Managing Anal Gland Problems in Dogs (Vet-Approved Guide)

Anal glands are two small scent sacs just inside the anus (at 4 and 8 oʼclock positions) that empty a smelly fluid each time your dog passes a firm stool.

That fluid is how dogs scent-mark, which is why a nervous dog can release it suddenly. In a healthy dog the sacs empty on their own with every bowel motion and you never notice them. Problems start when the fluid stays put and thickens, so the sac becomes full, then inflamed, then sometimes infected.

Anal sac disease is one of the more common reasons dogs are brought in for a sore bottom. A cross-sectional study of anal sac disease put the rate of non-cancerous anal sac problems at about 15.7% of dogs, so roughly one in six. It runs from a mild one-off blockage right through to a painful abscess.

The earliest signs are about discomfort: scooting, licking, and smell. The later signs point to infection. 

Catching the early signs means you can often sort the problem with a quick vet expression and a diet tweak, before it turns into an abscess. 

Early signs

• Scooting or dragging their bottom along the ground 
• Licking or biting around the tail or anus 
• A strong fishy or metallic smell 
• Swelling or redness near the rear 
• Straining or looking uncomfortable when passing a stool

Advanced signs

Knowing when a sore bottom needs a vet is the hard part, so here are the clear lines. 

Mild scooting in a bright, well dog can usually wait for a routine appointment. Book a same-day or urgent visit if you see any of the following.

• Blood or pus leaking near the anus
• A hot, painful swelling or a visible lump beside the anus
• Whimpering, or reluctance to sit or be touched there
• A firm lump that does not go away after expression
• Fever, flatness, or going off food

An abscess that ruptures is painful and needs prompt treatment to flush, drain, and clear the infection. Leaving it risks the infection spreading.

Scooting on its own is not always the glands. Worms, an itchy allergy, or a grass seed can cause the same behaviour, so it is worth checking the whole picture rather than assuming. 

Our blood in dog poo guide helps you tell gland bleeding near the surface from blood that is coming from inside the bowel.

A firm lump near the anus is the sign not to ignore, especially in an older dog. It can be a sign of anal sac cancer (adenocarcinoma), which sometimes raises blood calcium and shows up as extra thirst and urination. Caught early, it is far more treatable, so any persistent mass near the anus deserves a check rather than a wait-and-see.

Most problems come back to one thing: the glands are not being squeezed empty by firm stool passing through. 

When stool is soft or loose, it does not press on the sacs enough to empty them, so the fluid builds up. From there, several factors raise the risk, and they often stack up together. 

According to the Cornell Riney Canine Health Center, smaller breeds, dogs carrying extra weight, and dogs with allergy or skin disease are all more prone. 

Soft stool and chronic diarrhoea 

Firm stool is what empties the glands. Ongoing soft stool, food sensitivities, or recurring dog diarrhoea all mean the glands miss that daily squeeze. Our dog poo chart shows what a healthy, gland-emptying stool should look like. 

Body weight and muscle tone 

Overweight dogs have more fat around the sacs and weaker muscle tone, so the glands sit deeper and empty less effectively. The MSD Veterinary Manual lists obesity and poor muscle tone as direct contributors. 

Breed and body type 

Small breeds are over-represented: Cavaliers, Dachshunds, and Toy Poodles are more prone to recurring impaction due to narrower ducts and a higher tendency for soft stools.

Allergies and skin disease 

Dogs with itchy skin or food allergy dermatitis tend to have more gland trouble, because allergic inflammation changes the glands and the stool. Treating the underlying allergy often settles the glands too.

Have a look, then decide: a one-off scoot in a happy dog can wait, but anything sore, swollen, or repeated should be checked. 

Lift the tail and check for swelling, redness, discharge, or a smell. If your dog is bright and it is a single episode, you can watch for a day or two while you firm up their stool. If the scooting keeps up, or anything looks sore, book a vet visit. A vet or vet nurse can express the glands quickly and check whether infection has started. 

It is tempting to express the glands yourself at home. For most pet parents it is not worth the risk. Done with the wrong technique it is easy to bruise the area, miss a developing infection, or make your dog wary of being handled. A quick demonstration from your vet nurse is the safest way to learn if you want to manage a repeat-prone dog at home.

You do not need to express healthy anal glands on a schedule. Routinely emptying glands that are working fine can irritate and inflame them, and may create the very problem you are trying to prevent. The guidance from both Cornell and the MSD Veterinary Manual is to empty the sacs when there is a problem, not as a standing routine.

If your dog is scooting but the glands turn out to be empty, look further. Worms are a common culprit, so keep your dog's parasite prevention up to date, and ask your vet about itchy skin or a grass seed if it continues.

Treatment depends on the stage: a simple expression for a blockage, antibiotics and drainage for infection, and surgery only for severe or recurring cases. 

Your vet will examine the area and gently express the sacs to check the fluid and clear a blockage. From there, treatment matches what they find. 

