How to tell if dog needs glands expressed?

If your dog is suddenly scooting, obsessively licking its rear, or carrying a new, unpleasant smell, those are practical signs worth checking rather than ignoring. Below I walk through what those signs mean, how the anatomy works, what to do first, and when you should get professional help.

Your dog’s comfort: the hidden role of anal glands

Knowing when a dog’s anal glands need attention keeps the animal comfortable and reduces the chance of painful infections that can require surgery. I typically see owners notice behavior changes—restlessness, sudden irritability when being touched around the rump, or avoiding sitting—that are directly tied to gland discomfort.

Everyday situations make this relevant: routine grooming appointments can reveal pasty secretions, seniors may develop slower emptying or impaction with age, and some breeds are more likely to have repeated problems. If you care for a dog with short, soft stools, chronic diarrhea, or obesity, routine checks are reasonable because these factors may interfere with normal gland emptying.

Paying attention early can prevent escalation. An occasional mild smell may be managed with simple dietary adjustments and monitoring; an untreated blockage can become infected, form an abscess, and cause fever, severe pain, or the need for surgery. Spotting the difference sooner protects your dog’s comfort and saves stress and cost later.

Spotting the signs: how to tell if your dog needs their glands expressed

If you want the short checklist to watch for, these outward clues are the most reliable indicators that anal sacs may need attention. Any single sign, especially when persistent, may suggest a problem worth addressing.

• Scooting its rear along the floor, repeated sliding after defecation.
• Excessive licking or biting at the perianal area, or sudden tail-chasing focused on the rear.
• A strong “fishy” or otherwise foul anal odor that is new or noticeably worse.
• Visible swelling, redness, or creamy/bloody discharge near the anus.
• Reluctance to sit, yelping when touched at the tail base, or sudden changes in bathroom habits.

Anal sacs explained — anatomy, function and common issues

Anal sacs (also called anal glands) sit just inside the skin on either side of the anus. Each sac is a small pocket lined with glands that produce a normally thin, scented secretion. Under usual conditions that secretion is expressed in tiny amounts at defecation; the pressure of normal-formed stool compresses the sacs and helps empty them.

Stool consistency plays a central role. When stools are firm enough, they act like a natural squeeze. If stools are too soft or too hard, or if bowel movements are infrequent, that natural emptying can be incomplete. Bacteria that live in the sacs may overgrow when contents remain, and that is when inflammation or infection can develop.

Diet influences both the amount and type of stool and the microbial balance around the area. I have seen dogs fed low-fiber diets or dogs with ongoing diarrhea show recurrent sac problems because the mechanical and microbial environment is altered. That’s why identifying diet and stool changes is part of routine assessment.

When problems usually appear — age, breed and common triggers

Problems often follow changes that affect stool bulk or frequency. A new diet, table scraps, sudden dietary indiscretion, or use of antibiotics that alter gut flora can all make a dog more likely to develop impaction or infection.

Constipation and prolonged straining may prevent normal emptying; conversely, chronic diarrhea can prevent the sacs from being compressed enough to empty. Obese dogs with less regular exercise tend to have looser stools and weaker pelvic muscles, which can contribute. Age matters, too—older dogs can lose muscle tone around the rectum, and certain small or working breeds appear more prone to recurring issues.

Environmental factors such as high-stress periods (boarding, grooming, travel) can also coincide with flare-ups because stress sometimes alters bowel habits. If your dog developed symptoms after a change in routine, consider that link when discussing causes with your veterinarian.

Red flags and complications that require immediate attention

Not all anal sac problems are emergencies, but some signs indicate infection or complications that require prompt veterinary attention. Significant swelling at one side of the anus, a hard, painful lump, or a hot, red area suggests abscessing that may need drainage and antibiotics.

If you notice bleeding that doesn’t stop, fever, lethargy, refusal to eat, or an inability to defecate, these are urgent. An untreated abscess can rupture and create a deep, draining wound; repeated infections can lead to chronically damaged glands where removal or surgical repair becomes the best option.

