How to squeeze dogs anal glands?

Anal gland issues are one of those topics that elicit a strong reaction from dog owners: foul odor, visible scooting, or a dog obsessively licking its rear can prompt quick Googling and worry. As a veterinarian who sees these problems regularly, I want to explain why anal gland care matters, what you can reasonably do at home, and when you should step back and get professional help. Clear understanding reduces discomfort for your dog and avoids complications that are preventable with sensible care.

What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Anal Glands

When an owner notices scooting or repeated licking around the tail, what they are often seeing is a dog trying to relieve pressure or pain from its anal glands. These glands produce a concentrated, pungent secretion; when things are working normally the dog barely notices them, but when the glands fail to empty properly the smell, irritation and sometimes infection can become obvious. I typically see owners notice the behavior first because it is visible and unpleasant, or because guests comment on an odor.

Certain breeds and body types are more likely to develop problems. Small, toy breeds and overweight dogs are often over-represented in my clinic caseload for impacted or infected anal glands. Dogs with narrow, formed stools may not provide enough pressure during defecation to express glands fully, while dogs with loose stools or diarrhea may inflame or block the ducts. Chronic skin or food allergies, which cause frequent licking and inflamed tissue around the rear, are another common association. Understanding these links helps owners target long-term management, not just quick fixes.

Left untreated, anal gland issues can lower quality of life. A dog in pain may avoid sitting, become reluctant to walk, or show changes in temperament. Recurrent inflammation can progress to abscesses — painful pockets of pus that sometimes rupture — or to chronic scarring that makes future problems more likely. Owners who treat early and thoughtfully usually prevent these downstream consequences.

Can You Express Them at Home? A Concise, Practical Answer

If you want the short, practical takeaway: most owners should not routinely express anal glands at home without veterinary instruction. Infrequent, supervised expression after a veterinarian demonstrates the technique can be reasonable for certain dogs, but many cases are best handled by a groomer or veterinary team trained to do it safely. Professional help is recommended whenever there is pain, redness, swelling, discharge that looks like pus or blood, or any systemic signs such as fever or lethargy.

For short-term management of a single soft or impacted gland episode, a vet or trained groomer can express the gland and, if needed, prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatories. For ongoing or recurrent problems, a broader plan — dietary changes to firm stools, allergy management, or in select cases surgical options — is often more effective than repeated home expression alone. After a proper expression the gland often feels less tense and the dog’s behavior improves within a day; persistent symptoms after expression should prompt re-evaluation.

Anal Glands Explained: Anatomy, Purpose, and Normal Function

Dogs have a pair of small sacs just under the skin at roughly four and eight o’clock around the anus. Each sac has a tiny duct that opens into the anal canal. The glands produce a thick, smelly secretion that seems unpleasant to humans but serves a communication role for dogs — marking identity and possibly emotional state. Scent communications are unlikely to be important to the dog’s immediate health, but they are normal behavior.

Under normal circumstances, a firm, formed stool exerts pressure on the anal sacs as it passes, which helps express the secretion naturally. Some dogs routinely empty their glands during bowel movements without issue. Impacted glands occur when the secretion becomes too thick to flow through the duct, the duct narrows, or inflammation blocks the opening. External expression — gently compressing the sacs to eject material — can remedy a one-off buildup, while an infected gland may require medical treatment in addition to drainage.

There are subtle differences between a gland that is merely full and one that is impacted or infected. A full gland may feel soft or slightly bulging and the dog may scoot or lick. An impacted gland often feels firmer and more painful, and an infected gland may be very firm, red and warm; in some cases pus collects and an abscess forms. I usually assess both the physical feel and the dog’s response to touch to judge severity.

When Problems Crop Up: Common Triggers and Risk Factors

Diet plays a big role because stool consistency affects how well glands empty. Very soft or watery stool does not push against the glands effectively, and very narrow, pellet-like stool may also fail to do so. Adding moderate, soluble fiber that firms stool is often helpful. Age and body condition matter: middle-aged to older dogs and overweight pets are more commonly affected in my experience.

