🍑 Vet Guide 2025: Emptying Anal Sacs in Dogs and Cats — Relief for Scooting and Discomfort

Does your dog drag their bottom on the floor? Does your cat suddenly overgroom beneath the tail? These behaviors often trace back to a very specific issue: anal sacs. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll explore what anal sacs are, why they become problematic, how to safely empty them, and what options exist for chronic cases. 🐾

1. What Are Anal Sacs?

Anal sacs (also called anal glands) are two small glands located just inside the anus at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. These sacs store a fishy, oily secretion used by wild animals for scent marking or defense. 🐕🦨

In most domestic pets, these glands empty during normal defecation—but not always. When they don’t, they become impacted, causing discomfort, inflammation, or even infection. 😖

2. Signs of Anal Sac Problems

Your pet may not directly show pain—but the following clues are common:

• 🍑 Scooting the rear across the floor
• 😺 Licking, biting, or overgrooming under the tail
• 🐶 Chasing the tail or looking back repeatedly
• 😟 Sitting strangely or holding tail low
• 🦴 Strange behavior—ear scratching, hiding, or shaking

Persistent scooting or licking? Time to have the anal sacs checked. 🩺

3. Should You Express Them Yourself?

Many pet parents wonder if they should do it at home. 🧤 While it’s possible, it’s usually better left to professionals. Here’s why:

• 🐕 Pets don’t like having their anus touched—biting and squirming are common
• 🧍 You’ll often need a helper to safely restrain the pet
• 🧼 It’s messy and smelly—the liquid can stain clothing or skin

4. How to Empty Anal Sacs

4.1 External Expression

• 🧻 Place a tissue over the anus
• 🖐️ Squeeze both sides gently from behind the gland, inward and upward
• 👃 If the secretion is thin and liquidy, this may be enough

4.2 Internal Expression (Preferred for Impacted Glands)

• 🧤 Lubricate a gloved finger
• ☝️ Insert into the anus
• 👍 Use thumb externally and finger internally to “milk” the gland toward the opening
• 📦 Repeat on both sides

5. What If Scooting Persists?

If scooting continues more than 2–3 days after expression:

• ✅ Recheck the sacs—they may still be partially full
• 🪱 Rule out other causes—tapeworms, itchy skin, or back pain
• 🐾 Sometimes multiple expressions are needed for relief

6. What Happens If the Glands Aren’t Emptied?

Impacted anal sacs can lead to:

• 🔥 Inflammation and discomfort
• 🩸 Abscesses that rupture through the skin (often mistaken for bleeding)
• 🧫 Infections requiring antibiotics

If an abscess forms, a vet must clean the area and prescribe medication. Do not attempt to drain or treat it yourself. 🩺

7. How Often Should They Be Emptied?

This varies per pet. Some never need it. Others require emptying every 4–6 weeks.

The rule: Let your pet’s behavior guide you. Scooting or licking means they’re full again. 📆

8. Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Recurrence 🥕

• 🥦 High-fiber diets (canned pumpkin, fiber supplements) can bulk stools to help natural expression
• 🏃 Regular exercise keeps bowel movements consistent
• 💩 Watch stool quality—formed stools are best for expressing glands naturally

9. Chronic Anal Gland Problems? Consider Surgery

If the glands need to be emptied every few weeks, or if infections keep recurring, anal sacculectomy (surgical removal) may be advised. 🔪

What to Know:

• ⚠️ The anal area contains important nerves for fecal continence
• 🧠 Experienced surgical technique is critical
• 📆 Many surgeons remove one gland at a time to reduce risk of complications
• 🛠️ Incomplete removal may cause draining tracts (requiring additional surgery)

10. Myths to Bust 🚫

• ❌ “Scooting = worms.” Usually, it’s anal sacs—not intestinal parasites.
• ❌ “All dogs need glands expressed.” Not true—many express them naturally.
• ❌ “Only groomers can do it.” Vets and vet techs are best trained to handle impacted or infected glands safely.

11. Ask A Vet: Support Anytime

Unsure if your dog’s scooting is due to anal sacs, worms, or something else? Use Ask A Vet to chat with a licensed veterinarian. We’ll help you decide if at-home care is safe or if a vet visit is needed. 📱🩺

12. Summary Table

13. Final Thoughts

Anal sac problems are stinky—but manageable. The key is recognizing early signs, ensuring safe expression (by a vet or trained groomer), and adjusting diet and lifestyle when needed. With proactive care, your pet can stay comfortable and scoot-free! 🐶🐱

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

For guidance on anal sac health, grooming tips, or surgical options, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app. 💙