LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

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Hi Viv,

I'm so sorry to hear that your dog's infection has persisted. Has the vet tried switching her to a stronger antibiotic? That would usually be the course before resorting to surgery.

Yes, the anal glands can be removed if they are causing chronic problems, and dogs can get along without them just fine. Your vet will make an assessment of your dog's overall health to make sure she is a good candidate for surgery, and you'll have to provide follow up care as she recovers. There is an inherent risk to any surgical procedure, but if your vet is experienced in performing this particular procedure, all should go well.

Thanks for your question, and if you do decide to go through with the surgery, please let us know how it goes. Best wishes for your dog's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi my dog has anal gland infection for the past 6 weeks and she has has antibiotic for the 6 weeks, she is not getting any better but the one on the outside has cleared the opening to her anus is still quiet swollen. We dont know what else to do. The vet said he may need to operate do you know it this is safe? She is a 4 year old springer.

-- Contributed by: Anal Gland

Hi Maleen,

The Ask A Vet is separate from LoveToKnow Dogs. We just run the advertisement.

I may be able to help you though. There are a couple of possibilities that immediately jump to mind. First your Heeler could be pregnant. Many females don't come into milk until right before the delivery, and some don't even begin producing milk until after the litter arrives. It sounds like this dog was probably starving before you found her, so that might explain the big belly and the skin and bones ribs. You're doing the right thing now feeding her well. I'd also suggest giving her some boil chicken and brown rice a couple of times a week for an extra boost.

If she isn't pregnant, the enlarge abdomen could be a sign of her previous starvation, and it should gradually go away now that she is being taken care of.

We have some good articles that I think you'll find helpful. Check out:

I'd also like to invite you to our Dog forum. You'll likely get quicker answers to your questions there, and we can try to help you through this. I hope you'll join us. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hello, I am so sorry to have taken your time with the ask a vet....but we are unable to pay for an answer. I have 4 cats, three dogs now and I don't work...I'll try to find out on the net. Agin, sorry to have taken up your time, Maleen

-- Contributed by: dembonesdemdrybones

Hello agin, I have been reading everything I can on this and am just wondering what symptoms and how her belly would look if she has already had a litter and they are weened. Thank you

-- Contributed by: Maleen

Hello, We just saved a stray female red heeler. We live 1 1/2 hour away from any vets and I do not drive ( yes you guessed it, my husband has only weekends off) Star...the dog fits all discriptions of a heeler but I noticed that when I run my hands over her ribs they stick out a bit too much,she is basicly thinner than she should be BUT Her nipples are huge, but there is no milk or looks of milk and her belly is round and firm...not constant with her thinness. She is sleeping allot and eating and drinking great. Could she be pregnant? Anny odds? Thank you so much because we may have to do this all alone with no vetrinarian. Maleen

-- Contributed by: Maleen

Hi Sue, and welcome to the site.

Yes, female dogs suffer the same anal gland issues as males. The best thing to do is take your dog to the vet to have the glands checked. The vet will check if they need to be emptied, and he/she will prescribe an antibiotic if the glands are currently infected. If the itching isn't due to the glands, the vet should be able to diagnose the true problem.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog will be back to normal soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Do female dogs have the same problem with anal glans as male dogs? We have a two year old fixed female Schnauzer now itching and scratching and tearing hair off her tail and spots on each side of her tail. Thought it might be allergies, but careful diet doesn't seem to help. She has done this once before and finally healed up. Help, please.

-- Contributed by: Sue H

Hi Tiffany,

I'm sorry to hear about the trouble your dog is having. It would be a good idea to wash your dog's behind with cool water to help relieve the irritation. You can also gently wipe the area with a Tucks pad. You can find this product at any drug store. Hopefully your dog's stools will return to normal now that the constipation has passed. Constipation and anal gland problems are usually two separate issues, so you'll want to keep an eye on your dog to see if the diarrhea and irritation persist. Don't hesitate to call your vet if they do because your vet will likely want to exam your dog to determine the health of his glands. If they are infected, it will require an antibiotic to relieve it.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope your dog recovers quickly.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my bison dog of two years was constipated, once he started going to the washroom he had direriah. his anus area is red and wet. he is scooching on the grass and sniffing his rear area. does he have anal gland problems?

