If your dog has been scooting, licking their rear nonstop, or suddenly smells fishy, their anal glands might be to blame and full. While it’s not a fun job, some dog owners choose to manage it at home instead of making frequent trips to the groomer or vet.
Learning how to express dog anal glands can help your pup feel more comfortable and prevent bigger problems like infections or abscesses, but only if done safely and correctly.
In this guide, we’ll break it down step-by-step: why dogs have anal glands, signs they’re full, how to express them properly, and when to leave it to the pros.
What Are Dog Anal Glands and What Do They Do?
Anal glands (or anal sacs) are two small, grape-sized sacs located inside your dog’s anus at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. They naturally release a strong-smelling, oily liquid whenever your dog poops.
This fluid contains pheromones that help dogs mark territory or identify one another, like a built-in scent signature.
Most dogs empty these glands regularly without issues. But sometimes, they don’t, especially if they’re dealing with softer stools, inflammation, or allergies. That’s when the sacs become full, uncomfortable, or even impacted.
According to PetMD, some breeds are more prone, including:
- Chihuahuas
- Shih Tzus
- Dachshunds
- Cocker Spaniels
- French Bulldogs
How to Tell If Your Dog’s Anal Glands Are Full
You don’t need to do a full exam to spot signs of trouble. Dogs with full or irritated anal glands commonly show the following behaviors:
Common Signs:
- Scooting (dragging their bottom on the floor)
- Licking or biting near the rear
- Strong, fishy odor (especially during sleep or petting)
- Struggling to poop or posture changes
- Whimpering when you touch their back end
If more than one of these symptoms shows up together, it’s time to either check manually or reach out to your vet.
As the AKC warns, ignoring full glands can lead to serious discomfort or rupture.
How to Express Dog Anal Glands at Home
If your dog shows signs of full glands and your vet has confirmed it’s safe, you may be able to express them at home.
⚠️ Important: If this is your first time, ask your vet or groomer to demonstrate it in person first.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Disposable gloves (latex or nitrile)
- A clean towel
- Paper towels or gauze pads
- Unscented baby wipes or mild soap
- Lubricant (pet-safe or petroleum jelly)
- Optional: a mask (the smell is strong!)
- Dog treats like chews for trust and calm
Step-by-Step: External Expression Method
1. Calm your dog
Have your dog in a standing position, ideally on a towel in the bathtub or outdoors. Another person can help soothe or hold them gently.
2. Locate the glands
Put on gloves. Gently lift the tail straight up. Locate the anal sacs just inside the anus at roughly the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. They’ll feel like small, firm bumps.
3. Place your fingers
Hold a clean paper towel over the anus with one hand. With the other, use your thumb and forefinger to gently press the glands inward and upward, like you’re squeezing toothpaste.
4. Express the glands
Apply slow, steady pressure until a brownish, grayish, or yellowish fluid is released. The smell is strong and fishy. Be sure to catch it with the paper towel.
5. Clean up
Wipe the area well with baby wipes or a warm cloth. Give your dog lots of praise and possibly a treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with gentle technique, expressing glands at home can go wrong when done carelessly.
Don’t:
- Use too much force (can damage the sacs)
- Express too often (can cause irritation)
- Ignore bleeding, pus, or pain
- Attempt internal expression without training
- Continue if you’re unsure what you’re feeling
If expression causes stress or discomfort, stop immediately and call your vet.
When You Shouldn’t Express at Home
While home expression can help, some situations require a professional.
Call your vet if:
- Glands feel hot, swollen, or lumpy
- There’s blood or pus
- Your dog is in visible pain
- You’ve expressed, and symptoms keep coming back
- You’re not 100% sure what you’re doing
Veterinarians have the tools and training to:
- Use internal expression methods when allowed
- Administer pain control
- Prescribe antibiotics for infections
- Surgically open or flush abscesses
How Often Should You Express Your Dog’s Glands?
There’s no one-size-fits-all.
On average:
- Some dogs never need it
- Some need it every few months
- Others (like small breeds) may need it every 3–4 weeks
It depends on:
- Stool quality
- Breed type
- Diet
- Weight
- Health history
Keep a calendar or set reminders. You can also ask your groomer to do full anal gland expressions during visits.
How Diet and Digestive Health Help Anal Glands
Firm, well-formed stools help express glands naturally as your dog poops.
To support healthy digestion:
- Feed a high-quality, grain-free or balanced kibble
- Include fiber-rich veggies like pumpkin or sweet potatoes
- Use natural digestive supplements like PuppyAna’s suggested gut support chews
- Avoid feeding table food or junk treats
- Make sure your dog’s getting daily exercise
If your dog has frequent issues despite diet changes, ask your vet to test for digestive inflammation or food sensitivities.
Can Groomers Express Anal Glands?
Yes, but only external expressions, and usually only if requested.
Most pet groomers:
- Express glands during bathing
- Use gloves, towels, and proper cleaning
- Will skip this step unless a dog shows clear signs
- Will refer you to a vet if they see swelling, bleeding, or infection
If you’re using a groomer regularly, ask if they’re comfortable expressing glands, or if they’d prefer a vet handle ongoing cases.
Conclusion
So, how to express dog anal glands at home?
It takes patience, care, the right tools, and a good reason.
Only do it:
- When you’re sure the glands are full
- If your vet has walked you through it
- When symptoms like scooting, licking, or discomfort are clear
When in doubt, don’t guess, call your vet.
And to reduce how often you deal with it?
Focus on diet, exercise, stool firmness, and routine grooming.
It might be awkward, but handling anal glands properly keeps your dog healthy, pain-free, and a whole lot happier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it painful to express a dog’s anal glands?
It can be uncomfortable, but usually not painful, unless they’re infected or swollen.
Can I use regular gloves and paper towels?
Yes, just make sure gloves are disposable, and towels are thick enough to catch the fluid.
How do I know if the glands are infected?
Signs include blood, thick yellow discharge, swelling, or a bulging area near the anus. Call your vet.
How long does it take to express the glands?
Usually only a few minutes but prepping your dog and cleaning up can take longer.
Is internal expression safe at home?
No. This should only be done by professionals, as it involves inserting a finger into the rectum.
If my dog never scoots, should I still check?
If they show no discomfort, you don’t need to check. Many dogs express naturally on their own.
What if the smell comes back in a day or two?
That could mean only one gland was emptied or more issues are happening. Recheck or ask your groomer/vet.
