FREE DELIVERY for orders from $35.

Why is Expressing Your Dog’s Anal Glands Important?

Oh, what a pain in the butt those anal glands can be!

This might not be the most pleasant subject to discuss. But hey, dealing with this topic is the same as dealing with your dog’s puke and potty accidents! And this is for your beloved pup’s comfort after all — and ultimately their health. Anal glands can become so impacted that they develop an infection resulting in an abscess or cellulitis (inflammation in the surrounding tissue). This situation is not only painful for the poor dog’s “butt,” but it also causes a nasty mess and can be distressing for you.  If not taken care of immediately, blocked anal glands can lead to a severe infection.

If you think your dog could be facing anal gland issues or you’re not sure what are the signs to notice if they are facing issues, this article will be useful in answering the question marks in your head. Why in the world do dogs have these two little annoyances at their back end? What can I do to help prevent my dog from suffering from regular anal gland problems? Let's get to the bottom of it! 


What are anal glands and why do dogs have them?

Anal glands (or anal sacs) are relatively small glands found on either side of your dog's anus (and no, humans don't have them!). They're found just below the surface of the skin between the external and internal sphincter muscles.

Why do dogs have anal glands?

Dogs usually use these glands to identify each other and mark territory by making a distinctive thick, foul smelling, oily liquid. This is the reason dogs smell other dogs' bottoms when they meet and greet, standing tense with tails erect to swap their own unique smells (a bit like individual fingerprints).So, as you can see, dog’s anal glands DO serve a purpose, even if it isn’t a pleasant smelling one. 

How do anal glands become a problem?

Credit: https://www.dog-health-guide.org/analglanddog.html

The most common reason anal glands become a problem is when they get impacted (the foul-smelling liquid isn’t able to be expressed when the dog poops), causing the secretions to build up and become infected. Anal glands can fill for a number of reasons; most commonly when there hasn't been enough pressure to empty the glands, such as, after a few days of diarrhoea. Whenever they haven't emptied properly, there's a chance that glands can become blocked, impacted and swollen. This impaction is uncomfortable, and the longer the secretions stay in the gland and start to thicken, the more painful it becomes, and a greater chance of rupture exists. 

Signs of anal sac impaction can include:

  • A nasty fishy smell. You may actually smell the odour emanating from your dog's backside there may be a problem.
  • Excessively biting or licking their butt 
  • Dragging or scooting their butt
  • Change in colour of anal gland fluid
  • Normal anal gland fluid ranges from yellow to tan in colour and is watery in consistency. Impacted anal gland material is usually brown or grey and thick, with the occasional presence of blood or pus indicating infection.

How to prevent anal gland

A normal bowel movement is usually all your dog needs to sufficiently express and empty their anal sacs. Some ways to help prevent anal glands from clogging up include changing your dog’s diet to assist in emptying their anal sacs. Add fiber-rich treats in your dog’s diet so it can help improve their stool’s size and firmness.

Exercise can also assist in emptying your pet’s anal sacs because they can malfunction if your pet is overweight.You can also look for a professional groomer close to your home to make an appointment to help you tackle the problem! Additionally, most groomers perform anal gland expression as part of their traditional grooming routines, but it’s always a good idea to ask if it’s included.


Grooming at Pet Master

Here at Pet Master, we offer anal gland expressions as part of our basic and full grooming service. Keeping your furry friend’s hygiene in check is very necessary as you surely don’t want to face unwanted health problems! Click here to find out more about the different grooming services we provide at Pet Master.    


It is important that you immediately act when your pet showcases the symptoms of anal sac problems. Even if you may find the symptoms cute and perceive it as normal, such symptoms should not be treated lightly. If left without treated, the discomfort your pet may feel may become unbearable for them to handle and it may lead to them getting their anal sacs taken out. Without their anal sacs, they won’t be able to mark their territory well and put them at risk to other complications. So, act immediately and carefully when it happens!   

Written by