How To Tell If Dog Needs Glands Expressed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your dog’s health is a top priority, and sometimes, they can’t tell you exactly what’s wrong. One common, yet often overlooked, issue is problems with their anal glands. Learning how to tell if dog needs glands expressed is a critical skill for any dog owner.

These tiny glands, located on either side of your dog’s anus, normally empty naturally during defecation. However, they can become impacted, infected, or abscessed, causing significant discomfort and pain for your furry friend.

This guide will walk you through the tell-tale signs, helping you confidently identify when your dog might be struggling and needs your help. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for and when to act.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Observe

Before you start looking for signs, make sure you have a good understanding of your dog’s normal behavior. This makes it easier to spot changes.

• A Calm Environment: Observe your dog in a relaxed state.
• Good Lighting: Essential for visual inspection of the anal area.
• Gentle Hands (Optional): If you need to gently lift their tail or check for swelling.
• Patience: Some signs are subtle and develop over time.

Step-by-Step Guide: Identifying Anal Gland Issues

Recognizing the signs early can prevent more serious problems. Here’s a detailed look at what to watch for.

Step 1: Observe for “Scooting” Behavior

Scooting is one of the most classic and obvious indicators that something is bothering your dog’s rear end. It’s often the first symptom owners notice.

1. What it looks like: Your dog drags their bottom along the ground, carpet, or furniture. They might sit down and then push off with their front legs, pulling their rear along.
2. Why it happens: This action is an attempt to relieve pressure or irritation around the anal area. The friction helps to stimulate the glands, hoping to empty them.
3. Frequency and Intensity: Pay attention to how often your dog scoots. Occasional scooting might be due to a stray piece of debris, but frequent or intense scooting (where they seem desperate for relief) strongly suggests anal gland issues.
4. Surfaces: Dogs might scoot on rougher surfaces like carpet to get more friction, but they can also do it on smooth floors.

According to Dogster, a trusted resource for pet health information, scooting is a primary indicator that your dog’s anal glands might be full or irritated. This behavior is your dog’s way of telling you something is amiss in that sensitive area. You can learn more about this and other signs by checking out their guide on How to Know if Your Dog Needs Their Anal Glands Expressed.

Step 2: Notice Excessive Licking or Biting at the Rear End

If scooting isn’t present, or even if it is, excessive licking or biting is another strong sign of discomfort. Dogs use their mouths to self-soothe and clean.

1. Target Area: Watch for your dog persistently licking, chewing, or biting at their anus, the base of their tail, or even their inner thighs. This is a targeted effort to alleviate irritation.
2. Intensity and Duration: A quick lick now and then is normal. But if your dog is fixated on the area, spending minutes at a time licking, or doing it frequently throughout the day, it’s a red flag.
3. Redness or Irritation: Prolonged licking can lead to secondary problems like skin irritation, hair loss, or even infection in the affected area. You might see redness or dampness.
4. Nocturnal Licking: Sometimes, dogs will lick excessively when you’re not actively watching, particularly at night. Listen for the sounds of persistent licking.

This behavior indicates a localized source of irritation that your dog is trying desperately to address. It’s a clear signal that something isn’t right.

Step 3: Detect a Strong, Unpleasant “Fishy” Odor

Anal glands contain a strong, musky-smelling fluid. When these glands are full or leaking, this distinct odor can become very noticeable.

1. Distinct Smell: The smell is often described as fishy, metallic, or just generally foul. It’s quite unmistakable once you’ve smelled it.
2. Where it comes from: This odor is the natural secretion from the anal glands. When they are overfull, they might leak small amounts of this fluid, especially when your dog is stressed, excited, or even just sitting down.
3. When to notice it: You might smell it when your dog is near you, when they get up from lying down, or if they have recently scooted. The smell can linger on carpets or furniture.
4. Intensity: A very strong, persistent odor suggests a significant issue. It’s not just a passing whiff; it’s a pervasive smell.

PetMD, a leading online veterinary resource, explains the procedure of expressing anal glands, which often releases this very odor. If you’re noticing this smell, it’s a strong indicator that the glands are full and need attention. You can find more details about the process on How to Express a Dog’s Anal Glands.

