How to Express Your Dog's Anal Sacs or Glands

Anal sac disease, or "scooting," is a very common problem among dogs. Although most people will find it an unpleasant task, you can save yourself and your dog a trip to the veterinarian by learning to safely express his anal glands or sacs yourself.

What are anal sacs?

Anal sacs or anal glands are two small (about the size of a kidney bean) sac-like organs located in the anus, at about the five and seven o'clock positions. They empty just inside the rectum via tiny tubes or ducts. The contents secrete from the sac, usually during defecation, as a brown watery substance with a putrid odor. Historically, this was one of nature's territorial marking mechanisms that communicated an animal's presence.

Normally, the anal sphincter muscle will squeeze against the anal sac or gland during defecation and empty the contents with the fecal matter. However, when that doesn't occur naturally, the contents may begin to thicken. When this occurs, the emptying duct may become clogged, or there may not be enough pressure during defecation to empty the sac. This is generally when you'll see your dog scooting or excessively licking his anus.

Sometimes the sac or gland will eventually empty on its own, but if the problem persists, you will need to either take your dog to the veterinarian or learn to express the glands yourself. Not having them emptied can result in a gland rupturing. With the help of our vet, I have been successful in learning to do the dirty deed myself, saving both money and the inconvenience of a vet trip.

How to express them

Normally you will probably be unable to feel the anal sacs unless they are full or impacted and in need of expressing. Then they will be the size of a grape or larger, depending upon the size of your dog.

First, you'll need a pair of latex gloves commonly used for hygiene purposes. You'll need a pan or pail of warm soapy water and a disposable wash cloth or sturdy paper towels.

Just because it's a messy job, I prefer to do it outdoors. If your dog is cooperative, you may not need a helper. Assuming your dog will stand still, wipe or wash his anal area with the soapy water. Holding his tail with one hand, locate the glands by putting a finger on each side of his rectum, at about the 5 and 7 o'clock positions. Then gently, but firmly, press in and upward, trapping and squeezing the sacs. I also place a paper towel in the palm of my hand to prevent the anal sac fluid from squirting beyond my hand and possibly onto my clothing.

Then gently wash off your dog's anus with warm water and a doggie shampoo. You will have saved yourself some money and your dog a trip to the vet. It's really not as hard or as gross as it sounds, and your pet will thank you in the long run.