Most dog parents will eventually encounter the infamous scoot. That moment when your dog drags their rear across the floor with an unmistakable look of urgency (and sometimes embarrassment). The culprit? Often, it’s the anal glands. Two small but mighty scent sacs that don’t always cooperate with your dog’s digestive system.
In this blog, we’ll explain why dogs have anal glands, how they typically express them on their own, signs your dog may need help, and how to safely perform an expression at home (if you’re up for it). We’ll also cover when it’s best to leave this job to the pros, like our Licensed Veterinary Technician, Jess, at WoofDoctor on Wheels. Whether you’re just here to learn, trying to troubleshoot your dog’s new behavior, or looking for step-by-step expression instructions, this guide covers it all.
What You Need To Know
- Why Do Dogs Have Anal Glands?
- How Do Dogs Empty Their Anal Glands Naturally?
- Why Do Some Dogs Need Help?
- Signs Your Dog Needs Help Expressing Anal Glands
- How To Express Anal Glands At Home
- How to Express Anal Glands Internally
- How to Express Anal Glands Externally
- Which Process (Internal/External) Is Most Effective?
- Let WoofDoctor on Wheels Handle It!
- When Not to Express Glands at Home
- Frequently Asked Questions About Anal Glands in Dogs
- Where Can I Learn More?
Why Do Dogs Have Anal Glands?
Anal glands are two small sacs located just inside the anus at roughly the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. They:
- Produce a strong-smelling, oily substance unique to each dog.
- Are used for scent marking, helping dogs identify one another by smell (like a chemical “fingerprint”).
- Play a role in territorial behavior, as dogs may express them when scared, stressed, or marking territory.
- Help explain why dogs sniff each other’s rear ends—it’s a way of gathering social information.
How Do Dogs Empty Their Anal Glands Naturally?
In most healthy dogs:
- The normal pressure of a firm bowel movement compresses the sacs and pushes the fluid out naturally.
- Occasionally, dogs may also involuntarily express them during high arousal states (fear, excitement).
Why Do Some Dogs Need Help?
Some dogs’ anal glands don’t empty properly on their own. This may be due to:
- Soft or inconsistent stool, which doesn’t provide enough pressure to express the glands.
- Chronic inflammation or infection, leading to swelling that blocks the ducts.
- Anatomical differences, especially in small breeds, making natural expression harder.
- Obesity, which can physically block proper gland function.
- Food sensitivities or allergies, which can cause ongoing irritation in the area.
Signs Your Dog Needs Help Expressing Anal Glands
Signs your dog may need help include:
- Scooting their rear on the ground
- Excessive licking of the rear
- A fishy or foul smell
- Swelling or discharge around the anus
- Discomfort when sitting or defecating
If you notice any of these signs, your dog may need help expressing their glands, either manually at home or with the help of a trained professional. In those cases with swelling or discomfort, a veterinarian or trained groomer may be needed. Chronic issues may require dietary changes, gland removal in severe cases, or treatment for underlying infections. Left untreated, full anal glands can become impacted, leading to painful abscesses or even rupture, which requires urgent medical care.
How To Express Anal Glands At Home
Disclaimer: If you’re unsure or squeamish, it’s absolutely okay to leave this to your vet or groomer. But if you’re comfortable (and your dog is cooperative), here’s how both internal and external expression methods work.
How to Express Anal Glands Internally
What is it?
This technique involves inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into your dog’s rectum to locate and gently express each gland from the inside. It’s typically more thorough but also more invasive.
🧼 What You’ll Need: Prep first! Set up your station keeping all these within reach:
- Paper towels
- Baby wipes (pulled out & ready)
- Gloves
- Lube
- Trash bag
- Optional: Deodorizing spray (we recommend Sweet Pea Spray by Animal Pharmaceuticals)
👫 Use the Buddy System:
One person should gently hold your dog still while the other performs the expression.
🕓 Technique:
- Visualize your dog’s rear as a clock face. The anal glands are located at roughly the 4:00 and 8:00 positions.
- Use the same hand as the side you’re working on (left hand for left gland, right for right).
- Insert your finger to the first knuckle.
- Locate the gland, which should feel like a pea or grape.
- Gently place the gland between your finger & thumb.
- Apply steady, gentle pressure to “milk” the fluid out.
- After expression, clean the area with baby wipes & use a deodorizing spray to minimize odor.
Watch our Licensed Veterinary Technician, Jess, describe how to empty your dog’s glands using this method:
How to Express Anal Glands Externally
What is it?
This method involves applying pressure from the outside only (no insertion needed). It’s less invasive but may not fully empty the glands, especially if they’re impacted.
🧼 What You’ll Need: Prep first! Set up your station keeping all these within reach:
- Paper towels
- Baby wipes (pulled out & ready)
- Gloves
- Trash bag
- Optional: Deodorizing spray (Jess likes Sweet Pea Spray by Animal Pharmaceuticals)
👫 Use the Buddy System:
One person holds your dog steady while the other does the expressing.
🕓 Technique:
- Visualize your dog’s rear as a clock face. The anal glands are located at roughly the 4:00 and 8:00 positions. Place your pointer finger and thumb at these positions.
- Use your pointer finger and thumb to squeeze anal glands toward the anus.
