How to help dog express glands naturally?

Dogs that start scooting across the carpet, repeatedly licking their rear, or leaving an unfamiliar fishy odor on their couch are often the pets that bring owners to ask about anal gland care. I typically see these signs when the problem is relatively new—an otherwise healthy dog interrupts play to lick or a small dog leaves a damp patch after resting. Owners notice more in breeds that are predisposed to soft stools or compact body shapes, and in middle-aged and older animals where mobility and weight can begin to change natural gland emptying. Those everyday moments—an embarrassing smell in company, a dog that suddenly seems uncomfortable after a long car ride, or a puppy whose stools changed after switching food—are the situations that prompt people to look for gentle, home-based approaches before booking a vet visit.

Natural relief at a glance — quick, gentle options for your dog

If you want a short, practical answer: improving stool bulk and consistency, increasing appropriate activity, and using gentle external massage can reduce many mild gland complaints. Adding soluble fiber (for example, canned plain pumpkin or a veterinarian-guided psyllium plan) may make stools firmer so glands express during defecation. Regular walks and weight control help restore the mechanical pressure that naturally empties sacs. A careful external perianal massage can provide temporary comfort for dogs that tolerate handling. However, any signs of swelling, redness, blood, pus, or fever indicate the need for prompt veterinary assessment—natural care has limits and cannot replace drainage or antibiotics when infection or abscess is present.

Anal glands explained: what they are, where they are, and why they matter

Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small pouches located just under the skin at roughly the four and eight o’clock positions around a dog’s anus. They hold a fragrant, oily secretion that dogs use to mark territory and communicate identity; those secretions are often what we notice as a strong odor when a sack is full or irritated. Under normal circumstances, firm, formed stools press against the sacs during defecation and squeeze a small amount of content out—this is a routine, mostly unnoticed process. Size, position, and the ease with which sacs empty can vary by breed and age: many small or short-muzzled breeds and older dogs with altered muscle tone may be more likely to retain material in the sacs.

Common triggers: situations that often lead to gland flare-ups

The most common trigger I see is a change in stool consistency. Soft, loose stools do not provide enough mechanical force to empty the sacs, so even a temporary bout of gastrointestinal upset or a switch in diet can lead to retention. Obesity and limited exercise reduce abdominal and rectal pressure during defecation and make expression less likely. Skin allergies or localized infections can inflame and narrow the duct that drains the sac, and grooming trauma—such as overzealous clipping of hair around the area—may introduce irritation. Stress, rapid diet changes, and chronic illnesses that alter stool quality or immune response are also likely linked to flare-ups.

When to act: warning signs and red flags for infections or impactions

Some signs demand immediate veterinary attention. A sac that is warm, swollen, or extremely painful to the touch may be abscessed and could rupture without treatment. Any bloody, thick, or pus-like discharge from the area should prompt a visit, as should systemic signs such as fever, severe lethargy, or loss of appetite, which may indicate a spreading infection. Recurrent problems despite careful at-home measures also suggest an underlying issue—structural blockage, chronic infection, or tumor—that needs diagnostics and professional treatment. In short: mild intermittent scooting and occasional licking can often be managed conservatively; persistent swelling, pus, or systemic illness cannot.

At-home care you can do safely — practical steps to help express glands

Begin by observing and recording stool quality for several days: note frequency, firmness, color, and any mucus or blood. A consistent chart helps your veterinarian see patterns. If stools are soft, discuss adding fiber with the clinic; small amounts of plain canned pumpkin (not pie mix) or a vet-recommended psyllium preparation may thicken stools within a few days. Introduce fiber slowly and monitor for gas or additional diarrhea. If you try a new food, make the transition over a week to avoid abrupt stool changes.

For dogs that tolerate handling, an external perianal massage can be comforting. Wash hands, put on disposable gloves, have a helper gently restrain the dog if needed, and place a warm, damp cloth against the area for a couple of minutes to relax tissues. Using very gentle, circular pressure at the two sac locations (around four and eight o’clock), stroke outward toward the anus; you should feel soft tissue move under the skin rather than forcing anything. Stop immediately if your dog shows pain, vocalizes, or becomes agitated. Never probe the anus with fingers or tools at home—internal expression carries risk of injury and infection.

Decide on professional help if massage provides only brief relief, if the problem recurs within a few days, or if any of the red flags above appear. A veterinarian can safely express sacs, check for infection, prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication if needed, and advise on surgical options in chronic cases. If your clinic offers it, a vet or trained technician can also teach you safe techniques or perform gentle in-clinic maintenance until the underlying cause is addressed.

Environment and behavior tweaks that lower the risk of recurrence

Changes in routine can reduce recurrence. A consistent feeding and elimination schedule keeps stools more predictable: feed at the same times each day and offer opportunities to defecate after meals when gut motility is higher. Regular moderate exercise—daily walks and play—helps with both stool firmness and weight control. For overweight dogs, even a modest reduction in body condition can restore the mechanics that help sacs empty; work with your vet on a gradual calorie plan rather than crash diets.

Keep the perianal area clean and dry. Trim long hair around the rear with professional grooming assistance if you lack experience, as matting and moisture trap bacteria and can increase irritation. If your dog has allergies, controlling environmental or food allergens and treating itchy skin reduces the tendency to lick and rub the area, which can exacerbate gland problems. Small, practical changes—shorter grazing on food, measured portions, an extra 10–15 minutes of daily walk time, and a grooming appointment every few months—often make a measurable difference.

What to keep on hand: vet-recommended tools and safe supplies

Use products and tools that minimize risk. Veterinarian-recommended high-fiber diets or supplements are preferable to random human laxatives; discuss brands and doses with your clinic. For handling and light cleaning, disposable nitrile gloves, soft unscented pet wipes, and a mild, pH-balanced cleanser are sensible. If your vet prescribes a topical antiseptic or medicated wipe or shampoo for nearby skin inflammation, follow concentration and contact-time instructions precisely. Avoid inserting objects into the anus, using unsterile instruments, or applying alcohol or hydrogen peroxide directly into sacs—those steps can cause pain, tissue damage, and secondary infection. If you feel a solid lump or suspect an abscess, do not attempt to lance it at home; a clinic visit is safer and usually required.

References and further reading — evidence, vet guidance, and resources

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Anal Sac Disease in Dogs and Cats — https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/anal-sac-disease
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Anal sacs and perianal disease — https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Pet care and perianal problems — https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners
• Fossum TW. Small Animal Surgery, 4th Edition — Chapter on perianal surgery and anal sac disease (textbook reference)
• Journal of Small Animal Practice — review material on anal sac disease management (consult your clinic’s access for specific articles)