How to.express dogs glands?

In Positive Dog Training, Questions About Dogs

Post Date:
December 30, 2025

(Date Last Modified: February 5, 2026)

Most dog lovers will encounter a smelly, awkward, or worrying anal gland problem at some point. When a dog scoots across the carpet, licks its rear more than usual, or suddenly smells strongly of a fishy odor, those small sacs beside the anus are often involved. This article explains why that happens, when a caregiver might safely respond at home, and when it’s important to stop and seek professional help. I write from clinical experience and practical handling work, aiming to help you recognize issues, reduce recurrence, and keep your dog comfortable without taking unnecessary risks.

When expressing your dog’s glands is appropriate: common scenarios and use-cases

Many owners notice signs first in the living room: scooting on the floor, a long session of rear-end licking, or an obvious whiff when the dog gets close. I typically see these behaviors in dogs with soft stools, older dogs with mobility limits, and certain small breeds that seem more prone to gland problems. Home attention may be reasonable when signs are mild, there is no pain or discharge, and you want to try simple, non-invasive steps to relieve discomfort or prevent impaction. Professional care is preferable when there is swelling, continuous bleeding, severe pain, fever, or a sudden worsening over a few hours.

Situations where owners commonly consider home attention include after grooming when they notice residue on the hair, when a dog has occasional scooting but otherwise acts normal, or when a recurring mild odor appears between vet visits. Groomers sometimes encounter filled sacs during clipping around the rear and may recommend expression; in such cases a referral to a veterinarian or trained groomer who performs the technique safely is appropriate.

Breed and age patterns are notable enough to be useful: many small and short-coated breeds, as well as overweight and older dogs, are likely linked to more frequent sac problems. Puppies can develop issues too, but impaction and infection are more common later in life. Understanding these patterns helps decide whether to monitor, adjust care, or seek a clinic appointment.

At-a-glance practical summary: the essentials before you begin

Anal gland expression means helping the small sacs beside the anus release their secretions; the goal is to relieve pressure, reduce odor, and prevent impaction or infection.
Short-term aims are comfort and preventing a full blockage; expression is a temporary fix, not a cure for recurring disease.
Owners can consider simple, external checks and non-invasive measures when signs are mild and the dog is comfortable; internal manipulation should usually be left to a veterinarian, experienced groomer, or trained technician.
Safety-first takeaway: if you are unsure, the dog is painful, or you see swelling, blood, or feverish behavior, consult a veterinarian promptly rather than attempting internal expression at home.

Anal gland anatomy and function: what those sacs do and why it matters

Anal glands, sometimes called anal sacs, sit in small pockets at roughly the four and eight o’clock positions around the anus. Each sac has a duct that opens immediately inside the anal margin. The sacs produce a pasty secretion that dogs use for scent marking and social communication; this is a normal function and usually not a problem.

Under normal conditions the sacs empty partially with the mechanical pressure of firm stools. When stool is too soft or a dog is constipated, that natural emptying may be insufficient, and material can build up. That buildup can lead to impaction—where the material thickens and cannot escape—followed by inflammation. If bacteria grow within the sac, infection may develop and an abscess can form, which can be intensely painful and may rupture.

It helps to think of the sacs as small, normally quiet scent glands that can become uncomfortable if their duct is narrowed, the secretion becomes thickened, or bacterial overgrowth occurs. Not every smell or scoot means an urgent problem, but recurrent or worsening signs often point to underlying pathology that benefits from professional evaluation.

What triggers gland problems and how to time expressions

Stool consistency is one of the most consistent influences I see. Diets that produce very soft stools may reduce the natural emptying action and contribute to repeated fullness. Adding fiber or adjusting diet quality often helps dogs who get recurrent problems. Conversely, constipation and hard stools can change how the sacs are compressed and may also predispose to irritation.

Stress, excitement, and some behaviors may increase a dog’s likelihood of scooting or licking, bringing problems to your attention even when the sacs are only mildly full. Recurrence patterns vary—some dogs have episodic issues tied to diet or weight cycles, while others show a seasonal pattern related to allergies or grooming frequency. Older dogs and dogs with mobility challenges may not posture or defecate with the same force, and obesity can physically reduce the effectiveness of normal sac emptying.

Grooming practices matter too: long hair around the rear can trap secretions and delay detection, while frequent close clipping can sometimes lead to irritation. Regular, calm inspection after bathing or grooming can help catch early signs before a full blockage or infection develops.

