🐾 Vet Guide 2025: Understanding Anal Glands and Abscesses in Dogs and Cats 🐶🐱

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Anal gland issues are a smelly and painful reality for many dogs and cats. While often overlooked, these small sacs can lead to big problems if not monitored and managed. As a veterinarian, I see many cases of discomfort, scooting, and even ruptured abscesses—all stemming from this tiny part of your pet's anatomy. 😿💩

In this 2025 guide, we'll explore:

• 👉 What anal glands are and their purpose
• 🚨 What an anal gland abscess is
• 🔍 How to identify the symptoms
• 🩺 Treatment options and when to see your vet
• 🛡️ Long-term prevention tips

📘 What Are Anal Glands in Pets?

Anal glands (also called anal sacs) are two small, pea-sized sacs located just inside your dog or cat’s anus—positioned at approximately 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock. Each sac contains a foul-smelling, oily substance that is released during defecation to help mark territory. 🦨

Though these glands play a minor role in communication among animals, they’re not essential for your pet’s well-being. In fact, for pets that suffer from chronic anal gland problems, surgical removal is an option—but more on that later. ⚠️

🎯 Do Humans Have Anal Glands?

Technically, yes—but they’re more akin to sweat glands and are vastly less prominent and functional than those in cats and dogs. So no, you don’t need to worry about scooting! 😅

📌 Anal Gland Anatomy 101

Each pet has two glands with tiny ducts that open into the anus. When your pet poops, the pressure from the feces compresses the glands, releasing a small amount of fluid. This is usually automatic, but for some pets, especially small dogs or cats with thick stool, this process can fail, leading to blockages or infections. 🚫💩

🔥 What Is an Anal Gland Abscess?

An anal gland abscess is a painful infection of one or both anal glands. When a duct becomes clogged, fluid builds up and bacteria multiply, resulting in swelling, pus formation, and pain. If not treated quickly, the abscess can rupture, releasing blood and foul-smelling fluid. 🦠💥

This condition is not only painful—it’s distressing to see and smell. Luckily, it's treatable with prompt veterinary care. 🏥

🚨 Risk Factors

• 🔄 Recurrent impactions or infections
• 🌾 Food allergies or sensitivities
• 🏋️ Obesity or poor muscle tone
• 💩 Soft or irregular stool consistency

There’s no clear breed, gender, or age predisposition—but smaller breeds tend to have more issues. Pugs, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds, for example, are frequent fliers at the vet clinic for anal gland troubles. 🐕

🔎 Symptoms of Anal Gland Problems

Pay attention to these signs:

• 🛷 Scooting or dragging the bottom
• 🦷 Chewing or licking the anus or base of the tail
• 🚫 Reluctance to sit or defecate
• 😿 Crying or signs of pain
• 🐌 Constipation or straining
• 🔴 Swelling, redness, or pus near the anus
• 🍽️ Loss of appetite or lethargy

If you notice any of these behaviors, it’s time to book an appointment with your vet. Anal gland infections are painful and worsen quickly. 🕑

💊 Treating an Anal Gland Abscess

Though not a medical emergency, treatment should not be delayed. Here’s how your vet may approach it:

1. 🧼 Cleaning the Gland

Under sedation or local anesthesia, your vet will clean the affected gland, flush out pus, and relieve the swelling. In some cases, an incision is needed to drain the abscess. 🚿

2. 💉 Medications

• Antibiotics: to clear the infection
• Anti-inflammatories: to reduce pain and swelling
• Topical treatments: if the abscess has ruptured

3. 📅 Follow-Up Visits

Rechecks are essential. Your vet will monitor healing, re-evaluate the area, and may recommend long-term management if problems recur. 🔁

🧪 Do Pets Need Additional Testing?

Sometimes, yes—especially if the problem is recurrent or severe. Your vet might recommend:

• 🧫 Culture of fluid to identify bacteria
• 🔬 Biopsy of the tissue if abnormal growth is suspected
• 🧪 Blood tests before anesthesia

Each case is different, and testing ensures your pet receives the safest and most effective treatment. 🧠

🔪 Does My Pet Need Surgery?

Only in chronic or severe cases. If your pet has repeated infections or abscesses that don’t respond to conservative treatment, surgical removal of the glands may be necessary. This is called anal sacculectomy. 🏥

⚠️ Surgical Risks

The biggest concern is incontinence. Because the anal glands sit close to the anal sphincter, removing them can damage the nerves, affecting your pet’s ability to control bowel movements. That’s why surgery is a last resort. 💔

✅ Preventing Anal Gland Issues

1. 🥦 High-Fiber Diet

Fiber bulks up your pet’s stool, which naturally expresses the glands during defecation. Try adding pumpkin, carrots, or vet-recommended fiber supplements. 🥕

2. 🐾 Regular Gland Expression

Some pets benefit from scheduled manual expression by a vet or groomer. Never attempt this without training—it can cause more harm than good. ⚠️

3. 🌾 Hypoallergenic Diets

If allergies are triggering inflammation, switching to a vet-formulated hypoallergenic diet can help reduce flare-ups. 🐟

4. 🧴 Keep the Area Clean

Regular grooming and hygiene around the tail area can prevent infection and matting. Ask your groomer to check for swelling during routine visits. ✂️

📲 When to Call a Vet

If your dog or cat is scooting, showing signs of pain, or has discharge from the rectal area—don’t wait. Contact your vet or use the Ask A Vet platform for instant support from licensed professionals. 💬🐶

With the Ask A Vet App, you can chat with a vet 24/7, track symptoms, and get personalized care plans for ongoing issues like anal gland management. Download it today to keep your furry friend healthy and comfortable. 📱💛

📚 Final Thoughts

Anal gland issues are common, uncomfortable, and often misunderstood. Whether it's occasional scooting or recurring infections, recognizing the signs early and seeking veterinary care can make a world of difference for your pet. 🐕🐈‍⬛

As always, work closely with your vet—or use AskAVet.com—to build a plan tailored to your pet’s needs. Because a healthy bum means a happy pet. 🐾