Anal Gland Expression

Anal Glands. The subject nobody wants to talk about, except when problems arise. These glands are situated just under the skin, on either side of the anus. These glands fill up with an oily, brown fluid, with its distinct smell. This is your dog’s identifying scent and is the reason why dogs smell each other’s butts when they meet. It is also secreted during defecation, hence helping the stool slip out easily. Most owners do not even think of these glands until they smell that awful, fishy odour and/or their pet is dragging their hind end along the carpet, or they’re continually licking at their backend. Sometimes if they become impacted or form an abscess, you will notice swelling and/or redness back there.

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

Anal glands should not have to be regularly expressed unless your dog has issues with not expressing them themselves or they’ve had problems in the past. We can show you how to express them at home but most owners, don’t have it in them to do it themselves! We can do them for you if you can’t manage it yourselves.

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

Yes, it could mean that he/she’s having problems expressing them. Sometimes dragging their hind end on a hard surface, can help them express them, great for them but not so great for our carpets or rugs. There are a couple of products out there on the market to help with anal glands. The product we’ve had the most success with is, Glandex. It’s a powder you mix onto your pet’s food daily. Quite a few of our clients recommend it.