Anal Glands and Grooming: What Dog Owners Should Know

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Few subjects make dog owners wince like anal glands. They are a normal part of canine anatomy, and for most dogs they cause no trouble at all. When they do, knowing what to look for helps you act quickly.

What are anal glands?

Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small pouches on either side of the anus. They contain a smelly fluid that dogs use for scent communication. Usually the glands empty a little each time the dog passes firm stool.

Signs of a problem

• Scooting along the floor
• Licking or biting at the rear
• A strong fishy odor
• Swelling or redness near the anus
• Discomfort when sitting
• Straining or reluctance to defecate
• Bloody or pus-like discharge

Scooting can also be due to worms, allergies or irritation, so a vet visit is the best way to find the cause. See dog skin allergies.

Why problems happen

Glands may fail to empty due to soft stool, obesity, allergies, inflammation or the shape of the ducts. Smaller breeds are more commonly affected. Blocked glands can become impacted, infected or form abscesses, which are painful and need veterinary treatment.

Should glands be expressed routinely?

For most dogs, routine expression is not needed. Doing it too often can irritate the glands and make problems worse. Expression should be done when a problem exists, and ideally by a vet or trained professional. Ask your vet whether it is appropriate for your dog and how often.

The groomer's role

Some groomers offer external expression as part of a grooming package. This can help some dogs, but internal expression and treatment of problems should be done by veterinary staff. If your groomer notices swelling, redness or odor, they should recommend a vet visit. See how to choose a professional dog groomer.

Hygiene and sanitary trimming

Keeping the area clean and the hair trimmed reduces irritation and makes it easier to spot problems. See how to do a sanitary trim on a dog.

Diet and weight

Firm, regular stools help glands empty naturally. A balanced diet, adequate fiber if your vet recommends it and a healthy weight all help. Do not add supplements without your vet's advice. See how to read a dog food label.

When to see a vet urgently

Seek prompt care if you see swelling, a painful lump, bleeding, pus or if your dog is in obvious pain. These can indicate an abscess.

Smell and cleanliness

A fishy smell can come from the glands even when your dog is not scooting. See how to get rid of dog smell.

What a vet visit looks like

Your vet will examine the area, may express the glands to check the fluid and will look for infection, tumors and other causes of discomfort. They may suggest changes in diet, treatment for allergies or weight loss to help prevent recurrence. For dogs with repeated impaction or infection, surgery to remove the glands is occasionally considered, and your vet can explain the risks and benefits.

Do not panic about the smell

If your dog is frightened or excited, the glands may release a small amount of fluid with a strong smell. This is normal. It is the persistent smell, scooting or discomfort that suggests something is wrong. Clean the area gently with a damp cloth and keep an eye on your dog.

Tracking symptoms

Keep a short note of how often your dog scoots, any changes in stool and whether there is licking or smell. This helps your vet identify patterns and tells you whether treatment is working.

The takeaway

Anal glands usually look after themselves. Watch for scooting and odor, leave expression to professionals and see your vet if problems recur.