Most Common Vet Visits: Anal Gland Inflammation / Infection

If you’ve ever watched your dog scoot across the floor or obsessively lick under their tail, you’ve likely witnessed one of the most common — and most misunderstood — complaints in small animal veterinary medicine: anal gland problems. Anal gland issues account for a significant number of veterinary visits each year, and while the topic may raise a few eyebrows, it’s an important aspect of pet health that every dog owner should understand.

What Are Anal Glands?

Anal glands — also called anal sacs — are two small glandular pouches located just inside the rectum, one on each side, roughly in the four o’clock and eight o’clock positions relative to the anus. These glands produce a pungent, oily secretion unique to each individual dog and serve as a form of chemical communication. Under normal circumstances, the glands empty naturally each time a dog defecates, as the passage of firm stool applies pressure to the sacs. This is why dogs sniff each other’s rear ends — they are reading each other’s individual calling cards. Cats also have anal glands and can develop similar problems, though this is far less common than in dogs.

Signs of Anal Gland Impaction

When the anal glands fail to empty properly — due to soft stools, gland anatomy, inflammation, or excess secretion — the material inside thickens and the glands become impacted. Signs include: scooting the rear end along the floor, excessive licking or biting at the tail base or anal area, a strong fishy or unpleasant odor, straining during defecation, and visible swelling or redness near the anus. If an impacted gland progresses to infection, the area becomes warm, swollen, and painful. An untreated anal gland abscess can rupture through the skin, creating an open wound that requires medical treatment.

How Veterinarians Express Anal Glands

Anal gland expression is the process of manually emptying the sac contents. There are two methods: external expression, where gentle pressure is applied from the outside, and internal expression, in which a gloved finger is inserted into the rectum to apply pressure from inside. Internal expression is generally more thorough and is preferred for impacted glands. When infected, the procedure may also involve flushing the sacs with sterile solution and instilling topical antibiotic medication directly into the gland. Some groomers offer anal gland expression, but veterinary expression is recommended when there is any sign of infection or significant impaction, as groomers are not equipped to manage complications.

When Surgical Removal Is Needed

For dogs with chronic, recurrent anal gland problems — requiring expression every few weeks, repeated infections, or persistent abscesses — surgical removal of the anal glands (anal sacculectomy) may be the most appropriate long-term solution. This procedure eliminates the source of the problem entirely and can dramatically improve quality of life. Your veterinarian will discuss candidacy based on your dog’s history and anatomy.

The Diet Connection

Diet plays a meaningful role in anal gland health. Firm, bulky stools exert sufficient pressure on the anal glands during defecation to empty them naturally. Soft or loose stools — often a result of food sensitivities, low-fiber diets, or digestive upset — fail to apply this pressure, increasing the likelihood of impaction. Adding dietary fiber through a veterinary-recommended supplement or transitioning to a higher-fiber food can make a significant difference for prone dogs. Food allergies linked to chronic anal gland inflammation may benefit from an elimination diet trial.

At Dunedin Animal Medical Center, we understand that anal gland problems can be uncomfortable and frustrating for both pets and their families. Serving the Dunedin, FL area and all of Pinellas County, our team handles these concerns with professionalism and care. Whether your dog needs a routine expression, treatment for an infection, or a consultation about long-term management, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment today and let your dog get back to comfortable, happy living.