-- Contributed by: tiffany

Hi Kathy,

What brand are you trying? Please let us know if the kibble with rye and barley in it works for your dog. There may be other dogs that won't touch the pumpkin, and the information could prove helpful. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My 3 year old Bichon Frise has to regularly have his anal glands expressed. My dog's Vet also told me the same thing about adding canned pumpkin daily to my dog's diet. Unfortunately, my dog wouldn't even lick the pumpkin. :( So I am forced to try to find another way to give him extra fiber. I have found a food that has rye and barley in it but is still a very good human grade super premium food. I will try this for him. Vets are unsure of why some dogs need their anal glands expressed so often, but they do believe that if a dog's stool is firm, then it pushes against the glands which empty themselves during bowl movements. So that is why fiber is recommended, to firm up the stools.

-- Contributed by: Kathy

Hi Valorie,

It sounds like these are substantial seizures. If you vet hasn't already checked for a neurological cause such as a tumor, I think it's time to explore this avenue. Additionally, you may want to discuss putting your dog on phenobarbitol to control these events.

There's probably not much you can do about the anal glands releasing during the seizure, but it might help to increase your dog's fiber intake by adding a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin to his dinner. Ideally, this will help the glands express better on their own when your dog has a bowel movement, and this should leave the glands less full when a seizure happens.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for your dog's health. I hope there is a way to get the seizures under control.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 5 yr old male ESS that has had 5 seizuries since Thanksginving. The vet told me to start frrding 3 times a day instead of two. I thought this was under control until tonight. He loses control of his anal gland each time but tonight was bad with the seizure lasting 2-3 minutes and the anal gland shooting out excessively. The smell is horrorific and I have had other ESS with seizures but never the anal problem. Please help.

-- Contributed by: Valorie

Hi Kim,

Thanks for sharing your situation with us. The plain canned pumpkin is good advice. I hope your dog recovers quickly. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I went to the vet with the same problem. The gland was absessed. It went from a little odd looking to swollen and leaky the next day. I took her to the vet immediately. The vet expressed it but it was still red/swollen, she got a shot of antibiotics and pain meds and we are to apply a warm compress with eposom salts and water to draw out the infection. It is pretty gross! The nurse told me to start putting canned (plain) pumpkin in her food to produce a bulkier stool so that the glands are expressed naturally.

-- Contributed by: Kim

Hi Janet,

Actually, surgically removing the glands is sometimes a good option for dogs that have chronic problems. The area is tender following the surgery, but if the vet has done a good job completely removing the glands, it can mean an end to the constant problems and infections. I recommend you ask your vet to explain the procedure to you, and be sure to ask how often he/she has performed it on other dogs. This will help you guage whether your current vet is the right professional to handle the job.

If your dog's stool are still a little less than firm, you could try adding a spoonful plain canned pumpkin to his daily dinner. This provides extra fiber to firm the stool, which in turn should help the glands express better. If this doesn't help him, it may be time to consider the surgery.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope it all works out for you and your dog.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My 9 year old sweet loved dog has been having problems with anal sacs. First the vet manually emptied them after he scooted so much he was raw within 1" around his anus. Again it happened and the vet had to put the dog to out and go in sugically to clean them since they were so infected. The poor thing has been on two rounds of antibiotics. I have found that he never is clean around his anus and has to be cleaned, not a problem but what can I do to help him. I changed his diet on the suggestion of the vet for obesity, rice and chicken (it was really too many treats). Lost weight. Then he had to go to soft food and kibble, now not able to pinch clean after his bowel movements. Stool looks good. Any suggestions. Any type of supplement I could give him. Please help with any suggestions. Sorry this is so long. I have heard that cutting them out is good and bad? Thank you in advance. Janet

-- Contributed by: Janet

Hi Sandy, and welcome to the site.

It doesn't really sound like an anal gland problem, but you can ask your vet to take a look at your dog's next checkup. She probably just has a spot where the nerves are especially close to the surface and she loves to have that area scratched.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog huskies shephard mix is wanting to be scratch at the base of her tail all the time. She will come up to me when I am sitting and keep bumping her butt against my leg. Could this be her anal glands?

