Anal Gland Expression

Anal glands are never really talked about among pet owners, as most people do not know about them. These are glands that help lubricate when an animal is passing stool. They can be released on their own when the animal gets scared or is in a stressful situation. They have their own smell to them; most people refer to it as a “fishy” smell.

Should I drain my dog’s anal glands at home?

If your animal cannot express their anal glands on their own at home, do not try to express them yourself. This can cause many issues, such as sphincter issues, which helps to push the stool out of the body, or you can cause them to rupture, which can lead to a bacterial infection if not treated. Whenever you suspect the anal glands need to be express, call your veterinary clinic to get an appointment with a technician to have them expressed.

If my dog scoots on the carpet a lot, does this mean their anal glands are impacted?

When your dog scoots on the carpet, it can mean they are full and your dog is trying to express them. When this happens, it’s best to bring your pet in to have their anal glands checked to ensure there are no concerns. They may need to be manually expressed.