If your dog's anal glands are leaking, you're sure to notice a foul odor. It may happen after your dog has been scooting their butt across the ground (or your favorite rug). Or, perhaps your dog was licking their rear end and produced an abnormal, room-clearing odor. These signs and behaviors often indicate a problem with the anal glands—your dog is trying to relieve the pain or discomfort associated with full anal glands, impaction, or infection. Here's what you should know if your dog has anal gland problems, such as leaking or scooting.
What Are Anal Glands and Why Do Dogs Have Them?
The anal glands, technically called anal sacs, are two small pouches of tissue located on either side of a dog's anus just under the surface of the skin. The anal glands collect oily, smelly fluid with unique scents that dogs use to mark territory and identify each other. When full, the anal glands may range in size from a pea to a small grape, although this varies with the size of the dog and the fullness of the sacs.
Why Do Dog Anal Glands Leak?
Dogs naturally empty their anal glands when stool pushes up against them during defecation, and the fluid may aid in lubrication. The anal glands may also express when external pressure (often generated during scooting or licking) pushes on the anal glands. It can even happen spontaneously if a dog becomes excited or afraid.
Issues arise when the anal gland material isn't released as it should be. Some fluid may leak out, but the anal glands can remain full. The buildup of fluid may become thickened and the anal glands can become impacted (blocked). An anal gland abscess may develop and eventually rupture.
Anal gland problems in dogs may occur for a few different reasons:
- Diarrhea
- Chronic soft stool (may occur if the dog does not get enough dietary fiber)
- Allergies, which may cause inflammation
- Infection (often secondary to other issues)
- Obesity (fat deposits around the anal glands prevent normal expression during defecation)
- Dysfunction of sphincter muscles (may be related to a neurological problem)
- Tumors or cysts, both benign and malignant
- Anatomical differences (more common in smaller breeds)
- Routine manual expression of healthy anal glands (rather than allowing them to empty naturally with bowel movements)
Signs of Anal Gland Problems
When the anal glands are full or impacted, it can be very uncomfortable for the dog, who may cycle through a range of behaviors in an attempt to ease discomfort. You may notice the following signs and behaviors:
- Scooting the rear end
- Licking or chewing the anal area
- Tail chasing
- Foul odor (may smell fishy)
- Leaking fluid from the anal area (may contain blood or pus)
- Redness or swelling around the anus
- Holding the tail down
Although these signs may be related to worms or skin problems, they're most commonly associated with anal sac problems.
Why Does My Dog Smell So Bad?
What To Do if Your Dog’s Anal Glands Are Leaking
If your dog's anal glands are leaking, or your dog is scooting or licking their rear end, those anal glands must be manually expressed or emptied by a human. Expressing a dog's anal glands is best taught in person by someone familiar with the process, such as a veterinarian or veterinary technician. Any dog owner can learn to do this at home as long as there's no infection present, but most people leave it to a professional because it's unpleasant.
There are two ways to express the anal glands: externally and internally. Remember, before you attempt to express your dog's anal sacs, it's important to have a veterinary professional show you how. Improper expression can be very uncomfortable for your dog.
- External expression: Use a tissue or cloth to gently squeeze the anal area from the outside and massage out the fluid. Unfortunately, this technique usually won't fully empty the anal glands.
- Internal expression: Insert a lubricated, gloved index finger into the anus and gently squeeze each anal sac (one at a time) between the index finger and thumb. The internal method is more effective, especially if the material in the anal sacs is thick. This is often uncomfortable for dogs, so you'll need someone to help hold your dog and keep them distracted and calm during the process.
Warning
Do not attempt manual expression if the anal area appears red, inflamed, thickened, has an open sore, or is painful. Call a vet as there may be an infection or abscess present and manipulation of the area may cause your dog extreme pain and will need proper treatment.
Treatment for Anal Gland Problems in Dogs
Contact your veterinarian if your dog's anal glands keep leaking, your dog continues to scoot or lick, or you notice redness, swelling, or pain around the anus. Your vet will begin by examining your dog and inspecting the anal area. They may try to express the anal glands to see if the material is thick or contains blood or pus. Depending on what they find, a few different treatments may be recommended:
- Antibiotics if an infection is present
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (such as carprofen) to reduce swelling and ease pain
- Sedation to express and flush impacted anal glands
- Surgery to repair ruptured anal glands
- Diet change or fiber supplements to bulk up stool
- Rarely, surgery to remove the anal glands (reserved for chronic, severe anal sac issues)
Your dog may need to wear a cone while recovering to keep them from licking the anal area. Be sure to follow your vet's instructions for home care and report any changes to your vet immediately.
How to Prevent Anal Gland Leaking and Other Problems
It's important to know that most dogs do not need manual anal gland expression unless there's a problem. Routinely expressing healthy anal glands can even cause problems. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog's individual needs. You may want to ask your groomer to skip anal gland expression if it's part of their grooming services.
Some dogs are naturally prone to recurring anal gland issues. Others develop anal gland problems due to other health concerns. There are a few ways to prevent these issues:
- Consider vet-approved fiber supplements or a high-fiber diet to help bulk up your dog's stool and naturally express anal glands during bowel movements.
- Work with your vet to manage allergies and chronic skin problems.
- Visit your vet for routine wellness exams, usually recommended once or twice a year.
- Schedule routine manual anal gland expression only if your vet recommends it.
- Contact your vet at the first sign of an anal gland issue.
Common Canine Behaviors Explained
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