-- Contributed by: sandy

Hi Dee,

Has your vet recommended the surgery? Most dogs are fine after the initial recovery period. However, surgical removal should always be the last resort. If you click on the link to PetCenter.com in my advice to Sheila below, you can learn more about the procedure.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a one year old female Yorkie (3lbs 8oz). Her anal glands need expressing by the vet every other week. The vet finds no infections. Would removong these glands be helpful? Would this cause other prblems? Her bowl movements are firm.

-- Contributed by: Continual gland problems

Hi Sheila,

I couldn't find any statistics for you, but here is a very useful link that provides info and photos of the procedure. The article does mention the risk of control loss if the surgery isn't performed correctly.

Given your vet's concern, you may want to ask how many of these procedures she has performed before. If need be, you might want to ask for a reference to another vet who is experienced in this particular surgery.

The PetCenter.com.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I do hope it works out alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My 5 yr old sheltie keeps having anal gland problems and the vet said he may need surgery to remove them. She said that after surgery some dogs lose control in the rectal area. I'm worried that if the stool is hard, he won't be able to push it out and if soft, it'll just come out and be a mess. How common is this?

-- Contributed by: Sheila

Hi Shirley,

I'd consult with your about whether your dog's diet has enough fiber in it. The addition of some plain canned pumpkin might help firm the stool and help the glands express more efficiently when your dog defecates. It's probably worth a try before you resort to the anal gland removal. One or two tablespoon a day should produce a firming effect. If it doesn't, surgery may be an option.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Sylvia,

I actually think the anal gland expulsion is a secondary symptom of the seizures. Dogs often loose control of their bowels and urine during an episode, so it's the seizures you need to discuss with your vet. Seizures can sometimes be controlled with phenobarbitol, but your vet needs to determine what's causing them before he/she can settle on a course of treatment.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this info helps.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My 3 1/2 year old English ...er Spaniel is having an ongoing problem with his anal glands. They fill up within days of being expressed. I feed him a diet of 1/2 C chicken, 1/4 c rice, 1/4 cup green beans & carrots mixed with 3/4 c Science Diet Z/D Low Allergen food twice a day. Should I change his diet? Surgery has been suggested but that scares me. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Bo's Mom

-- Contributed by: Shirley

I have a basset/dachsaund mix dog who every couple of months has an issue where her anal gland swells & expels the fluid and she goes into some type of seizure which lasts anywhere from 5-10 minutes. She seems fine after that, maybe a little out of it for a while but then she's okay. Is this harmful to her or is there anything we can do to prevent this?

-- Contributed by: Sylvia

Hi Megan,

Those brown spots are most likely anal gland secretions. It sounds as though your dog is in need of expressing, and the vet can easily handle this for you at your appointment.

If the glands are also infected, your vet will prescribe an antibiotic. He may also recommend a different brand of kibble that will produce firmer stools. You might also consider adding a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin to your dog's daily dinner to help firm stools. Pumpkin is high in insoluable fiber.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you enjoy exploring the site. There's a lot of good info here. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My 4 yr old boston terrier recently started acting a little strange. I first started to notice a few quarter sized brown spots on her dog bed. Not sure what it is, since she's been spayed. She has also been chasing her tail, scooting and paying more attention to her rear end. More so than usual anyway. I made her an appointment to have the vet check her anal glands....but I'm concerned with the brown spots on her bed. Is that normal, or does that indicate a problem?

-- Contributed by: Megan

Hi Aims,

Some vets aren't as gentle as others, so it is possible your dog is a little sore. If this doesn't clear up in a day or two it would be a good idea to call your vet and let him/her know what happened. The vet may want to take another look at what's going on.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My Chihuahua had his glands expressed by the vet today. The fluid seemed normal, but he is in a lot of pain tonight. Is this normal???

-- Contributed by: Pain AFTER Gland Expulsion?

