Anal Gland Expression
Welcome back to our frequently asked questions by clients for groomers. We are going to delve into a topic that most clients don’t want to deal with: anal glands. It’s not the most glamorous subject, but it is an important one. And just like ear care, understanding how this works helps keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and happy.
What Are Anal Glands, and Why Do They Matter?
Dogs have two small scent glands located just inside the rectum. In a perfect world, these glands empty naturally during bowel movements. But for some dogs, that doesn’t always happen.
When the glands don’t empty on their own, they can become:
Full
Impacted
Uncomfortable
Or even infected
That’s when you may notice scooting, licking, a strong odor, or swelling — all signs your dog needs help.
What Groomers Can (and Cannot) Do
Groomers are only allowed to perform external anal gland expression. This means we can gently apply pressure from the outside to help release the glands if they are already functioning normally and just need routine maintenance.
But here’s the key:
We only perform this service when it is vet‑recommended AND already being done regularly at home.
Just like ear plucking, this is not something that should be done sporadically. If it’s not done consistently, the dog becomes more sensitive, the glands become more difficult to express, and the risk of medical issues increases.
When You Should See a Veterinarian
If you notice:
Scooting
Excessive licking
A fishy smell
Swelling
Pain
Blood or discharge
…that is not a grooming issue — that is a medical issue.
Only veterinarians can perform internal expression, diagnose infections, prescribe medication, or treat impacted glands.
Groomers cannot and should not attempt to handle those situations.
Why Consistency Matters
Just like with ear plucking, consistency is everything.
Groomers typically see dogs every 4–8 weeks, which means we can only maintain a routine that is already established.
We cannot safely “fix” neglected glands or perform medical care.
When anal gland expression is done regularly at home or under veterinary guidance, groomers can help keep things comfortable between appointments.
But when it’s not done regularly:
The glands become too full
The dog becomes too sensitive
The risk of infection increases
The service becomes unsafe for grooming
That’s when we refer you straight to your veterinarian.
Anal gland care is one of the most misunderstood grooming topics, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Groomers can help with external maintenance, but only when it’s already part of the dog’s routine and recommended by a vet.
Your dog’s comfort and safety always come first — and sometimes that means partnering with your veterinarian to make sure everything is handled properly.
