Every dog has anal glands and many dogs will never have a problem expressing them, but if your dog has difficulty or is unable to express them, then having the anal glands expressed is necessary. Anal glands that are full and won’t express on their own can be uncomfortable for your dog. Left untreated, anal glands can become infected and eventually, could rupture the skin around the anal gland if the pressure gets too much.
Should I drain my dog’s anal glands at home?
If you believe your dog has an anal gland problem that needs to be addressed, it is best to bring them in to make sure they get fully expressed and are not infected and need antibiotics or other treatment.
If my dog scoots on the carpet, does this mean their anal glands are impacted?
Scooting is a common sign people will see at home when a dog’s anal glands are full and not expressing on their own, though it could be due to another issue. If you notice your dog scooting, we recommend to bring them in to assess if it is their anal glands causing them to scoot.
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Sunrise Animal Hospital
Hours of Operation
- Monday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
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- Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Sunday Closed
Saturday opening hours are for food sales only.
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709-221-7838