Dog Anal Gland Problems: Scooting, Impaction and Abscesses

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Anal glands are a smelly subject, but problems with them are very common and can be painful.

What they are

Dogs have two small sacs on either side of the anus that make a strong-smelling fluid. In many dogs the glands empty a little each time the dog passes firm stool. The fluid is also used for scent marking.

Signs of a problem

• Scooting the rear along the floor. See scooting in dogs
• Licking or chewing the rear or tail base
• Fishy smell
• Straining to defecate
• Tail chasing or reluctance to sit
• Swelling or a red, hot lump next to the anus
• Pus or blood from a ruptured gland
• Behavior changes from pain

Why problems happen

• Soft stool or diarrhea that does not apply pressure to empty the glands
• Obesity. See dog obesity risks
• Allergies and skin inflammation. See dog skin allergies
• Anatomy, such as small ducts, especially in small breeds
• Infection or inflammation
• Tumors, rarely

Impaction, infection and abscess

Impaction happens when thick secretion cannot escape. Bacteria can then cause infection and, if untreated, an abscess that bursts through the skin. Abscesses are painful and need prompt treatment.

When to see a vet

Book an exam if your dog scoots, licks or smells fishy, and go sooner if there is swelling, a red lump, pus, bleeding or pain. Sudden severe pain at the rear needs urgent attention.

Treatment

• Manual expression by a vet or trained groomer
• Flushing and infusing the glands with antibiotics
• Systemic antibiotics and pain relief
• Warm compresses for an abscess, as directed
• Surgical removal in chronic, severe cases

Do not squeeze glands at home unless your vet has shown you how, since poor technique can bruise tissue or worsen impaction.

Prevention

1. Keep your dog lean.
2. Feed a diet that produces well-formed stools, with enough fiber. See fibre for dogs
3. Treat allergies and skin disease.
4. Provide regular exercise.
5. Trim hair around the rear. See how to do a sanitary trim on a dog
6. Ask your vet about pumpkin or fiber supplements.

See anal glands and grooming: what owners should know.

Scooting is not always glands

Worms, allergies, skin irritation and rectal problems can also cause scooting. See tapeworms in dogs and dog fleas. A vet can tell the difference.

Chronic problems

Dogs with repeated impaction may need routine expression every few weeks, or surgery in selected cases. Ask for a plan.

Questions to ask your vet

Ask whether your dog needs routine expression, how to reduce risk, what signs of infection to watch and whether diet or allergy treatment will help.

Common mistakes

• Squeezing glands at home without training
• Assuming all scooting is glands
• Ignoring a red lump
• Skipping dietary changes

Troubleshooting

• Scooting returns soon after expression: ask about diet and allergies.
• There is blood or pus: go to the vet.
• My dog resists rear touching: do not force, see the vet.

A simple plan

1. Check for signs.
2. See your vet.
3. Treat impaction or infection.
4. Adjust diet and weight.

Real-life examples

A pug that scoots needs occasional expression and a diet change. A spaniel's abscess is drained and healed on antibiotics. A terrier's scooting turns out to be tapeworms. Cause decides care.

Staying comfortable

Good stool quality is the best long-term defense.

The takeaway

Anal gland problems are common and treatable. See your vet for scooting or swelling and focus on diet, weight and skin health.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.