Breed predisposition appears in practice although the biology is not fully understood; small breeds, certain terriers and some retrievers may have higher rates. Situational triggers include diarrhea, which can irritate and inflame the area; allergic flares that cause persistent licking and secondary infection; and recent grooming or perianal trauma that causes swelling or duct damage. After a grooming clip, owners sometimes notice issues simply because the hair is gone and the area is more exposed.

Urgent Signs to Watch For — When to Seek Veterinary Care

Some signs are mild and can be monitored, while others require prompt veterinary attention. Persistent scooting, excessive licking around the rear, or a continuing strong fecal odor may suggest a gland problem that needs evaluation. If you see swelling, redness or a visible bump beside the anus, or any discharge that looks like pus or blood, it is time to consult your vet.

Systemic signs such as pain when being touched, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or refusal to defecate are red flags because they suggest an abscess or more widespread infection. Recurrent problems despite home measures also warrant professional assessment; there may be an underlying allergy, anal sac tumor, or anatomical issue that needs targeted treatment.

Immediate, Safe Steps Owners Can Take (And What to Avoid)

1. Before attempting any expression, consult your veterinarian. I recommend a clinic visit so the gland can be examined and the dog’s overall condition assessed. Your vet can demonstrate the correct technique and supervise your first attempt if home expression is appropriate.
2. Ask for a hands-on demonstration and written or video guidance. Practice under supervision until you and the clinic team agree you are performing the procedure safely and gently. Improper technique can cause pain, spread infection, or injure the duct.
3. Learn to inspect the area regularly. A quick look for swelling, redness, discharge or changes in behavior after bathroom visits will help you spot problems early. Normal glands are not usually visible but should not be painful when the area is handled calmly.
4. Know when to stop and seek help. If the dog shows marked discomfort, if there is thick pus, bleeding, or if symptoms return quickly after expression, discontinue home attempts and return to your veterinarian. Those signs may indicate infection or other problems needing medication or minor surgical drainage.

Preventing Recurrence: Training, Diet, and Home Care Tips

Prevention and calm handling are more effective than repeated interventions. I often recommend dietary adjustments to improve stool bulk and consistency before considering regular manual expression. Adding a moderate fiber supplement or switching to a higher-fiber diet may firm stool enough that glands empty naturally; do this in consultation with your veterinarian so changes are gradual and appropriate for your dog’s overall health.

Desensitization makes handling less stressful for both dog and owner. Practice gentle rear-area handling during quiet moments, pairing short touches with high-value treats and praise. Build up tolerance in short, frequent sessions rather than one long attempt. Restraint aids like a soft towel or a helper to calmly hold a nervous dog can make supervised expression safer and quicker.

Keep a simple record of episodes: dates, what you observed, any treatment given, and outcomes. This history helps your veterinarian spot patterns and decide whether further investigation — allergy testing, imaging, or referral — is needed. For dogs with repeated issues, schedule proactive veterinary checks rather than waiting for an acute problem.

Vet-Recommended Tools and Protective Supplies

• Disposable nitrile or latex-free gloves and several absorbent towels to protect you and keep the area clean.
• Mild antiseptic wipes (chlorhexidine-based wipes recommended by your vet) and plastic bags for hygienic disposal of soiled materials.
• High-value treats and a calm restraint aid (soft towel or helper) to minimize struggling and reward cooperation.
• Avoid sharp tools, metal picks, or any unapproved devices marketed for anal gland self-treatment; these can cause serious injury or push infection deeper.

Research, Clinical Guidance, and Further Reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Anal Sac Disease” — practical overview and treatment guidance.
• Fossum TW. Small Animal Surgery, 5th Edition — chapter on perianal and anal sac diseases.
• Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine — sections on anorectal and perianal disorders.
• American Veterinary Medical Association client information: “Anal Gland Problems in Dogs” — owner-focused guidance and when to see a vet.
• Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice — review articles on perianal disease and management strategies (select issues covering anal sac disease).