Manual anal gland expression is a skill that many pet parents can learn with patience and proper technique. While it may seem daunting at first, providing this relief at home can reduce the stress of frequent veterinary visits for your dog — and understanding the process helps you recognize when a problem needs professional attention.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to recognize when expression is needed, step-by-step technique, when to stop and see your vet, and — most importantly — how to reduce the need for manual expression in the first place.
Understanding the Function of Your Dog's Anal Glands
Anal glands, technically referred to as anal sacs, are two small reservoirs located just inside the dog's anus. They produce a unique, oily, pungent fluid that dogs use for scent-marking and territory identification — this is why dogs sniff each other's rear ends as a way of gathering social information.
In a healthy system, the anal glands should empty naturally every time your dog has a bowel movement. As a firm stool passes through the anal sphincter, it applies pressure to the anal sacs, causing them to release a small amount of fluid. However, many dogs struggle with this process. Factors such as soft stools, obesity, and specific anatomical variations can prevent the glands from emptying properly. When this fluid builds up, it becomes thick and irritating, leading to the discomfort that many pet parents recognize. For a full overview of anal gland anatomy and common problems, see our guide on anal gland issues in dogs.
Recognizing the Signs Your Dog Needs Anal Gland Expression
If the anal sacs become overfilled or impacted, your dog will likely show several tell-tale behaviors.
The most common sign is scooting — dragging the rear across the carpet or grass in an attempt to relieve the pressure building in the anal sacs. You may also notice excessive licking or biting at the tail base or rear end. A persistent, unpleasant fishy odor is another strong indicator that the glands are full or leaking.
In some cases, you may see visible swelling or redness around the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions relative to the anus. If your dog is straining during bowel movements or seems reluctant to sit, it is time to address their anal gland health. For help determining whether the glands are full, see our guide on how to tell if your dog's anal glands are full.
How to Express Dog Anal Glands at Home: Step by Step
Choose a location that is easy to clean, such as a bathtub or tiled floor — the fluid released during expression has a very strong scent.
Step 1: Gather your supplies
Preparation is key to a successful and stress-free experience for both you and your dog. You will need high-quality disposable gloves, a lubricant such as petroleum jelly or a water-soluble lubricant, plenty of clean paper towels or gauze pads, mild dog-safe soap and a washcloth for cleanup, and a high-value treat to reward your dog afterward.
Step 2: Position your dog safely
Have your dog stand on a stable surface. It is helpful to have a second person present to gently steady the dog's head and provide calming reassurance. This prevents the dog from sitting down during expression, which could make the glands inaccessible and risk accidental pinching or bruising.
Step 3: Locate the anal glands
Put on your gloves and apply a small amount of lubricant to your finger. To find the anal sacs, imagine the dog's anus as the center of a clock. The glands are located just under the skin at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. You should be able to feel two small, firm, pea-sized or grape-sized lumps in these areas.
Step 4: Apply gentle pressure
Place a paper towel or gauze pad over the dog's anus to catch the secretion. Using your thumb and forefinger, gently grasp the anal glands from the outside. Apply firm but gentle pressure, squeezing the glands toward each other and slightly upward toward the anal opening. The fluid should release into the paper towel.
Important: If you encounter resistance, if the fluid contains blood or bright yellow or green pus, or if your dog reacts with intense pain, stop immediately and contact your veterinarian.
Step 5: Clean up and deodorize
Once the glands feel empty and soft, clean the area thoroughly with mild soap and warm water. The odor of anal gland fluid is notoriously difficult to remove — Glandex Wipes are veterinarian-formulated with natural enzymes to neutralize odors and soothe the delicate skin around the anus. Reward your dog with a treat to create a positive association with the experience.
Video Walkthrough
This step-by-step video demonstrates the external expression technique described above.
When to Stop: Impaction, Infection, and Abscess
While home expression is appropriate for routine maintenance, it is essential to recognize when a problem has escalated beyond what you can safely manage.
Anal sac impaction occurs when the fluid becomes so thick that it cannot pass through the narrow duct. If left untreated, bacteria can grow within the trapped fluid, leading to infection. An infected gland often feels hot, looks very red, and is extremely painful for the dog.
The most severe stage is an anal sac abscess — a localized collection of pus that causes significant swelling. If an abscess ruptures, it creates a small hole in the skin next to the anus that drains bloody fluid. If you see any signs of pus, blood, or if your dog reacts with intense pain when the area is touched, consult a veterinarian immediately. Professional intervention is required to treat these complications safely. For more on how this progression works, see our resource on anal gland issues in dogs.
Why Manual Expression Is Not a Long-Term Solution
While manually expressing the anal glands provides temporary relief, it does not address why the glands were failing to empty naturally in the first place. Relying solely on manual expression can lead to the glands becoming less efficient over time and can cause inflammation and scar tissue in the ducts if done too frequently or incorrectly.
The most effective long-term approach combines hygiene, exercise, and targeted nutritional support. By improving stool quality and consistency, you help the body perform its natural expression function more effectively — reducing or eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Supporting Natural Anal Gland Expression
The key to long-term anal gland health is firm, well-formed stools that naturally express the glands during every bowel movement. A combination of dietary fiber, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory support provides the foundation for this process.
Glandex Soft Chews combine a patented blend of soluble and insoluble fibers with digestive enzymes and probiotics to promote the firm stools needed for natural expression. For dogs with more severe or chronic anal gland concerns, Glandex Advanced Vet Strength Chews provide a higher-potency formula. Dogs whose primary concern is digestive health and stool quality can benefit from Glandex Probiotic & Prebiotic Soft Chews.
For picky eaters, Glandex Powder and Advanced Vet Strength Powder can be mixed directly into food. Explore the full range of anal gland support products in the Glandex collection.
Beyond supplementation, supporting your dog's overall health plays an important role in preventing anal gland issues. Maintaining a healthy weight helps ensure natural expression is not hindered by excess body condition. Regular exercise supports healthy digestion. Adequate hydration keeps stool moving through the digestive tract properly. And managing any underlying food allergies can reduce the inflammation and soft stools that often drive recurring anal gland problems.
Most pet parents see a noticeable difference in their dog's scooting and discomfort within 3 to 5 weeks of consistent daily use — the time it takes for fiber and probiotics to optimize the digestive system and create the firm stools needed for natural expression.
For more on how anal glands work and what causes problems, visit our comprehensive resource on anal gland issues in dogs. For the basics of anal gland anatomy and function, see our quick facts about anal glands in dogs and cats.
