Common anal gland issues in dogs

Scooting across the carpet. Suddenly spinning around to look at their tail. A mysterious fishy smell that appears out of nowhere. Anal gland problems are usually top of the list of potential causes. 

Most dogs go their whole lives without any issues, but for some, these small scent glands can become a recurring source of discomfort. What starts as a simple problem with emptying can sometimes progress to infection, abscess formation, or even rupture if left untreated. Let's look at the most common anal gland problems in dogs, the signs to watch for, and how to help keep your pup comfortable.

What causes anal gland problems in dogs? 

Anal glands are two small sacs located beside your dog's anus. They contain a strong-smelling fluid that is normally released in tiny amounts when your dog passes a firm poop. Problems develop when the glands don't empty properly. This can happen for several reasons.

1. Not enough pressure during toileting

Firm poops help naturally squeeze the glands as they pass. If your dog has diarrhoea, consistently soft poo, digestive disease, or frequent tummy upsets from scavenging, there may not be enough pressure to empty the glands effectively. More rarely, dogs with faecal incontinence or conditions affecting the nerves and muscles around the anus may not have the muscle tone needed to help empty the glands.

2. Narrow or inflamed gland openings

Allergies and skin inflammation can affect the ducts leading into the anal glands and alter the normal balance of bacteria and yeasts on the skin. Swelling or skin thickening can narrow these ducts, making it harder for the gland contents to be released.

Chronic inflammation or recurrent anal gland problems can also lead to scarring and narrowing. 

3. Thickened gland material

Sometimes the fluid inside the glands becomes abnormally thick. When glands do not empty effectively, secretions sit within the sac for longer, allowing cellular debris and inflammatory material to accumulate. The thicker the contents become, the more difficult they are to express naturally. This creates a cycle where retained material leads to further irritation and inflammation.

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Signs your dog may have an anal gland problem

Anal gland problems can range from mildly irritating to extremely painful. While bottom dragging is the most obvious sign, picking up on a problem isn’t always that straightforward. 

Keep an eye out for:

• Scooting or dragging their bottom along the floor
• Excessive licking or chewing around the tail and back end
• Frequently turning to look at their rear
• A strong fishy smell that comes and goes
• Holding their tail lower than usual
• Pain or difficulty when pooing
• Swelling beside the anus
• Blood or discharge around the bottom
• Becoming grumpy when their back end is touched
  

If your dog is older, overweight or has arthritis, they may struggle to reach their bottom to lick, leading to surprisingly subtle or even misleading symptoms. 

Common anal gland conditions in dogs 

Many anal gland problems develop as a consequence of the same process. What starts as a minor issue with normal emptying can gradually progress through several stages, ending in anal gland rupture.

1. Full anal glands

Before the glands become blocked, they usually become overly full. Some dogs show no signs at all, while others may occasionally scoot, lick their bottom, or release a fishy smell. Although the glands can still empty at this stage, they're holding more material than they should. If left full for too long, inflammation in the gland and ducts can lead to further complications.

Having full anal glands expressed by your vet as soon as you notice the signs can prevent further problems from developing. 

2. Blocked (impacted) anal glands

When thickened contents or a narrowed duct prevent the gland from emptying, the gland becomes impacted. This is one of the most common anal gland problems seen by vets. Dogs may scoot frequently, lick their rear end, or seem uncomfortable when sitting or toileting. Left untreated, impaction leads to increasing discomfort, inflammation and damage to the gland lining. 

If you'd like to learn more, read our complete guide to blocked anal glands in dogs.

3. Infected anal glands

Bacteria and yeasts can be found naturally within anal gland secretions and on the surrounding skin. When a gland becomes excessively full, stretched and inflamed, tiny areas of damage can develop within the gland lining. This creates an opportunity for bacteria and yeasts to invade the tissues of the gland wall, leading to infection.

Infected anal glands are often more painful than simple impaction. You may notice swelling around the anus, increased sensitivity, discharge, or a sudden worsening of your dog's symptoms. In more severe cases, dogs may seem generally unwell or develop a fever.

At this stage, manual expression may not be possible. Sedation may be needed to relieve the pressure in the gland, and depending on the severity of the infection, your vet may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or antibiotics.

4. Anal gland abscesses 

If infection continues to progress, the body often tries to wall off the damaged area, creating an abscess. Inside, the infection continues, and as pus and pressure build, the gland becomes increasingly swollen and painful. Anal gland abscesses require prompt veterinary treatment.

Dogs with an anal gland abscess are often noticeably uncomfortable, but other signs include:

• A visible swelling beside the anus
• Pain when sitting or pooing
• Excessive licking of the area
• Lethargy or reduced activity
• Reduced appetite

Owners sometimes notice a red, swollen lump near the anus, and the skin over the top can appear shiny as it stretches and thins. This happens because pressure continues to build within the gland until the wall ruptures and the infected material finds a new route out through the surrounding tissues.

5. Ruptured anal glands 

A ruptured anal gland is often the final stage of untreated anal gland disease. The pressure inside the gland or abscess eventually bursts through the skin beside the anus. This creates an open wound that may release blood, pus, or foul-smelling discharge.

Many owners are surprised when this happens because the wound usually appears next to the anus rather than directly on it. It's common for people to mistake the injury for a bite wound, cut, or skin infection.

While a ruptured gland can look alarming, the release of pressure often provides immediate relief from some of the pain. However, veterinary treatment is still essential to manage infection, promote healing, and prevent complications.

With appropriate treatment, most dogs recover very well. In some dogs, healing and scarring around the gland or duct may increase the risk of future anal gland problems.
In dogs with severe, recurrent anal gland disease that cannot be controlled medically, surgical removal of the anal glands may occasionally be considered. However, because the surgery takes place very close to the anal sphincter muscles, faecal incontinence is a potential complication, making this an option reserved for more serious cases.

Can anal gland problems be prevented? 

Whether it's anatomy, allergies or another medical issue, anal gland problems can't always be prevented. However, there are several ways you can help reduce the risk:

• Support firm, healthy poops – Firm poops help apply the pressure needed to empty the anal glands naturally. Feed a balanced diet and work with your vet to address any ongoing digestive issues.
• Manage allergies effectively – Skin and food allergies can contribute to inflammation around the anal glands and their ducts, making normal emptying more difficult.
• Maintain a healthy weight – Excess body fat, reduced muscle tone and changes in toileting posture can all affect how effectively the glands empty.
• Encourage regular exercise and toileting – Regular activity supports a healthy weight and digestive system, while routine opportunities to poop help maintain normal gland function.
• Consider dietary adjustments or fibre supplements – For dogs prone to recurring anal gland problems, your vet may recommend changes to their diet or fibre supplementation to help promote natural gland emptying. Read about the benefits of fibre for dogs. 
  

Conclusion

Most anal gland problems begin with a simple failure of the glands to empty normally. What starts as fullness can progress to blockage, infection, abscess formation and eventually rupture if left untreated. Learn about the 10 foods that help express dogs anal glands naturally. 

Fortunately, recognising the signs early and seeking veterinary advice can prevent a minor irritation from becoming a painful problem. If your dog is scooting, licking their bottom, or showing signs of discomfort around their back end, it's worth getting them checked sooner rather than later.