Anal Gland Expression

Most people are unaware of this, but dogs and cats have anal glands that they naturally express every time they have a bowel movement. Occasionally, they have trouble expressing these on their own and will need help. This is something that is best left for a veterinary professional due to the risk of anal glands rupturing, which can lead to a great deal of discomfort and infection for your pet.

Should I drain my dog’s anal glands at home?

No, you should not. There is a risk of rupturing the anal glands if they are not expressed correctly. This can be very painful for your pet and can lead to infection. Also, it is pretty stinky so leaving this to a medical professional is recommended.

If my dog scoots on the carpet, does this mean their anal glands are impacted?

Not necessarily. Although scooting is one common sign of anal gland impaction there can be other causes such as allergies, parasites, or skin disease.