How to Express Anal Glands in Dogs

How to Express Anal Glands in Dogs: Vet Guide (And When Not To) 🐶💩

By Dr Duncan Houston

🔎 Quick Answer

Anal gland expression should ideally be performed by a veterinarian or trained professional, as incorrect technique can cause pain, inflammation, or infection. If you absolutely must do it at home, it should be done gently, hygienically, and only when necessary, not as a routine.

Let’s be honest.

Anal glands are one of the least glamorous parts of owning a dog… but also one of the most misunderstood.

Scooting, licking, that unmistakable fishy smell, these are all signs something may be going on back there. While expressing anal glands can help in certain cases, it is not something most owners should be doing regularly at home.

In fact, doing it too often or incorrectly can actually make things worse.

🧠 What Are Anal Glands?

Dogs have two small sacs just inside the anus, usually positioned at about 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock.

They:

• produce a strong-smelling fluid

• normally empty when your dog passes firm stool

• can become full, impacted, or infected if they don’t empty properly

When they become a problem, dogs may:

• scoot

• lick or bite at the rear

• smell strongly fishy

• seem uncomfortable sitting

⚠️ Should You Express Anal Glands at Home?

👉 Best practice: get a vet or groomer to do it

Why:

• internal vs external expression matters

• incorrect technique can cause pain

• can lead to inflammation or infection

• can miss underlying disease

That said…

If you have no access to a vet and your dog is clearly uncomfortable, it can be done at home carefully and sparingly.

🧤 What You Need

• gloves (always)

• lubricant

• tissues or paper towels

• warm water or wipes for cleaning

• somewhere easy to clean

🚫 Before You Start

Do NOT attempt this if:

• there is swelling or a lump

• your dog is in significant pain

• there is blood or pus

• your dog is aggressive or very distressed

• you are unsure what you are feeling

👉 These cases need a vet

🪥 Step-by-Step: External Expression Method

This is the safer method for home use.

1. 🧤 Wear gloves

Always. No exceptions.

2. 📍 Locate the glands

Think:
👉 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions

You may feel small, firm sacs just under the skin.

3. 🧻 Cover the area

Place tissue over the anus

👉 This is important
Because yes… they can spray

4. ✋ Apply gentle pressure

Using your thumb and forefinger:

👉 press inward and upward toward the anus

Do NOT squeeze aggressively
👉 gentle pressure is key

5. 💩 Watch for fluid release

Fluid may be:

• brown

• yellow

• strong-smelling

Once released, stop.

6. 🧼 Clean the area

Wipe gently and keep the area clean.

⚠️ Important Rules

❗ Do NOT do this too often

Frequent expression can:

• irritate the glands

• cause inflammation

• increase risk of infection

• make glands more dependent on manual emptying

❗ Do NOT force it

If nothing comes out:
👉 stop

Forcing can cause trauma.

❗ Always use lubrication

Especially if attempting internal expression (which is best left to vets).

🧪 What Normal vs Abnormal Looks Like

Normal:

• thin to slightly thick fluid

• brownish colour

• strong smell

Abnormal:

• thick, chunky, or paste-like

• green, bloody, or pus-like

• extremely painful reaction

👉 These require a vet

🚨 When to See a Vet Instead

Skip home expression and go straight to a vet if your dog has:

• repeated scooting

• swelling near the anus

• pain when sitting

• blood or discharge

• fever or lethargy

• recurring gland issues

These could indicate:

• impaction

• infection

• abscess

• rupture

🏠 How to Prevent Anal Gland Problems

Prevention is better than squeezing.

✔️ Improve stool quality

Firm stools help glands empty naturally.

✔️ Diet and fibre

Some dogs benefit from increased fibre.

✔️ Maintain healthy weight

Obesity can worsen gland issues.

✔️ Regular checkups

Especially if your dog has a history of problems.

💬 Final Thoughts

Anal gland expression is one of those things that looks simple… until it isn’t.

While it can be done at home in certain situations, it is not something that should become routine unless directed by your vet.

👉 Do it only when needed
👉 Do it gently
👉 Do not overdo it

And if something feels off, it probably is.

Let your vet handle the tricky ones.

❓ FAQ

Should I express my dog’s anal glands regularly?

No. Routine expression can actually cause more problems.

What if nothing comes out?

Stop. Do not force it. Your dog may not need expression or may need a vet.

Can I hurt my dog doing this?

Yes, if done incorrectly or too forcefully.

Why does it smell so bad?

Anal gland fluid is meant to smell strong. It’s part of their natural scent system.

If your dog is scooting or you’re unsure whether their anal glands need attention, the ASK A VET™ app can help you decide whether it’s a simple issue or something that needs a proper veterinary check.