Quick Answer
Expressing a dog’s anal glands too frequently can lead to inflammation, impaction, and infection. Veterinarians typically recommend only expressing glands when clinically indicated, not on a routine schedule. Healthy dogs may never need their glands expressed.
What are anal glands?
Dogs have two small sacs called anal glands located on either side of the anus at approximately the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. These glands produce and store a foul-smelling liquid secretion. With each bowel movement, small amounts of this anal gland fluid are normally expressed onto the feces. This secretion gives the feces a distinctive odor that provides information to other dogs.
What is the purpose of anal glands?
Anal glands allow dogs to express information about themselves through scent marking. Each dog’s anal gland secretion has a unique chemical composition. By depositing this foul-smelling substance when defecating, dogs provide social cues advertising their identity, sex, health and territory. Other dogs can gather this information by sniffing the secretions left behind.
When should anal glands be expressed?
Healthy dogs are able to express their own anal glands naturally when passing stool. Routine manual expression of normal glands is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Veterinarians typically only recommend expressing the glands when the dog shows signs of impaction or infection. Symptoms that indicate the glands should be emptied include:
Scooting
Scooting refers to a dog dragging their rear along the ground in an effort to relieve blocked anal glands. The pressure of sitting on the ground can help manually express impacted glands. Scooting behavior often signifies the glands need to be expressed by a veterinarian or groomer.
Excessive licking or biting at the rear
When the glands are full and painful, dogs may attempt to empty them by obsessively licking or biting at the area. This self-trauma can cause further inflammation and introduce infection. Prompt expression of the blocked glands by a professional will provide relief.
Unpleasant odor
A strong and unpleasant fishy odor around the dog’s rear may indicate overflowing anal glands. While this alone does not always necessitate expression, the odor can accompany other symptoms prompting a visit to the vet.
Painful defecation or bloody stool
Struggling, vocalizing or producing bloody stool during bowel movements can signal blocked and infected anal glands. These symptoms warrant immediate veterinary attention. Impacted glands may need flushing, antibiotics and steroids alongside manual expression.
Recurrent gastrointestinal issues
Some dogs with chronic colitis, diarrhea and soft stools do not fully express their glands during elimination. Over time, the glands can become overfilled. Expressing them may provide relief alongside other treatments for GI upset.
Risks of over-expressing glands
Veterinarians caution against manually expressing healthy anal glands too frequently. Well-meaning dog owners may wish to periodically express their dog’s glands in hopes of preventing impaction. However, regular expression of normal glands carries risks including:
Irritation and inflammation
Frequently squeezing the glands can irritate the delicate internal linings. This creates inflammation, swelling and increased risk of infection.
Scarring and loss of function
Repeated trauma to the glandular tissue can lead to internal scarring. This fibrous tissue buildup prevents the glands from fully expressing liquid. Over time, the glands lose functional capacity.
Leakage and fistulas
Ulcerations caused by over-expression allow gland contents to slowly leak out. Ruptured glands drain pus and liquid stool into the surrounding tissue, causing infection. Perianal fistulas can form chronic, painful tunnels.
Increased risk of impaction
Some dogs with frequently emptied glands will produce excess thick secretions in response, paradoxically worsening impaction issues. This triggers an unhealthy cycle requiring yet more expression.
Abscess and infection
Bacteria normally present in the anal glands can be forced internally during overly vigorous expression. This introduces infection and abscess formation requiring antibiotic therapy.
When to seek veterinary care
While occasional manual expression of impacted anal glands may provide temporary relief at home, more chronic symptoms require a veterinary exam. Dogs presenting with recurrent signs of anal gland impaction or infection should be evaluated for underlying causes.
Medical conditions predisposing to impaction
Certain health conditions are associated with inadequate anal gland expression. These include:
– Obesity – excess weight prevents glands from emptying
– Allergies – chronic itching and licking causes inflammation
– Hypothyroidism – poor muscle tone contributes to impaction
– Digestive issues – soft stools do not apply enough pressure
– Spinal cord disease – loss of proper nerve signals to the gland
– Cancer or polyps – block ducts or passageways
Treating the primary disease is key to managing recurring anal gland problems. For example, a dog with untreated food allergies may compulsively lick the area, increasing impaction risk. Relieving the itch with a hypoallergenic diet avoids this problem.