Step 4: Visually Inspect for Swelling or Redness Around the Anus

Physical changes around the anal area are direct visual cues of inflammation or impaction. This step requires a gentle approach.

1. Gentle Lift of the Tail: Carefully lift your dog’s tail to get a clear view of the area surrounding the anus. Have someone gently hold your dog if they are squirmy.
2. Look for Swelling: Check for any noticeable bulges or swelling on either side of the anus. These glands are typically small, so any significant enlargement is a concern. They might look like small grapes or even larger, depending on the severity.
3. Observe for Redness: The skin around the anus should be its normal color. Look for any redness, inflammation, or irritation. This can indicate infection or severe irritation.
4. Pus or Blood: In more severe cases, you might see pus, blood, or a discolored discharge coming from the anal gland openings. This is a sign of infection or an abscess and requires immediate veterinary attention.
5. Tenderness: If your dog yelps or pulls away when you gently touch the area, it indicates pain or tenderness, which is a common symptom of impacted or infected glands.

Step 5: Watch for Difficulty or Pain During Defecation

Impacted or infected anal glands can make bowel movements extremely uncomfortable for your dog. The pressure from full glands can impede normal function.

1. Straining: Your dog might strain excessively when trying to defecate, even when their stool consistency is normal. They might hunch their back or cry out.
2. Reluctance to Defecate: They might hold their stool, trying to avoid the pain associated with passing it. This can lead to constipation.
3. Pain Cues: Look for signs of pain such as yelping, whimpering, or sudden movements during or immediately after defecation.
4. Changes in Stool: While not a direct symptom of anal gland issues, difficulty defecating can sometimes lead to drier, harder stools as the dog tries to avoid pain, or vice-versa, making the problem worse.

If your dog is experiencing significant pain during defecation, it’s a clear sign that something serious is happening internally. This warrants a prompt vet visit.

Step 6: Note Changes in Posture or Reluctance to Sit

Pain and discomfort from anal gland issues can affect your dog’s overall posture and willingness to engage in normal activities.

1. Unusual Sitting Posture: Your dog might sit awkwardly, tilting to one side, or avoiding putting full pressure on their rear end. They might shift frequently or stand up quickly after sitting.
2. Reluctance to Jump or Climb: Jumping onto furniture or climbing stairs might become painful due to the pressure on their hindquarters. They might hesitate or whine.
3. General Restlessness: Dogs in pain often become restless, unable to find a comfortable position. They might pace or constantly shift their weight.
4. Lethargy or Depression: Chronic pain can lead to a general decrease in activity levels, loss of appetite, and a subdued demeanor. Your dog might seem less playful or withdrawn.

These behavioral changes are your dog’s way of communicating that they are in pain and need help. The veterinary experts at PetMD highlight various reasons a pet might need a rectal exam, including pain and changes in posture related to the anal area. If you observe these symptoms, a professional examination is crucial. You can learn more about these reasons on 10 Reasons Why Your Pet Might Need a Rectal Exam.

Step 7: Feeling a Lump or Hardness (Caution Advised)

While a vet will perform a thorough rectal exam, you might be able to feel a distinct lump if the glands are very full or abscessed. This step requires extreme gentleness.

1. Gloves Recommended: If you attempt this, wear disposable gloves.
2. Gentle Palpation: With your dog standing, gently place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the anus. Very lightly, feel for any firm, pea-sized or larger lumps beneath the skin.
3. Pain Response: If your dog shows any signs of pain (yelping, snapping, flinching), stop immediately. This indicates significant discomfort or potential infection.
4. Do NOT Attempt to Express: Your goal here is only to feel for a problem, not to solve it. Improper expression can cause severe damage and pain.

If you feel a hard or painful lump, it’s a strong indicator of impacted or infected glands, possibly even an abscess. This definitely requires professional veterinary attention.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

While knowing how to tell if dog needs glands expressed is crucial, it’s equally important to know when to call the vet. Self-expression is risky and often not recommended.

• First-Time Occurrence: If your dog shows any of these signs for the first time, a vet visit is essential. They can confirm the issue and rule out other conditions.
• Severe Symptoms: If your dog is in obvious pain, bleeding, has a visible abscess, or is lethargic, seek immediate veterinary care.
• Recurrent Issues: If your dog frequently experiences anal gland problems, your vet can investigate underlying causes like allergies, diet, or anatomical issues.
• Uncertainty: When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian. They have the expertise to diagnose and treat the problem safely and effectively.

