When meeting someone new for the first time, us humans use our eyes to determine the age, sex, and health of the other person. Dogs, on the other hand, use their noses to get all the information they need… by sniffing each other’s behinds.
Dogs’ anal glands contain pheromones which hold all the important information about that dog. In some cases, these anal glands can become impacted (plugged) which can be quite painful for the dog.
“Anal glands will need to be squeezed and emptied if they are impacted,” explains Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinarian at Senior Tail Waggers. “This is something owners can be taught to safely do at home.”
It’s important to note that you should only empty anal glands that require emptying. If your dog has no anal gland issues, there is no need to empty them.
What are Anal Glands and Why Do They Need Expressing?
Dogs have two anal glands which are little sacs that sit inside their rectum at the 4 and 8 o’clock position. Each anal sac contains a foul-smelling fluid. When a dog passes a stool, the anal glands are gently squeezed, secreting this fluid through the small ducts onto the stool.
This anal gland secretion is packed with the dog’s pheromones which communicate information to other dogs such as their:
- Sex
- Age
- Health
- Reproductive status
- Temperament
By secreting these pheromones onto their stools, dogs are communicating their territorial markings to each other. These pheromones are also the reason why dogs sniff each other’s butts.
When a dog is not able to naturally express their anal glands themselves, the anal sac contents can build up. This can eventually lead to impacted anal glands. In these scenarios, the dog may need human intervention to help release the material.
What causes anal glands to not empty properly?
Dog’s anal sacs not expressing themselves naturally can be caused by loose stools not applying enough pressure onto the anal sacs to cause secretion. Poor muscle tone can also play a role in anal gland problems.
Dr. Simon sees anal gland issues more commonly in dogs that are smaller, overweight, or have skin allergies.
“The breeds I see problems in the most would include Pugs, Frenchies, and smaller Terriers,” notes Dr. Simon.
How to Tell if Your Dog’s Anal Glands Aren’t Expressing
Having overfilled or impacted anal glands can be very painful for dogs. The built-up pressure on the anal sac walls can cause a change in your dog’s behavior. Common signs your dog’s anal glands aren’t expressing properly include:
- Scooting their bum along the floor
- Licking their anus more than usual
- Biting at their backside
- Swelling or redness around the anus
- Foul fishy smell around the rectum
- Showing signs of pain when sitting or defecating
- Showing signs of aggressive when having their backside touched
Dangers of a dog’s anal glands not being expressed
If you notice any of the above signs, take your dog to the vet immediately. If a dog’s anal glands are not emptied, the fluid can build up and cause plugged anal gland ducts which can eventually lead to:
- Bacterial infections
- Inflammation
- Ruptured anal glands
- Abscesses
Should you express your dog’s anal glands at home?
You should only empty your dog’s anal glands if your veterinarian has confirmed that your dog has trouble expressing them. Expressing a dog’s anal glands unnecessarily can result in your dog losing the ability to express their glands naturally.
If your dog is unable to express their own anal glands, this can be done at home by yourself. However, Dr. Simon explains, “owners should never empty glands if they are unsure what they’re doing. Using too much force could cause pain.”
4 Steps to Express a Dog’s Anal Glands at Home
If you do feel confident with expressing your dog’s anal glands, you can complete this task at home by following Dr. Simon’s method detailed below. Be sure to only apply gentle pressure to the anal glands. Too much pressure can cause your dog’s anal glands to rupture. In addition, stop immediately if your dog shows any signs of pain. Their anal glands may have become infected which will require medical intervention.
Step 1: Gather the tools
Items to have on hand when expressing your dog’s anal glands include:
- Gloves
- Tissues
- Lubrication (like petroleum jelly)
- Lick mat / KONG toy / treats to distract your dog
- Another person your dog trusts to hold them in place
Step 2: Get into position
Ask your helper to hold your dog at the front and distract them with treats. If you are working solo, smear treats onto a lick mat to occupy your dog with.
Get into position at the back of your dog with both gloves on and a lubricated left thumb.
Step 3: Express the anal glands
Left Gland
For the left gland, insert your lubricated left thumb and hold the side of the anus using your left index finger. You will feel a grape-sized swelling a few centimeters inside, at around the 8 o’clock position.
Apply pressure and continue to squeeze until it is empty. The contents can be squeezed onto the tissue.
Right Gland
Repeat the same process for the right gland. Insert your lubricated right thumb and hold the side of the anus using your right index finger. Feel the similar grape-sized gland a few centimeters inside, at around the 4 o’clock position.
Apply pressure and continue to squeeze the contents onto a tissue until the gland is empty.
When to See a Vet About Your Dog’s Anal Glands
It’s best to take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice a problem with their anal glands. The vet will perform a digital rectal examination and look for impaction, infection, rupturing, and abscessation.
If impacted anal glands are the cause of your dog’s pain, the veterinarian will express the anal glands, releasing the built-up fluid. They will also advise you on the next steps to help prevent the anal glands from becoming clogged again.
If your dog’s anal glands are infected, ruptured, or have abscesses, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to help with the healing process.
Can You Prevent Anal Glands From Overfilling?
Dr. Simon notes that the best way to prevent your dog’s anal glands from overfilling and causing more severe health concerns is by helping them to express their own anal sacs. To do this, Dr. Simon advises you to:
- Ensure they pass a solid stool at least once a day
- Add fiber to their diet
- Speak to your veterinarian about supplements e.g. Protexin ProFibre
- Keep them active with regular exercise
- Keep their weight in the healthy range
- Keep any skin allergies under control
Some dogs are simply not built to empty their anal sacs easily. They may continue to see anal gland impaction, no matter what you do. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend having the anal sacs surgically removed but this is usually the last resort.
As tempting as it is to avoid a costly vet bill, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian about any concerns you have with your dog’s anal glands. If your vet does advise that routine anal gland expression is needed, ask to observe them perform it first before you attempt it at home yourself.