Dog Anal Sac Disease and How to Express Them

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about your dog’s anal glands: what they are, why they need to be expressed, how to safely express them at home, and when it’s time to visit the vet.

What Are Dog Anal Sacs?

An illustration showing the location of a dog's anal glands

Dogs have two small, sac-like glands called anal sacs, located on either side of the anus at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. What’s especially important to know is that these sacs continuously fill with a secretion that has a very strong, unpleasant odor. Under normal circumstances, the secretion is released naturally during bowel movements, but if it doesn’t drain properly, it can lead to inflammation or even rupture, making regular care essential.

Why Should Anal Sacs Be Expressed?

Not every dog needs their anal glands expressed. Healthy dogs that regularly pass firm stools usually empty their glands naturally during defecation. However, overweight dogs or those with soft stools are more prone to gland secretions becoming trapped and accumulating. According to veterinary dermatology textbooks, obesity and gastrointestinal motility disorders affect stool consistency and are known risk factors for anal gland impaction. Accumulated secretions create an ideal environment for bacterial growth, which can lead to anal gland inflammation, abscesses, or even rupture. Even if your dog shows no symptoms, it’s a good idea to have their anal glands checked every few months.

Suspect Anal Sac Issues If You See These Signs

Scooting: A classic sign is when your pet drags or rubs its bottom along the floor.

Excessive licking around the anus: Your pet may repeatedly lick or try to bite the area behind it.

Reluctance to let you touch its tail: Your pet might flinch or move away when you try to touch its tail area.

Unusual fishy odor: You may notice an abnormal, fish-like smell coming from your pet’s body.

Redness around the anus: The area may appear slightly swollen or turn red.

Comparison of Anal Sac Problem Stages

Item	Symptoms	Management
Normal	Asymptomatic	Check once every few months
Impaction (blockage)	Scooting, licking	Attempt manual expression
Anal sacculitis	Swelling, pain, worsening foul odor	Visit the clinic
Abscess·rupture	Bleeding, fever, opening	Seek emergency care immediately

As the stage advances, veterinary care is needed rather than self-management

When to Skip Expression and Go to the Vet

If the area around the anus is already red and swollen, if you see blood or pus, or if your dog cries out in pain when touched, do not attempt to express the anal glands at home. Forcing pressure in this condition can cause the anal sac to rupture, spreading infection to surrounding tissues and potentially requiring surgery. According to veterinary textbooks, an anal sac abscess requires incision and drainage followed by systemic antibiotic therapy, and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and lethargy. If bleeding, pus, or systemic symptoms are present, it is safest to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

How to Express Anal Sacs at Home (External Method)

1. - What you’ll need: Disposable gloves, tissues or wet wipes, and warm water. 2. - Positioning: One person gently holds the dog in a secure embrace, while the other lifts the tail upward. 3. Locating the glands: Feel for small, pea-sized bumps located at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions relative to the anus. 4. Expression: Gently cup the area with your thumb and forefinger, applying soft pressure toward the center of the anus to express the glands. 5. Finishing up: Wipe away any discharge with a tissue, then lightly rinse the anal area with lukewarm water.

Illustration explaining how to express a dog's anal glands

Precautions When Expressing Anal Sacs

If external expression isn’t working well, don’t force it. According to veterinary textbooks, when anal glands are impacted, gentle external massage and pressure should be tried first. If the secretions still don’t come out, professional treatment such as flushing with saline may be necessary. If there’s no discharge after 2–3 attempts, internal expression may be required. Since this method involves inserting a finger into the rectum to express the glands, it’s safest to leave it to a trained veterinarian or groomer.

Daily Management for Anal Sac Health

Fiber and Dietary Management: Veterinary textbooks note that anal sac impaction is more common in dogs with soft stools. Helping your dog maintain balanced meals to avoid overly soft stools can be beneficial. Consider using pumpkin or sweet potato as treats.

Weight Management: According to veterinary textbooks, obesity can affect stool consistency and increase the risk of anal sac impaction. Maintaining an appropriate weight is important.

Adequate Exercise: Regular walks help maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the risk of anal sac impaction.

Hydration: Ensure your dog has access to plenty of water to prevent stools from becoming too soft or too hard.

Regular Checks: During bath time, check for swelling or odor around the anal area.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should anal glands be expressed?

It varies from dog to dog. Puppies that naturally express their anal glands don’t need manual expression, but for overweight dogs or those with soft stools, it’s appropriate to check the glands every few months. If there are no symptoms, there’s no need to force regular expression.

What happens if the anal glands aren’t expressed?

Dogs that naturally express their anal glands without issue are generally fine. However, if your dog is prone to buildup and doesn’t receive proper care, it can lead to anal gland inflammation, abscesses, and in severe cases, rupture.

Is it sufficient to just squeeze them out during grooming?

If there are no symptoms, expressing the glands during grooming is often sufficient. However, if you notice signs such as scooting or a foul odor between grooming sessions, additional care may be needed.

When should anal gland surgery be considered?

Surgery (anal sac excision) is considered for recurrent anal sac inflammation or abscesses, or if an anal sac tumor is detected. Your veterinarian will make the decision based on your pet's weight, age, and the frequency of recurrence.

Do cats need their anal glands expressed?

Cats do have anal glands, but problems with them are much rarer than in dogs. Only consult your veterinarian if you notice your cat scooting its bottom or excessively licking the anal area.

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References

[1] Frankel JL, Scott DW, Erb HN. Gross and cytological characteristics of normal feline anal-sac secretions. J Feline Med Surg. 2008;10:319.

[2] Heaton CM, Fernandes AFA, Jark PC, et al. Evaluation of toceranib for treatment of apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2020;34(2):873-881.

[3] Mellanby RJ, Foale R, Friend E, et al. Anal sac adenocarcinoma. J Feline Med Surg. 2002;4:205.

[4] Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 8th Edition. Chapter: Diseases of the Anus and Rectum.