Understanding Anal Gland Issues in Dogs and Cats

Pooch won’t stop scooting across the floor? Impacted anal glands might be to blame.

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What Exactly Are Anal Glands?

Let's start with the basics: anal glands are tiny sacs located just inside the anus of both dogs and cats. Their size ranges from that of a grape to a pea, depending on whether your pet is a large dog, a small dog, or a cat.

The Natural Expression Process

Under normal circumstances, these glands empty on their own when your pet defecates. As stool presses against the gland, the resulting pressure triggers the release of the gland's contents.

When Anal Glands Become Impacted

Impaction of the anal glands is a frequent issue in both dogs and cats. It shows up more often in small dogs than in large dogs or cats.

Each dog and cat has two anal glands, and they don't necessarily become blocked simultaneously—it could be just one or both. For some pets, it's consistently the right gland; for others, it's always the left. This varies from animal to animal, but if your pet deals with chronic anal gland problems, you'll likely notice a pattern over time.

Recognizing the Signs Your Dog Needs Gland Expression

If your dog or cat is dragging its bottom along the floor or seems to be focusing unusually on its urinary or genital area, a vet visit is a wise choice. These behaviors frequently point to an impacted anal gland, though they can also signal the early stages of a urinary tract infection.

Consulting your veterinarian is never a mistake. While it's rare, anal glands can sometimes become abscessed or even develop cancer. Don't hesitate to contact your local vet.

Professional Anal Gland Expression for Dogs

If your dog sees a groomer on a regular basis—particularly small breeds that require frequent grooming and shaving—the glands are often expressed as part of the standard grooming service.

Certain veterinary clinics also offer package deals that include nail trims, where they may either express the glands during the nail trim or provide a discount for the service.

Leave It to the Veterinarian

Attempting to express your dog or cat's anal glands at home is never advisable. You might touch the wrong structure, and applying too much pressure or squeezing incorrectly can actually rupture the glands, leading to additional harm.

How Frequently Should Dog Glands Be Expressed?

A common question pet owners ask is how often their dog or cat's anal glands should be expressed. The honest answer is that it varies from one animal to the next. Some dogs and cats require expression on a very regular schedule—every four to six weeks—which is why routine grooming can benefit certain pets.

For others, it might be a one-time occurrence: you notice your dog scooting, you bring it to the vet, the glands are expressed, and the problem doesn't return. In some cases, it happens once a year or every other year. It truly depends on the individual.

The video below demonstrates the process of expressing a dog's anal glands. Be warned—if you watch it, you will see poop!

Can Pumpkin Help?

You may be wondering whether anything can reduce how often your dog or cat experiences anal gland impactions. Some people believe that mixing a spoonful of pureed pumpkin into their pet's food once or twice daily is beneficial.

Pumpkin is very high in fiber, so it can add bulk to the stool. In theory, this would make the stool larger and help it press against the glands, prompting them to empty.

That said, some dogs already produce bulky stools naturally, or the added pumpkin still doesn't create enough pressure on the glands. As with humans, every animal's anatomy is a little different.

Some Pets Are Simply Prone to Impactions

Certain dogs and cats are just more susceptible to impactions. When the material inside the glands grows large enough, it can be difficult to express even with pressure.

Adding pumpkin to your dog or cat's diet doesn't guarantee that impactions won't happen or that gland expression won't be needed.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.