Indications for surgical intervention
While most cases of anal gland impaction resolve with periodic manual expression, some dogs have recurrent issues requiring surgery. Veterinarians may recommend:
– Anal sacculectomy – removing the glands entirely
– Anal gland repositioning – moving duct location for easier expression
– Placement of artificial ducts
– Widening obstructed duct openings
– Flushing out infected glands, abscesses or fistulas
Steps for manually expressing glands
Though some groomers and breeders routinely express anal glands as part of maintenance care, veterinarians typically advise against this practice unless medically needed. However, if a dog is showing obvious clinical signs of impaction, gentle manual expression at home may provide temporary relief until a vet appointment. Follow these steps:
Gather supplies
Have ready:
– Latex gloves
– Lubricant
– Paper towels
– Warm water
– Dog treats
Supplies help keep the process as sanitary as possible for both dog and owner. Rewards help keep the dog calm and comfortable.
Choose a location
Select a site that is easy to clean like a tiled bathroom floor or sturdy table. Placing a non-slip surface on the floor helps prevent the dog from sitting or moving during the process. Lightly restrain small dogs or have a second person gently hold the dog.
Apply lubricant
Rub a bead of lubricant around the dog’s anus to reduce irritation and facilitate gland expression. KY jelly, Vaseline or latex-safe surgical lubricants may be used.
Locate the glands
Stand at the dog’s rear with one hand on the rump to isolate the gland. Using your finger, gently feel for a soft, fleshy lump at roughly the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions just inside the anus.
Apply gentle pressure
Once the lump is identified, apply firm yet gentle pressure in a sort of pumping or scooping motion to avoid rupture. Take care not to pinch the gland. You may feel a release of fluid. Some vets recommend using both hands, one positioned on either side, to simultaneously express both glands.
Check for obstruction
If no fluid can be expressed, try another location or use a gloved finger just inside the rectum to check for blockages. Never forcefully squeeze or apply excessive pressure. Doing so risks serious harm to delicate tissues.
Clean up
Use paper towels and warm water to gently wipe away any anal gland secretions around the anus. Dispose of used gloves and towels in a sealed bag. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm water when finished.
Schedule a veterinary visit
Even if you successfully manage to manually express some fluid, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They can check for underlying medical issues, infections and any glandular obstructions requiring flushing.
Preventing impaction
For dogs prone to blocked anal glands, try these proactive steps:
Increase fiber
Adding pumpkin, psyllium or canned pumpkin to the diet helps bulk up stools. Firm, large stools apply more pressure to empty the glands during elimination.
Encourage activity
Getting overweight dogs to lose weight takes pressure off the glands. Additionally, exercising and building muscle tone improves gland contractility.
Consider probiotics
Supplements containing live cultures may improve gut motility and stool consistency. Consult your veterinarian before starting probiotics.
Try gland-supporting supplements
Some owners have success with herbal products and supplements containing omega fatty acids designed to support glandular health. Research efficacy and safety first.
Improve allergy control
Dogs with environmental allergies who lick excessively are prone to impaction. Using medications to control itching and inflammation can help.
Correct endocrine disorders
Properly regulating conditions like hypothyroidism improves muscle tone and gland function. Treating Cushing’s disease may reduce inflammation.
Consider prescription foods
Therapeutic foods designed to support the GI tract and stool formation may benefit some dogs with anal gland issues.
Warning signs of complications
While occasional impaction often resolves with conservative care, seek immediate veterinary help if your dog shows:
– Difficulty defecating
– Bleeding from rectum
– Loss of appetite
– Lethargy
– Fever
– Anal swelling
– Open wound on rear
– Bloody or purulent anal discharge
These signs may indicate an abscess, infection, fistula or ruptured gland requiring urgent medical intervention. Do not attempt to express glands exhibiting these symptoms, as doing so risks aggravating the condition.
Conclusion
The anal glands are a normal part of canine anatomy serving an important purpose in chemical communication. In healthy dogs that can fully express glands on their own, routine manual expression is unnecessary and ill-advised. Veterinarians recommend only interfering when clinical symptoms of impaction or infection arise. Manual expression should not replace diagnosis and treatment for any underlying conditions contributing to anal gland disease. With proper veterinary oversight and a holistic wellness approach, most dogs can live full, happy lives without needing regular anal gland expression.