Anal Gland Problems in Dogs: A UK Owner's Guide to Recognising and Managing Them

What anal glands actually are

Dogs (and cats) have two small scent glands either side of the anus, at roughly the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. They produce a strong-smelling oily fluid that normally empties out in small amounts each time the dog passes a firm stool — thought to be the source of the species' interest in each other's bottoms.

Problems start when:

• The fluid becomes thicker than normal and can't drain (impaction)
• An infection sets in, sometimes progressing to an abscess
• A tumour develops in or around the gland (rarer, but important; mostly older dogs)

Smaller breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Cavaliers, French Bulldogs, small terriers, Chihuahuas) are particularly prone, partly due to anatomy and partly due to the consistency of their stools. Overweight dogs and dogs with chronic soft stools are also more affected.

Warning signs to watch for

• Scooting — the classic sign. Dragging the rear along the floor or grass. Distinct from a brief itch; scooting is repeated and purposeful.
• Licking or chewing the rear more than usual
• Strong, fishy smell — sometimes followed by an oily mark on the carpet or sofa
• Difficulty or discomfort sitting down, or shifting position frequently
• Tail held differently — sometimes clamped or held to one side
• Visible swelling beside the anus — a smooth lump on one side, sometimes hot or red
• Pus or blood around the anus — indicates infection or abscess; needs prompt vet attention
• A bursting abscess — a sudden discharge of pus and blood from a swelling beside the anus. Looks alarming but actually relieves the pressure; the dog often seems immediately better. Still needs vet attention to clean and treat.
• General lethargy or off food in advanced cases (an infected abscess can make a dog systemically unwell)

Mild scooting once or twice can resolve on its own. Repeated scooting, smell, swelling, or any discharge warrants a vet visit — sooner rather than later if there's swelling or discharge.

What treatment usually involves

Routine expression

For mild cases (full glands without infection), a vet or vet nurse manually empties the glands during a quick consultation. The procedure is uncomfortable rather than painful and takes a couple of minutes. Many dogs need this every few weeks or months on an ongoing basis.

Important caveat: routine anal gland expression by groomers is common but isn't always advisable as a long-term default. Vet professional opinion in the UK and internationally has shifted toward expressing only when needed (a dog showing signs) rather than routinely — frequent unnecessary expression can irritate the area and contribute to recurrent problems. If your groomer is expressing glands as a default at every appointment, ask your vet whether that's still appropriate for your dog.

Treatment for impacted, infected, or abscessed glands

• Antibiotics for confirmed infection
• Pain relief
• Flushing the glands under sedation in more severe cases
• Surgical drainage and packing for an abscess that has burst or formed a cavity

Surgical removal (anal sacculectomy)

For dogs with chronic recurrent problems unresponsive to other management, surgical removal of one or both glands may be considered. It's a specialist procedure with a small risk of post-operative incontinence, so isn't a casual decision — but for dogs whose lives are significantly affected, it can be life-changing. Discuss with your vet whether it's appropriate.

Reducing recurrence

For dogs prone to anal gland problems, several things help:

• Weight management. Overweight dogs are significantly more likely to have anal gland issues. Even modest weight loss often improves the problem.
• Higher-fibre diet. A firmer, bulkier stool naturally expresses the glands. Some dogs benefit from a prescription high-fibre diet; for others, adding a small amount of unsweetened pumpkin puree or psyllium husk to meals helps. Discuss with your vet — the right approach depends on your specific dog.
• Regular exercise. Active dogs tend to have fewer issues than sedentary ones.
• Treatment of any underlying problem — chronic soft stools, food allergies, skin conditions all contribute. Addressing the root cause often resolves the gland problems as a side effect.
• Less-frequent rather than more-frequent expression. Counter-intuitive but increasingly the standard view: only express when the dog shows signs.

Typical UK costs in 2026

• Routine expression at the vet: £30–£70
• Consultation + expression for a problem case: £45–£100
• Antibiotics + pain relief for infection: £50–£150
• Sedated flushing of glands: £200–£500
• Surgical treatment of an abscess: £500–£1,500
• Surgical removal of glands (anal sacculectomy): £1,000–£2,500

Most lifetime pet insurance policies cover anal gland conditions, but routine expression is generally classed as preventive rather than treatment and may not be claimable. Surgery for abscesses or removal is normally covered.