My pug has one anal gland symptom. Does he need them expressed?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bella. I recommend that she sees her veterinary office to have her glands expressed. Some dogs need to have this done regularly so that glands do not become overly full. I hope this information helps!

These are two little glands inside the dog's rectum. They naturally fill with a material that ranges from thin, light colored liquid to a thick paste. When a dog defecated, this material is released -- most of the time not all of the liquid is release but over the course of each defecation, enough is released that the glands do not overfill. With some dogs though, this process does not occur as easily. This can be due to the material being too thick to be expressed, the stool being too soft or diarrhea which does not apply enough force to the gland to express the fluids or due to an underlying disease process. The most common cause of recurrently full anal glands is an underlying allergy problem. Dogs with skin sensitivity or allergies often have anal glands that need to be emptied on a routine basis. If the glands become too full, the material can become infected or the gland can rupture. In this case, the area will heal but antibiotics are typically needed. After the anal glands are expressed, the area can continue to feel irritating for a few days. In some cases though, the glands may not have been completely emptied. This is often the case if the glands are emptied at a groomers as they empty them from the outside and are not trained to empty them rectally as a vet would. Most dogs do not need their glands emptied for any medical purpose but if the glands were randomly checked, they could be moderately full. This does not indicate a need to express the material though. The reason I bring this up is because I have found that if we begin emptying the glands for the dog, it creates a cyclic effect where we continue to have to empty them. If the dog is scooting, this is an indication to have them checked.

What you are smelling may be anal gland secretions. If one or both of the anal glands are very full they will sometimes "overflow" and then you have them exit the anus. This is a very bad sort of fishy smell. Next time you visit your vet for his vaccinations, you should have the vet examine them and empty them if necessary. If you think he has problems pooping or if he cries when pooping or if he scoots his behind on the floor, then they may be infected or impacted and need to be checked by your veterinarian.

There's no need to express them unless they become impacted. Signs of impacted anal sacs include licking the anus, scooting on the floor, and constipation. If you see any of those signs in Daisy May, then I would express her anal sacs. Otherwise, they don't need to be expressed, as they are typically expressed when a dog passes feces.

His anal glands may be full again. Normally, they are expressed during the act of defecation. You are quite brave to do it on your own! Not many pet parents would do that. If you feel comfortable doing it again, do so but gently. If the problem persists, you will have no choice but to seek veterinary attention. Clinics and veterinary ERs will see patients. If left untreated, Scooby could form an abscess which is very painful and may require sedation to lance and drain. You can consider a product, such as Glandex, to help with anal gland issues. https://www.glandex.com/

Sometimes adding some canned pumpkin to your dogs diet may help with anal gland issues. The added fiber can help to bulk up the stool and allow for the anal glands to be released when the dog defecates. If Jeter seems uncomfortable (licking around his rectum or scooting) then it would be a good idea to have a veterinarian check his anal glands and express them. The veterinarian can also ensure that Jeter does not have an impacted or infected anal gland.

Sometimes dog will express there glands while licking them or going to the restroom. I would not be concerned as long as Rhea is not scooting or constantly licking her rectum. If you feel like she is irritated by her glands I would have a doctor check them. Groomers typically express the glands from the outside where vets will express from the inside which sometimes is a better option. I hope that helps! thanks for using pet coach