Safety first — risks, warning signs, and when to stop or call a vet

Owners need clear boundaries about when to stop and seek veterinary care. Signs that strongly suggest infection or abscess include a visibly swollen or hard lump near the anus, warmth in the area, pain on touch, and systemic signs such as fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite. A ruptured abscess often produces blood-tinged, pus-like discharge and an immediate escalation in pain and illness; this is an urgent veterinary situation.

Severe pain, obvious bleeding, or rapid worsening of symptoms are red flags. Attempting invasive internal manipulation in these situations risks pushing bacteria deeper, creating greater injury, or missing a surgical problem. Even when there is no obvious infection, improper internal technique can damage delicate tissue, introduce contaminants, or make a minor condition much worse.

If you note repeated problems despite conservative measures, if there is ongoing bloody or purulent discharge, or if the dog shows systemic illness, that timeline should prompt an urgent veterinary consultation rather than continued home attempts.

Owner’s action plan: a concise overview of steps to take

Start with a calm assessment. Document what you see and smell, and note when behaviors started and whether there was any recent change in diet, activity, or grooming. Photograph swelling or discharge if you can; images can help a veterinarian assess the progression between visits.

Perform an external inspection without force. With the dog standing or lying comfortably, gently part the hair around the anus to look for redness, obvious discharge, swelling, or matting. A mild fishy odor may be present with normal secretions; a very strong, foul, or bloody smell may suggest infection. If the dog resists, vocalizes, or shows clear pain when you touch the area, stop and seek veterinary care.

There is a difference between external care—wiping the area with a damp, clean cloth or veterinary wipe, keeping hair trimmed, and managing stool consistency—and internal expression. External measures and hygiene are safe and often helpful. Internal manual expression of the sacs involves placing a gloved finger just inside the anus and applying specific pressure; because this is invasive and carries risk, I recommend leaving it to a veterinarian, a trained groomer, or a veterinary technician unless you have direct training and veterinary guidance.

Stop and refer if you encounter any of the red-flag signs described earlier, if your dog is in pain, or if you cannot safely restrain and handle the dog without distress. When in doubt, a clinic visit is the safer choice; many veterinarians can examine and express sacs during a brief appointment, and they can treat infection or abscesses when present.

Preparing the environment and training your dog for calm, safe handling

Reducing episodes often begins with diet. For many dogs, a modest increase in soluble fiber or a switch to a diet that produces firmer stools may help the glands empty naturally. I typically recommend discussing dietary changes with your veterinarian so any new plan suits the whole dog, including weight and other health conditions.

Handling and desensitization are practical long-term strategies. Short, calm sessions where you gently touch the tail and rear, paired with high-value treats, can help a dog accept necessary checks or grooming. Practice these touches when the dog is relaxed, such as after a walk, and keep sessions brief and positive so the dog learns that inspection is safe and rewarding.

Create a low-stress grooming setup: a non-slip surface, a secure harness or towel wrap for nervous dogs, and slow, consistent handling. Regular professional grooming visits can catch gland fullness early in dogs that need it, and many groomers will refer to a veterinarian if they suspect infection or recurrent impaction.

Essential tools and supplies: what to have on hand and why

Keep a simple kit for safe assessment and hygiene: disposable nitrile gloves for cleanliness, gentle water-based lubricant (if directed by a vet for any exam), absorbent towels, and fragrance-free pet wipes for cleaning around the area. A soft muzzle can protect both you and the dog during examination if the dog tends to snap when touched; use this only if the dog is otherwise calm and you know how to apply it safely.

A harness and short leash help control posture and movement during inspection, while a notebook or phone log for dates, signs, and any treatments helps track recurrence and effectiveness over time. If your dog is on medication or has had prior anal gland disease, keep those records readily available to share with your veterinarian.

Trusted authorities: veterinary guidance, specialists, and professional resources

When problems are beyond simple home care, consult a general practice veterinarian as a first step. Emergency veterinarians handle abscesses and ruptures when they occur outside normal hours. For recurrent or surgically complex cases, a board-certified veterinary surgeon may be needed to discuss removal or more advanced interventions. Veterinary dermatologists can help when chronic inflammation or skin disease is driving repeated problems, and veterinary behaviorists can offer strategies for handling and desensitization when anxiety complicates care. Certified professional groomers and experienced veterinary technicians often provide practical, hands-on support for routine expression and monitoring under veterinary guidance.