Anal glands (also called anal sacs) are two small scent glands located at roughly the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions just inside a dog’s anus. Wild canids usually empty these sacs naturally during defecation; domestic dogs often do too — but sometimes the glands don’t empty properly and can become full, impacted, infected, or abscessed.
Do all dogs need their anal glands expressed?
No — many dogs never need manual expression. For many healthy dogs the glands empty naturally with normal firm stools. Manual expression is only needed for dogs that show signs of problems (impaction, infection) or for individual dogs that recurrently have full sacs. Estimates vary: some small or short-faced dogs, and some older dogs, are more prone to repeated problems.
How often should they be expressed if needed?
There is no universal timetable. Frequency depends on the dog:
- As-needed / symptom-driven: many vets recommend expression only when signs appear (scooting, excessive licking, fishy smell, difficult defecation).
- Regular maintenance: some dogs need expression every few weeks to months — smaller breeds can sometimes need it monthly, others much less often. If a vet or vet nurse recommends routine maintenance for your dog, they will advise a schedule tailored to that dog.
Signs your dog may need their anal glands checked
Look for:
- Scooting the rear on the floor or grass.
- Excessive licking or chewing of the anal area.
- A strong “fishy” odour from the rear.
- Straining to defecate, blood or pus near the anus, swelling or pain.
If you notice these signs, see your vet — untreated blockages can lead to infections or abscesses.
Who should express the glands: pros vs owners
- Veterinary staff (vet or trained vet nurse) — safest option. They can examine, decide whether expression is appropriate, treat infections, and teach you if home care is suitable. Many UK/Ireland veterinary organisations advise that suspected anal gland disease should be checked by a vet.
- Professional groomers — some experienced groomers offer external expression. Ensure they are trained and that the dog is calm.
- Owners at home — possible but not without risk: incorrect technique can cause pain, damage, or push infection deeper. If you choose to learn, get hands-on training from your vet or a qualified nurse first and follow strict hygiene. Many veterinary sources warn against attempting to treat an infected/abscessed gland yourself.
Safe, generally recommended technique (overview)
Important: this is an overview for informational purposes. If your dog shows signs of infection, swelling, pus, or pain — do not attempt this at home; take the dog to a vet.
Tools & prep
- Disposable gloves, lubricant, lots of paper towels or gauze, an assistant to gently restrain the dog, and a disinfectant for afterward. Be prepared for a strong odour and liquid or pasty discharge.
External (perianal) method — simplest for many dogs
- Have the dog stand. Gently lift the tail.
- Place a paper towel over the anal opening. Position thumb and forefinger at about the 4 and 8 o’clock positions outside the anus (just beyond the skin).
- Apply gentle inward pressure and “milk” from the base toward the opening — small, steady squeezes rather than sudden hard pressure. Collect the expressed material on the towel.
- Repeat for the other side. Clean the area afterward and monitor the dog for discomfort.
This method is commonly described in groomer/vet guidance and is less invasive than internal expression.
Internal (rectal) method — clinical technique
- Performed by vets or trained nurses. A gloved, lubricated finger is inserted into the rectum to palpate the sac internally while the thumb presses externally to empty it. This gives better control but requires training and caution because of pain risk and possible infection. Many veterinary teaching materials (university clinical skills sheets) describe this as the clinical procedure.
Aftercare and when to see a vet
- If the expressed material looks like pus (thick, yellow/green) or there is blood, swelling, or obvious pain, see your vet immediately — antibiotics or surgical drainage may be needed.
- If symptoms recur frequently, your vet may investigate underlying causes (soft stools, food allergies, obesity, chronic skin disease) and discuss options including diet change, fibre supplements, or, rarely, surgical removal (anal sacculectomy) if medical management fails. Surgery has risks and is a last resort.
Prevention & long-term management
- Dietary fibre: firmer stools help natural emptying. Some dogs benefit from increased fibre or specialist diets — discuss with your vet.
- Weight management and treating underlying skin or food allergies may reduce recurrence. Regular monitoring and prompt vet review at first signs help prevent complications.
Practical guidance for pet owners in Ireland
- If you live in Ireland and your dog shows scooting, persistent licking, or a fishy smell, book an appointment with your local vet or veterinary nurse. PDSA (UK charity widely used as a reference in Britain & Ireland) and UK veterinary colleges recommend professional assessment rather than unsupervised home treatment when infection or pain is suspected.
Key takeaways (short)
- Not all dogs need anal gland expression — many never do.
- Express only when there are symptoms or when a vet advises regular maintenance.
- Best done by a vet or trained nurse; groomers can do external expressions if trained. Owners should only do it after hands-on training and when there is no sign of infection.
- If you see swelling, pus, severe pain, or recurrent problems — see a vet promptly.