Anal Gland Expression

Anal glands are such a smelly subject. Anal glands are located under the skin on either side of the anus, and they are your pets scent glands. They help dogs identify each other, hence the smelling of each other’s back end upon meeting one another. Anal gland secretion occurs when the pet defecates to help with the passage of stool. These glands, at times, can also become impacted or abscessed. You will generally recognize “the smell,” your dog may lick his anus frequently and scoot his rear on the floor. If you notice any of these signs, you should call your veterinarian.

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

Expressing your dog’s anal glands at home is really not something you likely want to try yourself. We can show you how it’s done and how to express them, but it’s probably best to leave this less desirable task to one of our experienced staff members.

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

If your dog scoots on the carpet (you may want to discourage this), there may be some issue going on with their anal glands. Please call our office and speak with one of our friendly pet care specialists, who will book you an appointment to have this issue checked.