Dog Anal Glands: Signs of Trouble and What to Do

Anal glands aren't the most glamorous topic, but they cause a surprising amount of discomfort — and a lot of confused owners wondering why their dog is dragging its bottom across the carpet or suddenly obsessed with licking its rear end. Here's what's going on and how to help.

This is general guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice — if you're worried about your dog, contact your vet.

What the anal glands are

Dogs have two small scent glands, one on each side of the anus, that produce a strong-smelling fluid. In the wild, this is part of how dogs scent-mark and recognise each other. Normally, a little of this fluid is squeezed out naturally each time your dog passes a firm stool. The trouble starts when the glands don't empty properly and become full, blocked, infected, or — at the more serious end — develop into a painful abscess.

Common causes

Glands can fail to empty for several reasons:

• Soft stools — firm poo helps press the glands empty as it passes, so dogs with frequently loose or soft stools are more prone to problems.
• Being overweight — extra body fat around the area can stop the glands emptying naturally.
• Allergies and skin conditions — these can cause inflammation that affects the glands.
• Individual anatomy — some dogs, and some smaller breeds in particular, are simply more prone to it and need regular help throughout their lives.

Signs and symptoms

Classic signs include:

• Scooting — dragging the bottom along the floor or grass.
• Excessive licking or biting around the tail and bottom.
• A strong, fishy or unpleasant smell.
• Discomfort when sitting, or suddenly jumping up as if startled.
• A visible swelling near the anus, sometimes red or sore.
• Holding the tail oddly, or appearing in pain when pooing.

What you can do at home

You can reduce the risk of recurring problems, though the emptying itself is best left to a professional:

• Help keep stools firm and healthy with a suitable, consistent diet — our can my pet eat this tool helps you avoid foods that upset the tummy, and your vet can advise on fibre.
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight; the pet calorie calculator can help you get portions right.
• Keep the fur around the bottom clean and trimmed so you can spot problems early.
• Don't attempt to squeeze the glands yourself unless your vet or groomer has shown you exactly how — done wrongly it can cause pain, bruising or injury.

If your dog is scooting, our dedicated guide on why is my dog scooting covers the other possible causes too, and you'll find grooming tools and wipes in our shop.

How problems are managed

For most dogs, having the glands manually emptied by a vet or trained groomer when needed solves the immediate discomfort. Dogs that get repeated problems may benefit from a routine emptying schedule, weight management, or a dietary change to firm up stools. Your vet will help you find the right approach rather than treating each flare-up in isolation.

Do all dogs need their glands emptied?

No — and this is a common misunderstanding. Plenty of dogs go their whole lives without ever needing their anal glands touched, because they empty perfectly well on their own each time they poo. Routinely squeezing healthy glands that don't need it can actually cause irritation and inflammation, so it isn't something to do "just in case". The right approach is to act on signs of a problem — scooting, licking, a fishy smell or discomfort — rather than emptying on a schedule for a dog who has never had trouble. Some smaller breeds and individuals are simply more prone and do need regular help, but your vet is the best person to judge whether your particular dog falls into that group. If you're unsure, ask at your dog's next check-up and they'll have a look.

When to see a vet

Book a vet visit if you notice:

• Persistent scooting, licking or a fishy smell.
• Swelling, redness, heat or a discharge of blood or pus near the anus — this can mean an abscess, which is painful and needs prompt treatment.
• Signs of pain, straining to poo, or your dog seeming generally unwell.
• Problems that keep coming back despite home care.

Your vet can empty the glands safely, treat any infection, and advise whether regular emptying or a dietary change would help. Find a practice through our vets directory if you need one. Because recurring issues often link to diet and skin, our dog itchy skin and dog allergies guides may be worth a read.

The takeaway

Anal gland trouble is common, uncomfortable, and almost always very treatable. If your dog is scooting, licking or smelling fishy, don't feel embarrassed about it — it's one of the everyday things vets and groomers deal with constantly. Keep stools firm, manage weight, keep the area clean, and let a professional do any emptying. Anything red, swollen, painful or discharging needs a prompt vet visit, but for most dogs a quick check sorts it out and brings welcome relief.

Sources

• PDSA — Pet Health Advice
• Blue Cross — Pet Advice
• Battersea — Pet Advice