Anal Glands Expression: The Awkward Topic Every Dog Owner Needs to Know About

Petopia Pet Salon

Okay, let’s just say it: anal glands are not anyone’s favorite topic. They’re the elephant in the grooming room — every dog has them, nobody really wants to talk about them, and somehow groomers are stuck in the middle.

What Are Anal Glands?

Anal glands (or anal sacs) are two small scent glands located just inside your dog’s rear. In the wild, they served as a sort of “calling card” — leaving scent markers behind. Normally, they empty naturally when a dog goes potty. But sometimes they don’t empty the way they should. That’s when problems can start.

Why They Become a Problem

If the glands don’t express naturally, they can fill up, become uncomfortable, and even get infected. Dogs might scoot their bottoms across the floor, lick excessively, or have a noticeable odor. Left untreated, anal glands can become impacted or, in severe cases, rupture — and that’s painful for the dog (and definitely not something you want to deal with at home).

Why Dog Anal Glands Expression Is Such a Tricky Subject for Groomers

Here’s where things get tricky for us groomers:

• If we do it → we risk causing irritation, missing an impaction, or being blamed if a vet later finds an infection.

• If we don’t do it → we’re blamed if the dog has issues, like an impaction or rupture.

It’s truly a no-win situation. And believe me, this is not the “superpower” groomers signed up for.

Why Vets Are Better Suited

While many groomers (including me) can perform external expression, it only partially empties the glands. Veterinarians are able to do a more complete internal expression and diagnose infections or other problems early. That’s why vets are always the best choice, especially for dogs with recurring issues, signs of infection, or ruptures.

Can Diet Help?

Yes! While no diet change can replace veterinary care if there’s already an issue, the right food can help support healthy anal gland function. A diet with enough fiber helps create firm stools, which in turn helps the gland expression happen naturally. Some safe options (always check with your vet first) include:

• Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling — just 100% pumpkin).

• Dog-safe veggies like carrots or green beans.

• High-quality food with balanced fiber for digestive support.

These small additions can sometimes make a big difference in preventing recurring problems.

How Much Fiber Should You Add?

When it comes to adding fiber, more isn’t always better. Too much can cause stomach upset or loose stools — which defeats the purpose. The right portion depends on your dog’s size, weight, and overall diet.

That’s why it’s always best to ask your veterinarian what serving size and frequency are right for your pet. For example, some dogs may only need a spoonful of canned pumpkin a few times a week, while others may benefit from daily fiber adjustments.

Your vet can guide you on:

• How much to give based on your dog’s size.

• How often to add it to their meals.

• Whether fiber should be used as a supplement or if a diet change would be more effective.

The Bottom Line (Pun Intended 😉)

Anal glands may not be a fun subject, but they’re an important part of your dog’s health. By working together — vet, groomer, and pet parent — we can make sure your pup stays comfortable, happy, and healthy from nose to tail.

At Petopia Pet Salon, I'm in the camp of "if if ain't broke, don't fix it." Not every dog needs routine gland expression. But, if your pup is uncomfortable, I'm here to help. I perform external anal glands expression upon request. For many dogs, this provides relief and keeps them comfortable. That said, I always recommend that clients discuss anal gland concerns with their veterinarian — especially if the dog is scooting, licking, having frequent issues, signs of infection, or persistent discomfort.

At Petopia, my goal is to make your dog look and feel their best. Sometimes that means grooming from head to paw… and sometimes it means handling the “behind-the-scenes” care too.