Anal glands are two pouch-like sacs on the inside of a dog’s anus. They usually empty themselves when a dog defecates, it helps lubricate the stool and provides a unique scent from other dogs. A lot of owners don’t know what anal glands are until they cause a problem. If for some reason, the glands do not express on their own, they can get full and infected, sometimes leading to an abscess.
Should I drain my dog’s anal glands at home?
No, they should be done by a trained professional, as they can rupture if done improperly.
If my dog scoots on the carpet, does this mean their anal glands are impacted?
It is possible, but there are other reasons a dog could be doing that. We recommend booking an exam if this is an issue with your dog.