Hi Caren,

Checking the glands every few months should be sufficient. You can also increase your dog's fiber intake by adding a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin to his daily dinner. This will help firm the stools a little more, and this in turn should help the glands empty a little more when your dog defecates. Just check with your vet before adding pumpkin since your dog already has a sensitive skin issue. Better to be safe than sorry, although I don't anticipate a problem with it.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My two year old English Springer Spaniel (Jack) recently went to the vet when I suspected anal gland problems. The glands were expressed and I was wondering if anyone could tell me how often I should have this checked on him. Is there anything I can do to relieve Jack of this problem? I feed him Science diet sensitive skin, which isn't a cheap food but maybe I should switch it to something else?

-- Contributed by: Caren

Hi Sandi,

I have a mini schnauzer who has been doing the same things as your dog. After MANY vet visits it has been established that my dog has food allergies and needs to be on a prescription dog food. Perhaps this is something that you could ask your vet about.

-- Contributed by: holly

Hi Sandi,

I'm sorry to hear that your vet can't come up with a diagnosis. Clearly there is something going on, but I can't venture a guess as to what it might be. My recommendation is to get a second opinion from another vet. Hopefully the new vet will find something your current vet has overlooked and it will lead to treatment for your dog.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My ...er started a twisting motion about 3 years ago. The anal glands have been checked and never anything in them. She does the scooting also, but she acts so miserable. She does have a lot allergies, my vet does not seem to think it is anything more than itching, but I am not sure. It is like she twists and turns a lot. She has always scooted, but his twisting and turning is so much she does not even rest. Any ideals? Thanks, Sandi

-- Contributed by: Sandi

Hi Adam,

it is possible that the left side didn't empty as thoroughly as the right. I think it's worth asking your vet to take a second look since the gland is still causing your dog some irritation. Now that the antibiotics have had some time to begin working, it may be possible to clean out the rest of the back up and bring your dog some relief.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the next treatment is successful.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hello, I took my dog into the vet because I noticed that she was bending her tail and guarding her anal region. So I felt around because she had the same problem around this time last year. I found 3 lumps just at the base of her tail on her back so I took her into the vet. He said it was anal glands and did whatever to remove the blockage and put her on antibiotics. It has been about 6 days now and it seemed to be getting better it has definatly gone down but she is still guarding with her tail especially on the left side (which seemed to go down slower). I was wondering if this is normal for it to take this long and if I should take her back in I am wondering if he didn't clear out the left side good enough. Thanks, Adam

-- Contributed by: adam

Hi Pam,

Have either of the vets suggested putting your dog on prednisone for a while to relieve the anal irritation? This may give things a chance to go back to normal. Right now it sounds as though the anus is slightly protruded, but it should go back in if you can relieve the irritation long enough for the swelling to go down. You might be able to apply some Preparation-H to the area to help, but I recommend you put an Elizabethan collar on your dog to keep her from licking the salve.

Thanks for your question, and I hope these suggestions prove helpful.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My border collie mix has had a red, swollen anus for several months now. I've taken her to two vets, one of whom was an allergy specialist. She licks her bottom constantly and sometimes scoots across the ground or floor. She's been on a rabbit and potato diet for about 2 months. Her stools seem to be normal. The first vet expressed her glands and put her on an antibiotic for infection. After taking the dog back a second time, she told me she couldn't help her and suggested the allergy specialit. $120 later and no cure, we still have the problem. We give her no human food and only cook potato for treats per the allergy specialist. She did have an infection in both ears but was again put on an antibiotic so that cleared up. We still have this problem though and don't know what to do now. She appears to be healthy otherwise and eats normally and only drinks water, no junk food, etc. Any suggestions. I guess I could keep taking her to new vets each month but that gets really expensive. Thanks for any help you can give me. Pam

-- Contributed by: Pam

Hi Debbie,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. The growth could cause an obstruction if it is pressing inward more than outward, but steroids sometimes cause constipation too. Since your appointment isn't until tomorrow, keep a close eye on your dog, and try to coax him to drink more if you can. If he seems to be distressed or tries to pass a stool and can't, go ahead and call the vet.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope everything will turn out alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have an 11yr old Golden Ret./Mix. He has a very large lump next to his anal area. One vet told me he has Anal Gland Carcinoma. Until I get the second opinion (since this was determined by just an x-ray)could this cause me dog constipation? I haven't noticed him to poop in the last day and this is not like him. His appetite is fine, but he is on Steriods (20mg).Today is Thursday and he has an appointment this Saturday. Debbie

-- Contributed by: Debbie

My dobie mix has to go every 4-6 weeks to have her anal glands expressed she never had this problem before she is 6 someone told me to change her food because her stools are too soft I hate to have to put her through this and she also hates having it done

Hi Susan,

Before you change brands, try adding a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin to your dog's dinner each day. Pumpkin is high in insoluable fiber, so it tends to firm the stools. Dogs also seem to love it, so this may be an easy solution to your problem.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the pumpkin does the trick!

