Q&A for How to Express a Dog's Anal Gland

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What are the signs that it's time to express my dog's anal glands?

Ray Spragley, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.

Ray Spragley, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The most common signs include scooting, which is where a dog drags its butt on carpet, foul-smelling odors, and trying to lick their back side more often than normal. They may also leave a brown spot in areas where they sit.

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Question

How often should I express my dog's anal glands?

Ray Spragley, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.

Ray Spragley, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It totally depends on the dog. Some dogs require gland expression on a regular schedule, while other dogs will only run into gland issues a few times throughout their life.

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Question

Why do vets express internally rather than externally?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This is often related to the size of the dog. With bigger dogs sometimes the anal sacs are orientated so that it's not possible to reach around them to squeeze them. By placing a lubricated finger in the rectum this allows better access to the gland for complete emptying. Likewise, if gritty anal gland secretion is plugging the duct, the improved 'grip' afforded by internal emptying can help free the blockage.

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Question

Why do I have to express my dog's anal glands?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Not all dogs need their anal sacs expressed, so if you've never noticed a problem then you probably don't need to take any action. Signs of full or impacted anal sacs are the dog scooting on their rear end, excessive licking under the tail, or a foul fishy odor that follows the dog around.

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