- For small dogs, you may be able to express both sides at once.
- For larger dogs, work one side at a time with gentle pressure.
- Clean up the area with baby wipes and finish with a deodorizing spray to tame the smell.
Watch our Licensed Veterinary Technician, Jess, describe how to empty your dog’s glands using this method:
Which Process (Internal/External) Is Most Effective?
Internal expression tends to be more effective for full or impacted glands, while external expression can work for mild cases or routine maintenance. Use whichever you feel comfortable and qualified performing. Otherwise, always consult your vet.
📝 Important Note: Some states, like California, require internal anal gland expression to be performed only by a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician. South Carolina does not currently have this restriction.
Let WoofDoctor on Wheels Handle It!
Not ready to do it yourself? No problem, we’ve got you covered.
Our Licensed Veterinary Technician, Jess, can come to your home and perform the expression for you. Anal gland expression is just $33, plus a travel fee ($25-$60, depending on location).
✅ You do not have to be a current client.
✅ We accept dogs under the care of any veterinarian—just have records available at your appointment.
✅ You can upload your vet records directly when you book online.
📅 How to schedule:
Book online anytime here or call/text us during business hours at (843) 966-3362.
📍Where We Serve:
WoofDoctor on Wheels provides in-home veterinary care and routine wellness services like anal gland expression, nail trims, and ear cleaning in Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and throughout the lowcountry. See all the locations we serve here.
When Not to Express Glands at Home
Not every case of scooting or rear-end licking means it’s time to express the glands. In fact, trying to do so at the wrong time, or with the wrong technique, can do more harm than good.
You should NOT attempt anal gland expression at home if:
- The area looks red, swollen, or painful
- You see bleeding or pus
- Your dog yelps, growls, or refuses to let you near their rear
- Your dog has never needed it before, and you’re unsure what’s normal
- Your dog has had a history of gland infections or abscesses
When in doubt, let your vet take a look. Some anal gland problems are actually caused by underlying allergies, infections, or even tumors, and squeezing them won’t fix the root issue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anal Glands in Dogs
What are anal glands, and what do they do?
They’re scent glands located on either side of your dog’s anus. They produce a strong-smelling fluid used for identification and communication between dogs.
Is it normal for my dog to smell fishy sometimes?
A sudden fishy odor often means the anal glands have expressed—either naturally or due to a problem like impaction or infection.
Why is my dog scooting on the floor?
Scooting is a classic sign that your dog’s anal glands may be full, irritated, or infected.
How often should my dog’s anal glands be expressed?
Most dogs naturally express their glands during normal bowel movements and never need manual expression. Occasional expression is normal, but if your dog regularly smells fishy, scoots, or seems uncomfortable, it may be time to investigate further with your vet.
Can I express my dog’s anal glands at home?
Technically yes, but it’s not advised unless trained. Improper expression can cause trauma, pain, or infection.
What causes anal gland problems?
Common causes include soft stools, food allergies, poor diet, obesity, chronic skin issues, or anatomical issues.
Can diet help prevent anal gland issues?
Yes! A high-fiber diet that promotes firm stools can help naturally express the glands. Adding fiber like plain canned pumpkin, psyllium husk, or vet-recommended fiber supplements can help. Some dogs benefit from prescription or limited-ingredient diets.
Are certain breeds more prone to anal gland issues?
Yes. Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Shih Tzus are more commonly affected.
Can anal gland problems be serious?
If left untreated, they can lead to infections, abscesses, or even rupture, which is very painful and may require surgery.
When should I see a vet about my dog’s anal glands?
If you notice scooting, licking, swelling, pain, or odor, it’s best to have your vet check them. Don’t wait for it to become an emergency.
Where Can I Learn More?
If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call or text us at (843) 966-3362. If you’d like to schedule an appointment online, please visit our website here. Remember, you can schedule an appointment directly with Jess for anal gland expressions.
Watch:
- Jess Describe How to Empty Your Dog’s Anal Glands Internally
- Jess Describe How to Empty Your Dog’s Anal Glands Externally
What Products Do We Recommend?
- Glandex:
- Glandex is a product designed to support the healthy function of anal glands in pets, particularly dogs. It is available in chews or powder forms and is intended to:
- Promote natural emptying of anal glands, helping to prevent full or impacted glands.
- Contain key ingredients like fiber, probiotics, and omega fatty acids to maintain anal gland health.
- Offer an alternative solution to frequent gland expression, aiming to improve comfort and reduce odor.
- Glandex is often recommended to be used as a part of regular pet care to address anal gland issues when they are persistent or present discomfort to the pet. We recommend one of these 3 options:
- Powder Version
- Chewable Treat (60 Count)
- Chewable Treat (120 Count)
- Glandex is a product designed to support the healthy function of anal glands in pets, particularly dogs. It is available in chews or powder forms and is intended to:
- Sweet Pea Spray by Animal Pharmaceuticals
- To see all the products recommended by WoofDoctor on Wheels, visit our website’s Recommendations Page
Our mission is to provide convenient, fear-free, personalized pet care and our blog allows us to share important educational content. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after using them, we earn a small commission, which helps support this blog at no cost to you. Keep in mind, we only link to quality products we use ourselves and feel are beneficial for our clients and patients.