Anal Gland Problems in Dogs: Signs & Treatment
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Anal glands are two small scent sacs just inside a dog's anus that normally empty during bowel movements. When they don't empty properly they can become impacted, infected, or abscessed. The classic signs are scooting the rear along the floor, excessive licking under the tail, and a strong fishy odor. Mild cases are relieved by expressing the glands, but a swollen, painful or bleeding area needs a vet promptly.
Signs of anal gland trouble
Anal gland problems are uncomfortable, and dogs signal it clearly:
- Scooting — dragging the rear along the floor or grass
- Licking or biting at the area under the tail
- A strong, fishy odor
- Straining or discomfort when pooping
- Swelling, redness, or a draining sore near the anus in advanced cases
See your vet promptly for swelling, blood, pus or obvious pain. An impacted gland can progress to an infection and then to an abscess that ruptures through the skin — a painful problem that needs veterinary treatment, often antibiotics and pain relief. Don't wait it out once the area looks swollen or sore.
What can go wrong
| Problem | What's happening |
|---|---|
| Impaction | The glands don't empty and fill with thick fluid — uncomfortable but not yet infected. |
| Infection | Bacteria multiply in the backed-up gland, causing pain and inflammation. |
| Abscess | A pocket of pus forms and can rupture through the skin — very painful, needs prompt care. |
| Tumor | Anal gland masses can occur, especially in older dogs, and require veterinary evaluation. |
Most cases start as simple impaction, which is why acting on early scooting can prevent the more serious stages.
Treatment and expressing the glands
The immediate fix for impaction is emptying (expressing) the glands. Your vet or a groomer can do this, and some owners learn to do it at home — see how to express anal glands — though it's not something every dog needs routinely.
- Impaction: manual expression, sometimes repeated
- Infection: expression plus antibiotics and often medication instilled into the gland
- Abscess: draining, flushing, antibiotics and pain relief
- Recurring or severe cases: your vet may discuss surgical removal of the glands
Important: Don't over-express healthy glands — expressing glands that don't need it can cause irritation and inflammation. Only empty them when there's a sign of a problem, or as your vet advises.
Preventing anal gland problems
Some dogs are simply prone to anal gland issues, but you can lower the frequency:
- Feed for firm, well-formed stools — a good-quality diet with adequate fiber helps the glands empty naturally as your dog poops
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight — overweight dogs are more prone to gland problems; see the dog feeding calculator
- Add fiber only under vet guidance if your dog needs it
- Act early on scooting rather than letting it progress
If your dog needs expressing every few weeks, that's worth a conversation with your vet about diet, weight and whether something else is going on.
Why tracking helps
Anal gland problems tend to recur, and the most useful question — "is this getting more frequent?" — is impossible to answer from memory. A dog expressed three times last year versus once a month this year is telling you something has changed.
Practical take: Logging each bout of scooting, every gland expression, plus your dog's diet and weight, gives you and your vet a clear frequency trend. That's what turns a guess into a plan — whether the fix is more fiber, weight loss, or investigating an underlying cause.
Track how often the scooting comes back
Tavi lets you log scooting, gland expressions, diet and weight over time — so you and your vet can see whether the problem is getting more frequent and decide what will actually help. Free for your first pet.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dog scooting its butt on the floor?
Scooting most often means the anal glands are full, impacted or irritated, though tapeworms, itchy skin or allergies can also cause it. If scooting comes with a fishy smell or licking under the tail, anal glands are the likely culprit. Persistent scooting warrants a vet check.
How do I know if my dog's anal glands are impacted?
Signs of impaction include scooting, licking under the tail, a strong fishy odor, and discomfort when pooping. If you see swelling, redness, blood or pus near the anus, the gland may be infected or abscessed and needs a vet promptly rather than home care.
Should I express my dog's anal glands myself?
Only if your dog actually has recurring gland problems and your vet has shown you how. Expressing healthy glands that don't need it can cause irritation and inflammation. Many dogs never need manual expression, so don't make it a routine without a reason.
What can I feed my dog to help their anal glands?
A good-quality diet that produces firm, well-formed stools helps the glands empty naturally during bowel movements, and adequate fiber can help. Ask your vet before adding fiber supplements, and keep your dog at a healthy weight, since overweight dogs have more gland problems.
Are anal gland problems in dogs an emergency?
Simple impaction is uncomfortable but not an emergency. However, an infected gland or an abscess, shown by swelling, redness, blood, pus or obvious pain, is painful and needs prompt veterinary care. Left untreated an abscess can rupture through the skin.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC); VCA Animal Hospitals; Merck Veterinary Manual; American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)