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Why do my dog's anal glands leak constantly, smell awful, and stain?

Updated on March 19th, 2026

Both English Bulldogs continually secreting anal gland fluid it smells terrible and always on furniture or beds help what to do.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Emily, DVM

Answered By Dr. Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 4th, 2015

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.
Vote Icon8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 30th, 2019

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bruno. The anal glands sit under the skin on either side of the anus. They express a watery fluid every time the dog defecates to mark its scent. If the dog is startled or scared, he can accidentally express these glands. If the glands are overly full, they can leak fluid. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian to have the glands expressed and ensure there is not a problem. I hope this information helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on October 17th, 2018

    Have Pika examined by your veterinarian. Her anal glands may need to be expressed (emptied) on a regular basis. If there is infection or inflammation, your veterinarian can prescribe or dispense the appropriate medication. He or she can also show you how to express the glands yourself...if you're up to the task.
    Adding in some additional fiber to Pika's diet may aid in natural anal gland expression when she defecates. Plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) is commonly used for this. Mix in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin per 10lbs body weight once or twice daily.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 14th, 2019

    Duke may have anal gland inflammation and the expression yesterday may have released a partial impaction and allowed them to drain. I wouldn’t be particularly concerned about the symptoms you are seeing but if it continues you may want to have your vet recheck the glands to make sure there are no signs of infection.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 18th, 2018

    Handsome boy! Expressing his anal glands is normal. Most dogs express the fluid when they defecate and also if they are scared or injured. Since this smells bad it’s unfortunate that he does this in the house. I don’t know of anything that will correct this. I like Purina foods and he certainly looks healthy so I don’t recommend changing the food. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Moose.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Training & Behavior
Why does my dog's butt leak metallic-smelling liquid? How to stop?
Thank you for submitting your question regarding River. I suspect he is expressing or leaking fluid from his anal glands. These are two sacs that sit under the skin on either side of the anus. They express fluid each time the dog defecates to mark its scent. Occasionally the glands will become too full and leak or the animal will accidentally express them when startled. I would start by having them expressed at a veterinary hospital. Groomers do not tend to do a thorough job. They will let you know if the contents appears normal or not and make a recommendation on how frequently to have it done. Some dogs will need them expressed regularly. I hope this information helps!
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Why is my dog leaking brown fluid from his anus and licking it?
Poor guy. He either has really loose stool or an anal gland issues. The anal glands are located inside the rectum and can get infected or even rupture, causing leakage of fluid that is very strong and smelly. I would definitely recommend taking him to your vet on tomorrow if possible to get this looked at. Either condition is very treatable through your vet with medications (i.e. antibiotics). For now, it is best to just wipe the area gently with a wet cloth or paper towel. If the area appears to be irriated, you can also apply a cold compress on the area if he will allow it, for 2-5 mins to help soothe the area. Also an epsom salt water solution can help clean the area and provide additional relief. I hope that Frankie's rear end improves soon! Best wishes and take care. : )
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My dog expressed anal glands on bed, not full. Is it an infection?
I'm sorry to hear that Miggy expressed his anal glands on your bed. How unpleasant! Some dogs will express their anal glands during times of stress or even during extreme relaxation. This occurs more commonly if the material in the glands is more liquid rather than being more paste-like. Infected anal glands do not typically express easily. Try to look at Miggy's hind end and determine if you see a red or open lesion just outside of his anus, as this would indicate an anal sac rupture from an abscess or impaction. If this is the case, Miggy needs veterinary attention. Otherwise, continue closely monitoring Miggy for hind end licking or scooting to determine if his anal glands are full. If he continues not to show any signs that they are full, try taking him to his vet every month or so to have them expressed to prevent future problems.
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Why is my dog's anal gland full, not draining, and has bloody fluid?
Hi there. Without being able to feel the anal glands for myself, I can't say why nothing is coming out of the left one even though it feels full. Sometimes the contents can be very thick and difficult to express, so this may be the problem. It's never normal to have blood in the anal gland contents, so I would be very concerned that Cooper may have an infection or some other problem. Because of this, I would recommend taking him to the vet to have them check his anal glands. Your veterinarian can determine what the problem is, and will prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds if needed depending on what is found.
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My dog is still leaking after anal gland expression. Is it normal?
It depends on how long ago the anal gland expression was. If she is leaking the same day as the anal gland expression, then she could just be passing some that was collected inside her rectum. Give it another day and see what happens. If she is leaking wihtout knowing that she is doing it, then she may have an issue with the sphincters and should be checked by your vet. This is not a common issue however, so she is likely expressing them herself and is fully aware. If that is the case, you may have to get her anal glands expressed more often (once every 2-4 weeks) or try to learn how to externally express them yourself at home due ot the added expense. You can also try giving her 1-2 tsp of canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) in her food daily to help with her anal gland problem. Another alternative is a product called Glandex, which is designed to help dogs with anal gland issues. See the link below https://www.glandex.com I hope that your pets anal gland issues resolve soon! Best wishes and take care.
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My dog's anal glands are full, fishy smell, why no expression?
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!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why are my dog's anal glands always full and need expressing?
No one knows for certain what causes recurrent anal gland inflammation and irritation - sometimes allergies seem to play a role, and certain dog breeds seem to have more issues than others. There are some supplements that you can try, and sometimes adding fiber to the diet can help as well. If Pixie is not on a regular schedule to have her glands expressed that might help. If the problem is severe with recurrent anal gland infections surgery to remove the anal glands is sometimes recommended.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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