-- Contributed by: Susan

i have a four month old jack russell puppy who has had her anal glands expressed. however, she keeps scooting on the floor and seems to be having problems pooping. she has been checked for worms and nothing. could it be a food allergy?

Hi Tracy,

There's a possibility she has some constipation. I would get your vet's recommendation on whether it would be appropriate to use a children's over the counter laxative, and if so, what the dosage would be for your puppy.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is feeling better soon.

-- Contributed by: tracy

I have a female pug.she is 1 year old.I have noticed a white discharge from her anal which smells terible like a fish.I was there before she was on heat and is still presists.what it could be? Is it normal?

Hi Reena,

There's a real possibility that your dog has an anal gland infection. That would account for the awful smell and the pus discharge. I recommend you have your vet exmaine your dog as soon as possible.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: reena rai

My 10 week old puppy just came in side the house and started scotting her butt across the floor. I picked her up to notice her anal to be pushed out showing alittle blood. Will it go back in or should I take her to the vet?

Hi Brenna,

It sounds as though your dog might have had a little constipastion that caused the rectum to protrude a bit. You might be able to clean the area off, coat it with a little vaseline and try to gently push it back in a bit. If you're uncomfortable trying to do is, it might be better to give your vet a call. Although the rectum should go back in on its own, the problem could get worse if your dog is still constipated.

Thanks for your question, and I hope all goes well.

-- Contributed by: Brenna

My poodleyorkie mix has a very strong odor occasionally but I'm thinking it anal glandsshe does scoot now and then but I've been told if you relieve the anal glands once you have to keep doing it? is this a costly procedure? can it hurt the dog? if you do or don't do it?

Hi Kim,

Your dog's anal glands might need to be expressed, but if you only smell a foul odor ocassionally, she could just have passed gas. I am not in favor of routine anal gland expression, and only advocate it if a vet advises it should be done. Healthy glands are quite capable of working on their own. Repeated expressions can weaken the tissues, so it's best not to go down this road if you can avoid it.

Expression, when properly done, shouldn't be painful, unless the glands are infected or an abscess is developing.

Thanks for your questions, and I hope your dog doesn't have a serious problem.

-- Contributed by: Kim

We have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The male is 27 months old, the female is 12 months. We managed to survive her first heat, with GREAT DIFFICULTY for all involved. We want to breed them and want to know if it is safe to let her become pregnant during her next heat. After their first or second litter, we plan to have them both altered.

Hi Joan, if your bitch is in good health and her body has finished maturing then it is probably alright to go ahead and breed her on her next season. If you have any doubts, ask your vet to take a look at her and give a professional opinion about whether she's ready.

Thanks for your question, and good luck.

-- Contributed by: Joan

Hi Jen

My bischon frise puppy of 7mths will not eat any canned or packet dog food. At the moment I am giving her cooked chicken and sometimes beef with dog mixer. I am concerned that she will lack variety and nutrients with this diet long term.

Many thanks

Hi Lynn,

You're right to be concerned about balanced nutrition. Since you are already cooking for your dog, it may be easiest to balnce her meals by using a Natural Dog Food Premix. These mixes contain all the extras to make sure your dog gets the vitamins and minerals she needs; you simply provide the protein source.

I think you'll find this a very good solution to your dilemma. Let me know if you give it a try and what you think.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Lynn Doogan

My dog frequently seems to lick his rectal area and there is a very frequent odor when he is excited, which is common as he is a excitable dog. He never scoots and he doesn't appear to be uncomfortable. I feed him Eukanuba food as my vet recommended against science diet. Any suggestion to help handle the frequent odor?

