Anal glands (also called anal sacs) are two small sacs near a dog’s bottom that produce a strong-smelling liquid used for marking territory, as the PDSA explains. Problems happen when they don’t empty properly and become blocked, sore or infected. It’s usually easy to treat, and always worth a call to your vet rather than a DIY squeeze.
At a glance
- What it is: anal glands that have become full, blocked, infected or, at worst, abscessed.
- Who it affects: any dog; the PDSA lists soft stools, being overweight and allergic skin disease as risk factors.
- Urgency: soon for scooting or licking; as soon as possible if there is swelling, a wound or discharge near the bottom.
- Vet needed? Yes. Don’t try to empty the glands yourself unless your vet has shown you how.
Signs to look for
The PDSA lists “scooting” (dragging the bottom along the ground), nibbling or licking the bottom or lower back, pain when pooing or when the back end is touched, straining to poo, and suddenly sitting down or turning round to look at the back end. The Kennel Club adds a strong fishy smell from the rear end that isn’t normally noticeable. If a gland has become an abscess, the PDSA lists redness and swelling around the bottom, a wound near the bottom, discharge, blood or matting, and sometimes eating less or low energy.
Causes and risk factors
The glands normally empty when a dog poos. The PDSA says that if this doesn’t happen they can become full and blocked. Risk factors it lists are soft or loose stools that don’t press hard enough on the glands, narrow gland openings, chronic diarrhoea, allergic skin disease, and being overweight, which weakens the muscles around the area. The Kennel Club says impaction is most common after several days of diarrhoea. It’s a very common reason to see a vet: in a large UK VetCompass study, anal sac impaction was recorded in 4.8% of dogs. For many dogs a blockage is a one-off, but the PDSA says it can recur in some.
When to call your vet
Phone for an appointment if you notice the signs above. The PDSA warns that leaving blocked glands can lead to infections and abscesses. For a suspected abscess, its advice is stronger: contact your vet as soon as possible, because the condition is extremely painful and can burst if not treated quickly. Don’t try to empty the glands yourself. The Kennel Club notes that squeezing an impacted or infected gland could rupture it, causing bleeding and pain. If you need a practice, use our guide to finding the best vets near you. Not sure how urgent it is? Our sick dog symptoms guide may help.
- 1. Notice
Scooting, or licking and nibbling the bottom - 2. Speak to your vet
Phone for an appointment; as soon as possible if swollen or discharging - 3. Vet examines
Your vet examines the bottom and empties the glands - 4. Options
Treatment options your vet may discuss: emptying, flushing, pain relief - 5. Ongoing care
Some dogs need regular check-ups; ask your vet about weight and fibre
How vets diagnose it
The PDSA says the vet examines your dog’s bottom and manually expresses (empties) the glands. The Kennel Club says normal gland fluid is yellow to tan and watery, while impacted material is thick and brown or grey, and blood or pus suggests infection. Your vet will judge what they find.
What vets generally do about it
Emptying the glands often resolves the problem, according to the PDSA. If that isn’t possible, the vet may flush them under sedation or general anaesthetic. Painful or infected glands may need pain relief and antibiotics, and abscesses may need clipping and cleaning of the area. Some dogs need regular checks and emptying. The PDSA says that for long-lasting problems the glands can be surgically removed, but this is complex and carries risks including faecal incontinence, so it is usually a last resort. Treatment is always your vet’s decision.
Living with it and prevention
The PDSA says glands don’t need routine emptying “unless there is a problem”, and that groomers emptying them is unnecessary unless a vet advises it, as it can cause harm if done incorrectly or too often. The Kennel Club notes that experts disagree on routine emptying. To lower the chance of repeat problems, the PDSA suggests keeping your dog at a healthy weight and firming up stools with more fibre, but ask your vet what suits your dog. After an abscess, the PDSA says most heal within about a week of vet treatment if kept clean, and dogs with repeat problems may need regular check-ups. Your vet will explain aftercare, including whether your dog needs a cone to stop licking. Insurance can help with repeat visits, see our UK pet insurance guide.
Related conditions
- Diarrhoea in dogs
- Obesity in dogs
- Dog allergies
- Skin infections in dogs
- Cancer in dogs, as the Kennel Club notes that a malignant tumour of the gland can need surgery
- Back to the dog illnesses A to Z
Sources
- PDSA: Blocked anal glands in dogs
- PDSA: Anal gland abscesses in dogs
- The Kennel Club: Anal gland impaction
- O’Neill et al., BMC Veterinary Research 2021: Prevalence of commonly diagnosed disorders in UK dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog dragging its bottom along the floor?
The PDSA lists scooting as a sign of blocked anal glands, but it can have other causes. Speak to your vet so they can check.
Do dogs need their anal glands emptied regularly?
The PDSA says no, not unless there is a problem, and that groomer emptying is unnecessary unless a vet advises it. Ask your vet if your dog has repeat trouble.
Can I empty my dog’s anal glands at home?
The PDSA says owners should only do this after instruction from a vet, as squeezing incorrectly can cause serious problems. Speak to your vet first.
When is an anal gland problem urgent?
The PDSA says to contact your vet as soon as possible if you think there is an abscess, with signs such as swelling, a wound near the bottom, discharge or a foul smell, because it is very painful and can burst.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, speak to your vet. Written by Georgiana & Figo, who are dog owners, not vets. Have a look around Calmshops for everyday dog essentials.
