Scooting along the floor, licking under the tail, or a sudden foul smell often point to your dog’s anal glands, two small scent sacs beside the anus that can become full, impacted, or infected. Some dogs need them expressed regularly. Problems are usually minor but can turn painful. Tricity Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam can help.
What anal glands are
Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small scent glands located just inside your dog’s anus, one on each side. They produce a distinctive, strong-smelling fluid that is normally released in small amounts when a dog passes a firm stool, which is part of how dogs mark territory and identify one another. When everything works smoothly you would never notice them, but when they do not empty properly, they can cause real discomfort. Cats have them too, though problems are less common.
Signs of anal gland trouble
Your dog will usually let you know something is wrong. Common signs include:
- Scooting or dragging the rear along the floor
- Excessive licking or biting under the tail or around the anus
- A sudden strong, fishy odour
- Swelling, redness, or a tender area near the anus
- Difficulty or discomfort when passing stool
- Holding the tail oddly or seeming generally uncomfortable
Why anal glands get blocked
Anal glands cause trouble when they do not empty as they should, allowing the fluid to thicken and the sac to become full, or impacted. Soft stool that does not put enough pressure on the glands is a common reason, which is why diet and stool quality matter. Other factors include allergies and skin problems, obesity, and simply being a small-breed dog, since smaller dogs are more prone. If an impacted gland is not relieved, it can become infected and form a painful abscess.
Expressing, and when it is an emergency
For dogs that need it, the fluid can be expressed, or manually emptied, by your veterinary team, who can also show you what is involved. Many dogs never need this, while others benefit from it on a regular schedule, so it is not something every dog requires. It does become urgent, however, if a gland becomes infected or abscessed. Signs like significant swelling, redness, bleeding, an open sore near the anus, or obvious pain mean your dog needs to be seen promptly, and our medical services and diagnostics teams can treat an infection before it worsens.
Preventing anal gland problems
You cannot prevent every case, but a few steps reduce the odds. A high-quality diet with adequate fibre helps produce firm stools that empty the glands naturally, and our nutrition guidance through our pet care services can help if your dog is prone to soft stool. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight matters, since excess weight contributes to the problem, and managing any underlying allergies or skin issues helps too. Regular checkups through our wellness program let your team monitor the glands and address trouble early.
When to call your veterinarian
Occasional, brief scooting may just need a gland check, but persistent scooting, licking, swelling, odour, or any sign of pain is worth a visit. Never try to forcefully express a swollen or painful gland yourself, since you can cause injury, and an abscess in particular needs veterinary care. If you are unsure whether your dog’s glands are the problem or something else is going on, an exam will sort it out and keep your dog comfortable.
Diet, fibre, and firm stools
Because soft stool is one of the main reasons anal glands fail to empty, what goes into your dog plays a real role in preventing problems. A complete, good-quality diet that produces firm, well-formed stools helps the glands empty naturally each time your dog goes, and for some dogs your veterinarian may suggest adding fibre to bulk up the stool. Sudden diet changes and too many rich treats, on the other hand, can lead to the loose stool that contributes to trouble.
Hydration and regular activity support healthy digestion too, and keeping your dog at a lean, healthy weight reduces the risk, since excess weight and fat around the area interfere with normal gland function. If your dog has recurring anal gland problems despite these steps, it is worth a conversation with your veterinary team, since an underlying issue such as allergies may be driving it.
Frequently asked questions
Does scooting always mean anal gland problems?
Often, but not always. Scooting usually points to full or irritated anal glands, but it can also signal worms, allergies, or other irritation. Persistent scooting is worth a veterinary check to find the cause.
Do all dogs need their anal glands expressed?
No. Many dogs never need it, since the glands empty naturally. Others, often smaller breeds or dogs with soft stool, benefit from regular expressing. Your veterinarian can advise what your dog needs.
Can I express my dog’s anal glands at home?
It is best done by your veterinary team, especially if there is swelling or pain. Forceful or improper expressing can injure the area, so ask your team to show you whether and how it should be done.
How can I help prevent anal gland problems?
Feed a quality diet with enough fibre for firm stools, keep your dog at a healthy weight, and manage allergies or skin issues. Regular checkups let your veterinarian monitor the glands and catch trouble early.
Is a swollen, red anal gland an emergency?
It needs prompt veterinary care. Significant swelling, redness, bleeding, an open sore, or pain can mean an infected or abscessed gland, which should be treated quickly before it worsens.
Do cats have anal gland problems too?
Cats have anal glands, but problems are far less common than in dogs. If your cat is scooting, licking under the tail, or seems uncomfortable, it is still worth a veterinary check.