Anal Gland Expression

For some dogs, anal gland infections or impactions can be a common occurrence. All dogs have anal glands which can also be referred to as “anal sacs” which are two small sacs located on either side of the anus. These sacs naturally empty during your dog’s regular bowel movement and are used for scent marking. Sometimes dogs will involuntarily empty their anal glands when stressed or scared which can be a very unpleasant experience for dog owners. If left untreated, anal gland impactions or infections can lead to an anal gland abscess which can be very painful. The best medicine is prevention, which is why it is important to have your dog’s anal glands checked and expressed regularly.

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

Some owners feel very comfortable attempting this task on their own at home, however it can be quite unpleasant. We recommend to have them professionally expressed by your veterinarian or a registered animal health technician the first few times so they can teach you the proper way of expressing them at home.

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

Scooting can be a very good indication that your dog’s anal glands could be impacted. However, there could be other underlying reasons that cause your dog to scoot such as a parasitic infection, flea infestation or due to a rash or hot spot in that area.

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