Anal Glands

Anal glands, correctly called anal sacs, are two small pouches just inside the anus at roughly the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. They produce a strong-smelling, oily fluid that’s normally emptied when a dog passes a firm stool, which gently squeezes the sacs. The scent plays a part in marking and canine communication. Problems start when this natural emptying fails.

Anal gland issues are rarely random — they’re usually secondary to something else. Common causes are soft or poorly formed stools, chronic diarrhoea, food intolerances, environmental allergies (a very common trigger), obesity, reduced muscle tone, skin inflammation around the bottom and recurring ear or skin problems. In many dogs, repeated gland trouble signals an allergy or dietary sensitivity rather than simply “full glands”.

Impaction: the fluid thickens and won’t empty — scooting, licking under the tail, a sudden fishy smell, mild swelling and discomfort sitting. Infection (sacculitis): more swelling on one side, pain passing stools, redness, thick yellow or bloody discharge, lethargy or fever — this needs the vet. Abscess (emergency): the gland bursts through the skin, leaving an open wound beside the anus with blood or pus and severe pain — get prompt vet care.

Not every dog scoots. Watch for a tail tucked more than usual, reluctance to sit squarely, irritability, snapping when the rear is touched and excessive grooming of the hindquarters — grumpiness around the back end is often pain. Seek advice if scooting lasts more than a day or two, there’s swelling, discharge or bleeding, your dog seems in pain, problems keep coming back, or they have a fever or are lethargic.

Routine expression is controversial: doing it when it isn’t needed can cause irritation and chronic inflammation, and reduce the glands’ ability to empty themselves. It should be done when clinically needed, by trained professionals, as part of a wider plan. Prevention: keep your dog at an ideal body condition, aim for firm, well-formed stools, address food intolerances and allergies, give enough exercise and keep an eye on stool consistency.