It’s not the most glamorous topic in pet care, but it’s one every dog owner should understand.
Dogs have anal glands, also called anal sacs, located just inside their rectum. These glands produce a smelly, oily fluid that’s normally released when your dog poops, acting like a kind of “scent marker.”
But sometimes, these glands don’t empty properly. When that happens, they become full, uncomfortable, and even infected.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to tell if dogs anal glands are full, how to help, and when to get your vet involved, all in clear, simple language.
What Are Anal Glands in Dogs?
Dogs (and some other animals) have two small glands located at roughly the 4 and 8 o’clock positions just inside their rectum. Each gland holds a foul-smelling, oily substance.
These glands naturally empty when your dog poops, especially when stool is firm and healthy. But if their stool is soft, if they’re constipated, or if their anatomy gets in the way, the glands don’t empty completely.
That’s when you get:
- Fullness
- Discomfort
- Smell
- Risk of infection or abscess
According to PetMD, impacted anal sacs are very common, especially in small breeds, overweight dogs, and dogs with allergies.
How to Tell If Dogs Anal Glands Are Full
You don’t need to be a vet to recognize the signs. Your dog will usually let you know — with changes in behavior and signs in their body language.
7 Common Signs Your Dog’s Anal Glands Might Be Full:
1. Scooting on the Floor
If your dog is dragging or “scooting” their rear on the carpet, grass, or tile, this is one of the most visible signs that their anal glands feel full or irritated.
2. Licking or Biting the Rear Area
Excessive licking, chewing, or biting at their rear end can mean irritation or pressure from swollen glands.
3. Unusual Odor
If you smell something fishy or foul coming from your dog’s rear (even after a bath), it could be anal gland fluid leaking out.
4. Straining or Discomfort While Pooping
Dogs may try to poop even when they can’t. This can be your first clue that full glands are interfering.
5. A Swollen or Red Rear End
Look for redness, irritation, or a puffy look around the anus, this can signal that the glands are backed up or infected.
6. Changes in Posture or Gait
If your dog suddenly sits strangely, avoids stairs, or shifts weight oddly, it may be because they’re trying to relieve pressure on enlarged glands.
7. Whining or Avoiding Touch
Dogs that are normally fine with being handled may react suddenly when their backend is touched or during a bath.
As AKC experts note, most dogs won’t express their glands fully on their own if a problem persists, and ignoring these signs can lead to infection or rupture.
What Causes a Dog’s Anal Glands to Fill Up?
Understanding the cause can help you prevent future problems.
Common reasons include:
- Soft stools or diarrhea (less pressure to naturally express glands)
- Chronic constipation
- Allergies (especially those affecting skin and digestion)
- Obesity
- Anatomical issues (especially in brachycephalic breeds)
- Poor diet or lack of fiber
Dogs on an inconsistent meal plan, or who receive only soft food, often have looser stool, which fails to apply the pressure needed to empty the sacs.
PuppyAna recommends feeding your dog a high-quality, fiber-balanced diet and adding natural supplements that support gut health and stool consistency, especially if problems are recurring.
What Happens If You Ignore Full Anal Glands?
Letting it slide (literally) can lead to these complications:
Potential risks:
- Infection
- Impaction (clogging)
- Abscess formation
- Anal gland rupture
- Ongoing pain or behavioral stress
Dogs with chronic anal gland problems may also become more fearful of grooming, baths, or even cuddling, since these events increase stimulation around the sensitive area.
How to Check Your Dog’s Anal Glands at Home
If you’re brave and careful, you can gently check at home following these steps:
Only attempt this if your dog is calm and you have proper guidance. If unsure, let your vet or groomer handle it.
Basic Check Guide:
- Use gloves
- Gently lift the tail
- Look for:
- Swelling around the 4 & 8 o’clock area
- Redness or sensitivity
- Leakage or discharge
- If anything looks sharp, discolored, or bloody, stop and call your vet
For actual expression, see your vet or a qualified groomer to start. It’s done by gently squeezing the glands externally toward the anus to manually force the fluid out, and it requires skill to do safely.
When to See Your Vet for Anal Gland Issues
Contact your vet if:
- You see blood or pus near the rear
- Your dog shows pain, shaking, or fever
- The glands look swollen, purple, or bulging
- Scooting or licking gets worse after days
- You’re unsure what you’re seeing
Your vet may:
- Manually express the glands
- Prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatories
- Recommend fiber changes
- Perform minor surgery in severe cases
Delaying treatment risks a ruptured abscess, which is painful and may require sedation to clean and treat.
How to Manage and Prevent Anal Gland Problems
The best way to deal with anal gland issues? Prevent them as much as possible.
Here’s how:
Diet & Routine:
- Feed a fiber-rich, digestible diet
- Add pumpkin or Psyllium husk to meals
- Use natural digestive chews for gut and stool health
- Stick to regular feeding and potty schedules
Hygiene:
- Have glands expressed professionally every 4–8 weeks if needed
- Wipe or rinse rear area after serious diarrhea
- Keep up with regular grooming (especially near the tail)
Lifestyle:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Let your dog exercise and poop regularly
- Avoid sedentary lifestyles that lead to lazy digestion
For some dogs, especially smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and French Bulldogs, anal gland maintenance is routine, not a one-time issue.
Conclusion
So, how to tell if dogs anal glands are full?
It’s all in the behavior and the backend:
- Watch for scooting, licking, and discomfort
- Check the area for swelling or foul odor
- Take action early, don’t wait for pain or infection
If your dog has repeated flare-ups, work with your vet and consider adding healthy stool-supporting supplements or changing up their grooming schedule.
Taking your dog’s rear-end health seriously might not be fun, but for them, it can mean the difference between living in constant discomfort or being totally feeling great from tail to tongue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it painful when a dog’s glands are full?
Yes. Full glands cause pressure and irritation. Dogs may scoot or whine to relieve the discomfort.
What do full anal glands smell like?
A strong, fishy, oily odor that may stay in your furniture or dog’s fur even after grooming.
What breeds are most prone to anal gland issues?
Small dogs like Pugs, Frenchies, Dachshunds, and Cocker Spaniels are more prone.
Can diet affect gland health?
Yes. A high-fiber diet creates firm stools, which helps the dog empty glands naturally.
What happens if the glands rupture?
It can be painful and may require sedation, cleaning, antibiotics, or stitches.
Can I express my dog’s anal glands at home?
You can, but it requires care and knowledge. Improper technique can cause injury. Vet or groomer visits are safer for most pet owners.
How often should anal glands be expressed?
Only as needed. Some dogs never need it, while others (like small breeds) may require it every 4–6 weeks.
Can stress affect anal glands?
Yes. Dogs under stress may tense muscles during bowel movements, making natural expression harder.
Is scooting always an anal gland problem?
Not always, it can also mean worms, allergies, or skin irritation. Always investigate.