High Paul,

That odor you notice is caused by your dog tensing his rectal muscles, and it causes a small amount of anal gland fluid to be released. A little more fiber might help the glands express better when your dog defecates. This might cut down on the amount of fluid available when your dog becomes excited.

You can safely and easily increase your dog's fiber intake by adding a couple spoonfuls of plain canned pumpkin to his meal once a day. Hopefully this will provide a solution to your current problem. If you continue to notice a smell, ask your vet to examine the glands for infection.

Thanks for your question!

-- Contributed by: Paul

my dog has been licking her bottom alot. and she has started throwing up could they be related? she seems only to keep food down about 3 hours i have already tried chicken broth.. anu ideas?/

Expert Reply

Hi Hannah,

How long has your dog been vomiting. Has this been going on for more than a day? If so, it's time to take her to the vet. She could have picked up a virus, and the frequent vomiting could cause her to dehydrate. Once this happens it will be harder for her to recover. Your vet can give your dog a sub-Q shot of saline to give her some fluid to go on, but if the dehydration already has a good hold on her, she might need to be on an IV. Your vet will also be able to give her medication to stop the vomiting and calm her stomach.

In the mean time, pick up her food for 24 hours and only offer fresh water. This will give her system a bit of a break.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is feeling better soon.

-- Contributed by: hannah

My dog seems to need his anal glands released quite often. We had them released for the first time about 4 weeks ago and now when he is laying around I can occasionally see fluid coming out. I was reading that changing his dog food may help, he is currently eating royal canine for labs and I was wondering if a food with more fiber might help, any ideas?

Expert Reply

Hi Jen,

Royal Canin is actually a decent brand, so I wouldn't be in a hurry to switch. You can easily add more fiber by adding two spoonfuls of plain canned pumpkin to your dog's meals. Hopefully this will help firm up the stools.

If your dog develops chronic anal gland problems, you can ask your vet to remove them surgically. Modern dogs do not make nearly as much use of the glands as their wild ancestors did, and they can live without them.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Jen

My golden retriever has the smelly "fish-butt" once every 3 - 5 weeks. We aren't concerned about an infection. But this afternoon she was starlted by a stranger that rounded the corner at our camp site. She excreeted about a teaspoon of the smelly liquid. We saw the wet spot on the pavement when she backed away. Is the fact that it just squirted out of her a sign that she may have an infection?

-- Contributed by: Katie

Hi Barbara,

No, your dog's problem isn't normal. Has your vet mentioned the possibility of an infection? If this is the case then your dog would need an antibiotic to clear up the problem.

Also, do you know if your vet is using the internal or external method of expression? External expression involves applying pressure to the glands from the outside of the rectum. Internal exrpession involves going in through the rectom to apply pressure on the glands from the inside. Internal expression more closely imitates the natural expression process that takes place when your dog has a firm stool, so it may actually be more efficient.

Finally, I feel I should mention that there is some debate over whether routine anal gland expression is called for at all. Some breeders and vets hold the opinion that unless there is an obvious problem, the glands should be left to operate on their own. Repeated expression may actually weaken the glands to the point that they are no longer able to function on their own. It's just something to consider with your other dog that doesn't appear to be having a problem. The dog in question will definitely require further help to resolve his problem.

Best wishes that your dog is back to normal soon, and thank you for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

i took my pug to the vet to have his anal glands expressed four days later he is scooting on the floor again i took him back to the vet and they said his left gland was full again and dont know why i feed him science diet and every month he has to go get them expressed is this normal because my other pug goes to get his glands expressed once every 6 months what can i do ????

-- Contributed by: barbara

Hi Patrick,

Do the sacs feel like they are larger than pea-size? If so, then it may be a good idea to let your vet handle the expression. If they are pea-size or less, they may not actually need expressing.

I know that some breeders and groomers consider anal sac expression a routine procedure, but I never have. I have reserved this for when I've been sure a dog was having a bit of a back up. Again, your vet can help you determine the current condition of your dog's sacs, and will express them for you if they need it.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dogs anal sacs are very hard to express, it's like they are plugged at the opening to the rectum. Like a ballon that is plugged up. How can I best clear this blockage?

-- Contributed by: Patrick Troccolo
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