Anal Glands in Dogs: Why They Impacted and What to Do
What Anal Glands Are and Why They Cause Problems
Dogs have two small glands (anal sacs) located at roughly the 4 and 8 o'clock positions around the anus. These glands naturally express during defecation, depositing a unique scent used for territorial marking and individual identification — which is why dogs investigate each other's hindquarters and why fecal marking is highly specific to the individual dog. When these glands don't express naturally during bowel movements — due to soft stool, anatomy, or inflammation — the secretions thicken, the glands become impacted, and the dog experiences discomfort and itching.
Signs of Anal Gland Problems
The classic sign: scooting (dragging the hindquarters on the floor or carpet). Other signs: licking or chewing at the hindquarters, turning to look at the rear, a fishy odor near the dog, and reluctance to have the tail area touched. Full impaction progresses to infection and abscess, which appears as swelling and redness on one or both sides of the anus, pain, and sometimes a draining wound. Abscess is a veterinary emergency.
Who Is at Higher Risk
Small breeds (Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Beagles) are at highest risk for recurrent anal gland problems. Dogs with soft or chronic loose stool don't generate the pressure needed to naturally express the glands during defecation. Obese dogs have anatomically impacted expression due to increased perineal fat. Dogs with recurring skin conditions or allergies often have concurrent anal gland issues, as inflammation affects the gland opening.
Expression and Prevention
Anal glands can be expressed externally (gentle pressure on either side of the anus) by groomers and veterinary staff, or internally (a finger in the rectum to directly squeeze the sac) by veterinarians for fuller expression when glands are impacted. Home expression by owners is possible but requires instruction. High-fiber diets produce bulkier stools that better naturally express the glands during defecation, and dietary fiber supplements can help dogs with recurring impaction. Dogs requiring expression more than once every 4-6 weeks should have the underlying cause investigated rather than just managed with frequent expression.