• Impaction (blocked): manual expression, then a plan to keep stool firm so it does not recur. 
• Infection or sacculitis: expression and flushing, often with an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory ointment placed into the sac. 
• Abscess: drainage, flushing, pain relief, and antibiotics. A ruptured abscess needs prompt cleaning and care. 
• Recurring problems: if a dog blocks or abscesses repeatedly despite diet and weight changes, surgical removal of the sacs (a sacculectomy) may be discussed. Dogs live normally without their anal sacs.
  
  

The question I always come back to with a repeat-prone dog is why the glands aren't emptying, not just how often we empty them. Firm up the stool, sort the weight, treat any skin allergy, and most dogs need us far less. If you can tell me what your dog's poo has been like lately, that's often where the answer starts.

The single most useful change is firmer, bulkier stool, because that is what empties the glands naturally. 

Most diet support works by improving stool quality. Good fibre adds bulk so each motion presses the sacs empty, and keeping your dog at a healthy weight restores the muscle tone that helps them drain. For dogs whose problems trace back to a food sensitivity, a sensitive formula can settle both the stool and the glands.

A complete diet with the right fibre balance does most of the work. Browse our vet-recommended sensitive stomach dog food range if soft stool is the trigger.

Royal Canin Digestive Care Dry Dog Food

This Royal Canin formula supports optimal stool quality through a precise fibre blend and highly digestible proteins. Designed to encourage natural gland expression through firmer stools, it’s a great option for general digestive maintenance and mild gland issues.

Prime100 SPD Air Kangaroo & Pumpkin

Crafted with a single protein source and allergy-friendly ingredients, Prime100 SPD Air combines lean kangaroo with pumpkin for natural fibre. It’s ideal for dogs prone to soft stools or food intolerance contributing to gland discomfort.

Advance Sensitive Skin & Digestion

Advance Sensitive Skin & Digestion is a gentle option enriched with prebiotic fibre and omega fatty acids to support digestion and reduce inflammation. Suitable for dogs with mild gland issues and sensitive stomachs.

EAC Gland Clear Supplement (Vet-Only)

This vet-approved supplement works with your dog’s regular food to help promote natural gland emptying. Features anti-inflammatory ingredients and fibre to support ongoing gland health.

Glandex Soft Chews

A fibre-led supplement made specifically for anal gland health, combining pumpkin, fibre, and probiotics to support firmer stools and natural emptying.

Even mild anal gland irritation can progress quickly, so itʼs important to know when simple home monitoring isnʼt enough. While occasional scooting might settle with diet changes, certain symptoms are strong indicators that your dog needs prompt veterinary care.

Call your vet if your dog shows:

• Blood, pus, or swelling around the anus
• Scooting or licking lasting longer than 48 hours Pain, straining, or reluctance to defecate
• A burst abscess or open wound
• Strong odour that persists after cleaning

If possible, bring a fresh stool sample (under 12 hours old) or a clear photo. It helps your vet assess stool consistency and severity.

When in doubt, always call. Dogs can hide discomfort well, and even minor irritation can worsen quickly if left untreated.

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

You can express your dog's anal glands at home, but for most pet parents it is safer to leave it to a vet or vet nurse. Poor technique can bruise the area, miss an infection, or make your dog wary of being handled. If your dog needs regular expression, ask your clinic to show you the correct method first. 

How often should a dog's anal glands be expressed? 

Only express your dog's anal glands when there is a problem, not on a fixed schedule. Healthy glands empty on their own with firm stool, and routinely expressing them can cause irritation. If your dog blocks repeatedly, your vet will set a timing that suits them. 

What is the best food for dogs with anal gland problems? 

The best food for anal gland management is one that produces firm, bulky stool, since that empties the glands naturally. A complete diet with good fibre, or a sensitive formula if soft stool is the trigger, usually helps. A fibre supplement can be added if diet alone is not enough. 

Are anal gland problems in dogs an emergency? 

Most anal gland problems are not an emergency, but some need urgent care. A hot painful swelling, bleeding or pus, a dog that is flat or off food, or a firm lump that stays after expression should all be seen by a vet promptly. A ruptured abscess needs same-day treatment. 

Why is my dog scooting if their anal glands are empty? 

If your dog's anal glands are empty, scooting is often caused by worms, itchy skin or allergies, or sometimes a grass seed. Keep parasite prevention current and ask your vet to check for skin disease if the scooting continues.

Most anal gland problems are manageable, and many can be prevented by keeping stool firm, weight healthy, and parasite cover up to date. Watch for the red flags, especially a lump that does not go away, and your vet would always rather check a sore bottom early than late. Browse our dog digestive supplements to help keep things moving comfortably.

Sources

This guide draws on: 

• The Cornell Riney Canine Health Center, part of Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, on anal sac disease types, risk factors, and management 
• The MSD Veterinary Manual, the global clinical reference for veterinarians 
• A cross-sectional study on canine and feline anal sac disease, for prevalence and predisposing factors 
• A peer-reviewed review of canine anal sac adenocarcinoma, on the anal sac cancer red flag