Dogster’s ‘Ask the Vet’ section provides insights into whether expressing anal glands at home is appropriate, often emphasizing that a veterinarian is the best choice for diagnosis and initial treatment. You can read more about this on Can I Express a Dog’s Anal Glands at Home? Our Vet….

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, owners can make mistakes that worsen the situation or delay proper treatment.

• Delaying Veterinary Care: Ignoring symptoms in hopes they’ll go away can lead to severe infections, abscesses, or even rupture of the glands. This causes immense pain and requires more invasive treatment.
• Attempting Self-Expression Incorrectly: Expressing anal glands requires specific technique and anatomical knowledge. Improper technique can cause trauma, rupture the gland, push infection deeper, or lead to chronic issues. It’s best left to professionals unless specifically trained by a vet.
• Misinterpreting Symptoms: Assuming scooting is just a behavioral quirk or that a bad smell is from something else can delay crucial treatment. Always consider anal glands as a possibility.
• Not Addressing Underlying Causes: If your dog has chronic anal gland issues, simply expressing them repeatedly without investigating why they are getting impacted won’t solve the long-term problem. Diet, allergies, and weight can all play a role.

Tips for Success

Taking a proactive approach can help manage your dog’s anal gland health.

• Regular Observation: Make it a habit to check your dog’s rear end regularly, especially after grooming or bathing.
• Healthy Diet: A high-fiber diet can help promote naturally firm stools, which assist in expressing the glands during defecation. Consult your vet about appropriate dietary changes.
• Weight Management: Overweight dogs are more prone to anal gland issues. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of impaction.
• Professional Grooming: Many groomers offer anal gland expression as part of their service. Discuss this with them, but remember they are not vets and cannot diagnose underlying issues.
• Veterinary Check-ups: Regular vet visits allow for professional assessment and proactive management of anal gland health. The American Kennel Club (AKC), a respected authority on dog health and care, offers comprehensive advice on how to express dog anal glands, highlighting the importance of proper technique and when professional help is needed. This information can be found in their article on How to Express Dog Anal Glands At Home.

What do anal glands do?

Anal glands, also known as anal sacs, are two small glands located on either side of a dog’s anus. They produce a foul-smelling, oily fluid that is typically released in small amounts when a dog defecates. This fluid is thought to be a scent marker, used for communication among dogs. When functioning correctly, the pressure of passing stool helps to naturally empty these glands.

How often do anal glands need expressing?

The frequency varies greatly from dog to dog. Many dogs never need their anal glands expressed manually, as they empty naturally. Others, particularly smaller breeds or those with chronic issues, might need expression every few weeks or months. Your veterinarian can help determine the appropriate schedule for your individual dog based on their history and symptoms.

Can I express my dog’s anal glands at home?

While some experienced owners can learn to express their dog’s anal glands at home, it’s generally recommended that a veterinarian or a trained veterinary technician perform the procedure. Improper technique can cause pain, trauma, infection, or rupture the glands. If you choose to learn, ask your vet for a demonstration and guidance.

What happens if anal glands aren’t expressed?

If anal glands become impacted and are not expressed, the fluid inside can thicken and become very painful. This can lead to infection, which is often accompanied by swelling, redness, and pus. In severe cases, an abscess can form and potentially rupture through the skin, creating an open wound that requires immediate veterinary attention and possibly surgery.

What breeds are more prone to anal gland issues?

Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Basset Hounds are often more prone to anal gland problems. However, any dog can experience these issues, especially if they are overweight, have allergies, or suffer from chronic soft stools or diarrhea.

Conclusion

Learning how to tell if dog needs glands expressed empowers you to be a more attentive and proactive pet owner. By recognizing the subtle and overt signs of discomfort, from scooting and excessive licking to changes in posture and a tell-tale odor, you can ensure your dog receives timely care.

Remember, your dog relies on you to understand their needs. Don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms. Early intervention is key to preventing pain and more serious health complications, ensuring your beloved companion stays happy and healthy.