infection has become more than local and needs veterinary assessment. Recurrent cases—multiple episodes over a short period—also justify diagnostics, because repeated infection may be linked to an underlying medical issue that needs addressing.

How to express anal glands safely — a practical guide with clear steps

1. Prepare calmly: Have one helper to steady the dog while you work. Wear disposable gloves, keep clean gauze and a mild antiseptic solution recommended by your veterinarian on hand, and place towels where you can restrain the dog without squeezing the abdomen. If the dog is anxious or has bitten before, stop and seek professional help—safety comes first.
2. Position the dog: Small dogs can sit on a stable surface or your lap; larger dogs often stand with their head supported. A gentle, steady hold that keeps the dog from thrashing is better than force. Avoid pressing on the abdomen, which can be painful.
3. Locate the sacs externally: With a finger and thumb either side of the anus at roughly the four and eight o’clock positions, you may feel a small soft pouch beneath the skin when the sac is full. Don’t insert fingers into the rectum unless you are trained to do so.
4. Express gently: Place gauze over the area and press inward and upward toward the duct opening, using slow, gentle pressure rather than quick squeezing. Expect to see a small amount of tan to brown fluid, sometimes watery. If you only get a tiny amount or nothing at all, don’t force it—stop and consult your vet rather than trying to dig deeper.
5. Clean and care: Wipe the area with clean gauze and a veterinarian-approved antiseptic wipe. Dispose of waste safely. Monitor the dog for relief; give praise or a small treat once the dog is calm. Record the episode in your health notes so your veterinarian can assess recurrence.

Stop immediately and call your veterinarian if expression produces thick pus, brisk bleeding, if the dog cries out in severe pain, or if you cannot stop the dog from struggling—these situations may indicate abscess or severe inflammation requiring professional care.

If complications arise: troubleshooting, treatment choices and when to call your vet

If you see bleeding, copious pus, or the dog shows marked pain or swelling after expression, the priority is veterinary assessment. The vet may need to lance and drain an abscess, prescribe antibiotics and pain relief, and take samples to guide treatment. Avoid applying topical antibiotics or ointments unless directed; some products irritate skin or mask worsening signs.

If a dog resists or bites, do not persist. Aggression often stems from fear or pain; a frightened or painful dog is more likely to bite. Use a towel for gentle restraint, seek a muzzle only if you are trained to apply it safely and the dog can breathe comfortably, and consider a veterinary visit with sedation if needed. Many clinics offer pain-controlled handling for fearful dogs.

When issues recur after home care, bring a log of episodes, diet, and any concurrent skin or gastrointestinal signs to your vet. They may recommend diagnostics such as cytology of the discharge, culture, fecal testing, or imaging. For chronic, treatment-resistant cases, surgical removal of the sacs is an option some clinics offer, but it comes with risks and is considered after conservative measures are tried.

Emergency signs that require immediate veterinary attention include a rapidly enlarging painful swelling near the anus, high fever, collapse, or any sudden deterioration. In those situations, delaying care risks systemic infection.

Reduce recurrence with diet, grooming and behavior changes

Dietary adjustment is often the most practical long-term step. Adding a safe source of fiber—canned pumpkin, a vet-recommended fiber supplement, or a diet designed to firm stools—may help promote natural emptying. Weight management is also important; lean dogs tend to have fewer problems. Regular exercise promotes normal bowel movements and can reduce the chance of impaction.

Desensitization and positive-reinforcement handling training reduce stress around rear-end handling. Start by touching the dog’s back and praising or treating, then gradually move closer to the tail base across many short, calm sessions. If you’re unsure how to proceed, a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist can develop a gentle plan that reduces fear and makes future care easier.

Keep a simple record of episodes, what you saw, diet changes, stool quality, and any treatments. Annual veterinary checks that include a rear-end exam help catch trends early and allow the vet to advise on long-term strategies tailored to your dog.

What to have on hand: protective gear and recommended supplies

• Disposable nitrile gloves to reduce contamination and protect your hands.
• Water-based lubricant in a small amount to help with gentle external palpation if needed; avoid products not recommended for mucous membranes.
• Clean, non-fraying gauze or vet-approved wipes for expression and cleanup; avoid cotton balls that may disintegrate.
• Mild antiseptic wipes or chlorhexidine solution as recommended by your veterinarian for post-care cleaning.
• Towels or a dog harness to stabilize the dog; use a muzzle only if you can do so safely and the dog has no breathing problems.

Trusted references and further reading from veterinary sources

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Anal Sac Disease” — https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/anal-sac-disease
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: “Anal Glands / Anal Sac Disorders in Dogs” — Cornell Feline Health Center resources and client handouts
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): client information on anal sac problems and when to seek care
• Small Animal Surgery, 4th Edition — Theresa Fossum: sections on perianal and anal sac surgery and management
• Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice — review articles on anal sacculitis and abscesses (selected issues)