Anal Gland Problems in Dogs: Causes, Home Care, and When to See a Vet

📌 Key Points

• ✅ Anal glands are located at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions on either side of the anus and empty naturally during defecation.
• ✅ A persistent fishy smell at the tail base, scooting on the floor, and excessive licking of the anus are all warning signs.
• ✅ For mild blockages, you can gently squeeze externally during bath time; never insert your fingers into the anus.
• ✅ If there is redness, swelling, heat, pain, ulceration with pus or blood, or fever, stop and see a veterinarian immediately.
• ✅ Daily exercise, adequate fibre, and an ideal weight can reduce recurrence of blockages.

Have you ever experienced this: when your dog comes near, there's a sharp fishy smell from behind? Or it suddenly sits down and scoots its bottom back and forth on the floor? Many people think the dog is just playing, but these are actually distress signals from the anal glands. Anal gland problems are one of the most common minor dermatological and surgical issues in dogs. Pet owners who catch them early can easily manage them at home; if delayed until inflammation and pus form, a veterinarian visit—and possibly surgery—is needed. PetChill explains it all in this article.

What Are Anal Glands? Why Does Your Dog Have a "Secret Weapon" Back There?

On either side of a dog's anus, at about the 4 and 8 o'clock positions, are two small sacs called anal glands (also written as anal sacs). Normally, they secrete a extremely foul, rusty-smelling brown fluid. When a dog defecates, muscle contractions naturally squeeze out the secretion, which is used as a scent marker for "recognising the way and recognising others"—that's why dogs sniff each other's bottoms when they meet: they introduce themselves through this unique scent.

The problem arises when the glands cannot empty. When the secretion accumulates in the anal sacs over time, the fluid becomes more concentrated and builds up, causing itching, swelling, and inflammation—what veterinarians call anal sac impaction. If it continues to worsen, it becomes anal gland inflammation and may even abscess and rupture. Smaller, less active breeds such as Poodles, Pomeranians, and West Highland White Terriers, as well as overweight dogs, are especially prone to blockages because their muscle contractions are weaker.

4 Major Warning Signs: Signals That Your Dog's Anal Glands Are Troubled

Dogs can't speak, but their bodies do. If any of the following 4 signs appear, it's a reminder to check the anal glands:

1. A fishy smell emanating from the tail base. Normally, secretions are only released during defecation. If you notice a persistent fishy odour even when the dog hasn't defecated, it means the secretion has leaked out or accumulated for too long.

2. Scooting on the floor (sled walking). When a dog sits and propels itself forward with its hind legs, it's not being funny—it's a clear expression of itching or painful swelling around the anus.

3. Excessive licking, chasing, and biting the tail base and anal area. If your dog keeps turning to lick its bottom or frantically chases and bites its tail, be alert.

4. Difficulty sitting down or getting up, restlessness. When the anal sacs are inflamed and swollen, sitting becomes painful, and the dog may choose to sit on hard surfaces or circle before finally sitting down.

Additionally, if you notice redness and swelling of the skin around the tail base when grooming, or feel two hard, bulging small balls on either side, that is direct evidence of blockage.

Home Care in Practice: The "4 and 8 O'Clock" Gentle Squeeze Method

If your dog only has mild itching and a fishy smell, with no redness, swelling, or broken skin, you can perform an external gentle squeeze during bath time. Key points:

Step 1: Preparation

Trim the hair around the tail base, put on disposable gloves, and prepare warm water, paper towels, and a shower head. Before bathing, brush out any knots in your dog's coat so it can relax and stand still.

Step 2: Find the "4 and 8 o'clock" positions

Imagine your dog's anus as a clock face. The anal glands are at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock directions, just under the skin on either side. Use your thumb and index finger to gently press on both sides on the outside of the anus.

Step 3: Gently squeeze outwards

Gently squeeze from outside to inside and upwards, directing the pressure towards the anal opening; the secretion will flow out. Remember: do not dig with your nails, do not squeeze hard or randomly, and never attempt to insert your fingers into the anus—internal expression must be performed by a veterinarian, as pet owners can easily injure their dog by trying it themselves.

Step 4: Rinse immediately

If a foul brownish or paste-like secretion is expressed, immediately rinse the anal area with running water and gently pat dry. It's best to do this before the main body wash.

Observe for two to three days after squeezing: if the fishy smell disappears and the dog stops scooting, the blockage has been relieved. If you cannot express anything, or if the dog is in pain and jerks away, or the area is red, swollen, and hot, stop home treatment.

When Must You See a Veterinarian? Don't Delay in These Situations

The following situations mean it's more than a simple blockage—do not squeeze yourself: obvious redness and swelling around the anus, or a large, hot, painful hard lump; broken skin with pus, blood, or foul-smelling discharge; fever, loss of appetite, or refusal to lick; or scooting that persists for more than a week. An anal sac abscess that has ruptured requires veterinary drainage, flushing, and antibiotics; recurrent cases may require discussion of surgical options. By the way, inadequate deworming (tapeworm infection) can also cause scooting, so regular internal and external deworming is just as important as anal gland checks.

Prevention Is Better Than helps manage: 3 Ways to Reduce Anal Gland Blockages

1. Ensure daily exercise. Activity stimulates intestinal motility and anal sphincter contractions, helping natural expulsion of secretions.

2. Add fibre to the diet and maintain an ideal weight. Firm stools are needed to push out anal gland fluid; overweight dogs are at high risk.

3. Check during bath time. Every 2 to 4 weeks when bathing, pay attention to the smell and skin condition around the tail base. For dogs with recurrent blockages, discuss with your veterinarian about the frequency of regular care.

PetChill's Reminder

Anal glands are not a major illness, but the worst thing is to ignore them. From a mild fishy smell to an abscess and rupture, often only a few weeks pass. Remember the 4 and 8 o'clock positions on the clock, check during bath time, and your dog can avoid a major disaster around the tail base.

To learn more about dog care, stay tuned for the latest articles from PetChill!