Also be cautious when a problem worsens quickly over 24–48 hours or returns shortly after a previously successful home measure. Recurrent episodes despite sensible home care are a strong reason to seek professional diagnostics rather than continuing repeated self-treatment.

First-response steps for owners: what to do right away

When you suspect anal sac trouble, start with calm, organized steps. Gathering good information before a clinic visit speeds diagnosis and reduces unnecessary interventions.

1. Do a visual check from a short distance: note odor, any visible discharge, asymmetry, swelling, or redness. Avoid probing or pushing on the area yourself if you’re not trained.
2. Record recent stool changes: consistency (firm, soft, watery), frequency, presence of blood or mucus, and any diet or medication changes in the last 2–4 weeks.
3. Photograph or video the signs and the dog’s behavior—scooting, licking, or pain reactions—so you can share clear information with your veterinarian.
4. Contact your veterinarian with these observations. They may advise conservative home measures, schedule an exam, or instruct you to come in sooner if they suspect infection or abscess.
5. Avoid attempting to express the sacs yourself unless you have been specifically trained by a veterinarian or certified groomer. Incorrect technique can push material deeper, cause pain, or introduce infection.

Preventing problems: environment, diet and training tips

Reducing recurrence is a mix of diet, body condition, handling training, and hygiene. Start with modest dietary adjustments—adding a vet-recommended fiber supplement or switching to a higher-fiber diet may improve stool bulk and reduce impaction risk. I usually advise making any change gradually and tracking stool quality over 7–14 days.

Weight management and regular exercise help normalize bowel movements and pelvic muscle tone. For dogs that are reluctant to have their rear handled, desensitization using short, calm sessions with high-value treats works better than force. Teach your dog that touching the back end leads to something positive: brief touches, then treats, building up to gentle inspections over days to weeks.

Grooming hygiene matters for dogs with long hair—keep the area clipped and dry after baths, and check for matting that traps moisture and bacteria. After any rectal trauma or a rough grooming session, re-check the area for swelling or changes in odor over the next 48 hours.

Safe-handling essentials: tools and gear for home checks

When assessing or transporting a dog with suspected anal sac issues, having the right items on hand protects both of you and improves handling success. Disposable nitrile gloves and absorbent towels make clean-up simple and reduce contamination. Treats and a calm, quiet space help minimize anxiety during inspection.

Bring a leak-proof container or bag if you plan to collect a fresh stool sample for the clinic. If your dog is reactive when touched at the rear, a properly fitted muzzle or a head collar can prevent bites during transport and at the clinic; use these only if the dog tolerates them from prior training or under veterinary staff guidance.

Persistent issues? When to pursue diagnosis and long-term treatment

Recurrent anal sac problems despite sensible diet and weight management are not something to ignore. In those cases your veterinarian may suggest diagnostic steps such as cytology of the sac contents, culture if infection is suspected, or imaging to rule out deeper problems. Chronic or repeatedly infected sacs can sometimes be managed medically long-term, but in other dogs surgical removal of the sacs may be recommended to prevent ongoing pain and repeated abscesses.

Ask your veterinarian about referral options to a surgeon or a behaviorist if handling and stress are major barriers. I’ve found combined approaches—medical treatment for current infection plus owner training and dietary changes—often reduce recurrence without immediate surgery, but each dog is different and a tailored plan is safest.

References and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Anal Sac Disease (Anal Sacculitis and Abscesses) — Merck Veterinary Manual, sections on canine anal sac disorders.
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines and client information on anal sac disease management and surgical options.
• Avma.org client education: Anal sacs (information on signs, treatment, and when to seek care) — American Veterinary Medical Association resources.
• Journal of Small Animal Practice: reviews and case reports on anal sac disease and surgical outcomes in dogs (selected peer-reviewed articles).
• Textbook: Veterinary Surgery: Small Animal (anal sac disorders chapter) — surgical considerations and post-op care.