Anal Gland Expression

Anal glands are small sacs located by the dog’s anus. Every time a dog passes stool, the gland is typically expressed. But some dogs’ anal glands don’t express themselves when the dog passes stool so a veterinarian or veterinary technician may need to express them. Sometimes anal glands can get blocked and have infections in them and sometimes they can rupture through the skin which causes further infection and pain.

Should I drain my dog’s anal glands at home?

We do not recommend trying to emptying your dog’s anal glands at home. 

If my dog scoots on the carpet, does this mean their anal glands are impacted?

If you see your dog scooting/dragging its hindquarters on the carpet, it could mean that their anal glands are full and need to be expressed. Other signs of anal glands needing to be expressed are biting and or licking at the anus, and some dogs may become irritable.