Written by Dr. James Bascharon

One of the most common problems in dogs is anal gland infections. Located on either side of the rectum, these glands serve a dual purpose: marking a dog’s bowel movements with their unique scent and lubricating stool during defecation. Knowing how to express dog anal glands can help relieve discomfort and prevent infections.

If your dog’s anal glands are full and need expression, they will likely show symptoms of discomfort. The first sign is usually scooting their butt on the floor, which is caused by itching or irritation in the rear-end area. Other symptoms include a foul, fishy odor, excessive licking of the anal area, and itching, swelling, or redness around the anus.

Dogs need their anal glands expressed when they show signs like scooting, a strong odor, or licking the anal area. The glands might feel puffy, about the size of a grape.

Most dogs naturally express their anal glands when defecating. However, during times of stress, dogs may involuntarily express their glands, emitting a strong odor. Impaction can also cause anal gland liquid to back up and leak in between bowel movements.

Diarrhea, which causes a dog’s stool to become soft or loose, can prevent a dog’s ability to express the anal glands during defecation naturally. While passing through the digestive tract, soft stool may not be sufficient for expressing glands, leading to impaction.

If a dog cannot release enough fluid naturally, manual expression might be necessary.

To express your dog’s anal glands at home, you will need:

You can also use a lick mat with peanut butter or another spreadable treat to help distract your dog while you perform the manual expression.

Expressing dog anal glands can be messy and smelly, so it’s often preferred to be done by a vet or groomer. However, it is possible to do it at home with the right preparation and care.

Consult a veterinarian if the fluid is thick, chunky, or discolored (green, yellow, red, or white), or if scooting persists after expression. This could indicate an infection needing medical attention. If manual expressions are painful for your pet at home, or if you worry that you may not be getting the desired results, contact your veterinarian to schedule a manual expression in the clinic. Your veterinarian can also help demonstrate the proper way to perform an expression at home.

Enhancing bowel movements and promoting gland expression naturally is essential for your dog's anal gland health. Here are some effective approaches:

Administering fiber supplements like Glandex can help prevent anal gland impactions, particularly for small breeds or dogs prone to frequent anal gland issues. Opt for veterinarian-approved fiber supplements to maintain stool consistency and support natural expression.

Incorporate natural sources of fiber, like apple, flaxseed, rice bran, and pumpkin, into your dog's diet. A well-balanced mix of soluble and insoluble fiber can keep stools bulky and firm, encouraging regular gland emptying.

Fresh food diets, including cooked chicken, beef, carrots, peas, and fruits like apples and blueberries, can promote a healthy gut and improve digestion. Consult your veterinarian for suitable recipes tailored to your dog's specific needs.

Ensure your dog drinks sufficient clean, fresh water to aid in flushing roughage through the digestive system and facilitate natural gland expression. Aim for approximately 1 oz of water per pound of body weight daily.

Keeping your dog physically active boosts digestion by enhancing motility. Daily walks, indoor or outdoor play, swimming, and hiking are excellent ways to keep your furry companion active and healthy.

Combat diarrhea symptoms promptly, as they are a common cause of anal gland impactions. High-quality fiber supplements with probiotics can help restore gut balance and promote healthy stools.

If your dog is already experiencing discomfort from overfull anal glands, consider the following measures until you can schedule a vet visit for manual expression:

Provide anal gland supplements like Glandex soft chews with digestive enzymes and probiotics to ease digestive discomfort.

Keep the rear end clean using hygienic wipes to reduce skin irritation and neutralize odors.

Apply a topical spray, like Glandex Medicated Spray, containing anti-inflammatory ingredients like Hydrocortisone to alleviate pain, itching, and discomfort.

Try a DIY warm compress with Calendula essential oil and warm water on the affected area for soothing relief.

If you haven’t expressed your dog’s anal glands before, it can be helpful to get support from a professional. Your vet or a trained groomer can show you how to do it properly. If you’re uncomfortable or worried about being bitten, scheduling a professional appointment is the best option.

If a dog cannot empty its anal glands naturally, the fluid thickens, causing swelling and potential infection. This can lead to painful abscesses that might rupture, necessitating immediate veterinary care.

Certain health conditions increase the risk of anal gland problems, such as atopic dermatitis, obesity, low-fiber diets, chronic diarrhea, and allergies. Smaller breeds and older dogs are more prone to these issues, particularly breeds like Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Cocker spaniels, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frisés.

By recognizing the signs of anal gland issues and knowing how to express them, you can help your dog avoid discomfort and maintain better health. If you’re ever unsure, seeking professional assistance is always the safest choice.