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Dog scooting and red after anal gland expression? Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog had his anal glands expressed 3 days ago and still scooting/licking excessively. The area looks red and irritated. I feel bad for the poor guy!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on January 21st, 2019

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an infection of the anal sac or possibly allergies for example. I highly recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!

6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 22nd, 2018
Unfortunately many groomers feel the need to "offer the service" of expressing anal sacs (glands), but are not trained to do this properly. Emptying anal sacs should stay in the hands of a veterinarian who can properly assess the size, filling and consistency of the anal sac secretions, any abnormality and also the need to empty them. It is likely that Missy's anal sacs are very irritated after being at the groomer's and now hurt. I would take her to the vet for a check up of the anal sacs to make sure there is no abscess or injury, She may need some antibiotics locally and some pain medicine.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on January 21st, 2018
I’m sorry Cash has been so uncomfortable. I see the irritation you mention, but I don’t see any other concerns in the picture. In my experience the reason patients don’t improve after having their anal sacs expressed is usually because they are infected. As long as you think he is comfortable enough to wait to see the veterinarian tomorrow, then I would ask them to look at the anal sac material under the microscope for any signs of infection. I usually treat these patients with antibiotics as well as steroids to make them more comfortable quickly. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog is scooting and has a red butt. Is it allergies or anal glands?

This sounds like her anal sacs are fully and causing the scooting and itching. Even if they look normal on the outside they can be full inside. I recommend your veterinarian express the fluid in the anal sacs and they can see if they are over full or infected. The scooting can cause skin irritation. You can apply a thin coat of Vaseline to soothe the red skin. Yes allergies can cause itching but I would check the anal glands to make sure they are not the problem. Also make sure you are using warm water or something mild to clean the area after pooping. Some chemicals, soaps, and fragrances could cause a skin irritation and itching. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Snowball.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog still scooting and swollen after anal gland expression?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Continued scooting following anal sac expression may not be related to the need to be expressed further. Occasionally the anal sac may still be inflamed/irritated following the expression which may still result in some discomfort and the urge to itch. Scooting of the hind end can also be due to a superficial itch that may be related to an underlying environmental or parasite (i.e flea) allergy. It is difficult to tell from the picture without being able to palpate the rectum, but I do not see any evidence of overt swelling in the region (the anal sacs sit at 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock position at the anus). If Emma continues to appear irritated you can have her evaluated by her veterinarian to palpate the anal sacs and make sure everything palpates normally.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog scooting and in pain? Does he need an emergency vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sometimes this goes away on its own after a few hours. However, if this does not improve, have Peanut evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment as anal sac expression may be indicated as this may be due to anal sac impaction or infection. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog scoots with anal discharge but acts normal. Should I worry?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Oh good! I am glad there isn't purulent discharge from her vagina. Most dogs with an anal gland infection do feel fine. They just scoot and sometimes the discharge will leak out. I still recommend an appointment to have the anal glands expressed. I have seen infected and impacted anal glands rupture through the skin. It isn't an expensive visit and will hopefully make her feel better! I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog keeps scooting after anal gland expression. Is this normal?

Residual inflammation is normal, especially if the glands were already inflamed. You may call your vet and ask about a course of anti-inflammatory medication. Omega 3 fatty acids can also help. Lastly, a cool (not cold) compress may be a better option to relieve the burning. Sometimes supplements like Glandex can help. If Adam continues to have itchy anal glands, you may want to discuss ruling out food allergies with your vet. I always use a hydrolyzed protein for this. I hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog scooting with a red, swollen anus after diarrhea?

Either is possible - diarrhea can cause irritation and 'itchiness' of the anus and perianal area. Baxter's anal glands could also be full since they are normally emptied during defecation and his stool probably hasn't been bulky enough to express them. If his anal area looks irritated you could apply a thin layer of Vitamin A+D ointment or Petroleum jelly to the area, but if he keeps scooting I'd recommend taking him in to have his glands checked.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog scooting and struggling to poop after grooming?

It is difficult to tell from your question whether you requested Bogey's anal glands to be expressed or not. Scooting the bottom is a fairly typical sign of anal gland irritation. If Bogey DID have his anal glands expressed I would anticipate the scooting will resolve in the next day or so. If he did NOT have his anal glands expressed then this is something that likely needs to be addressed. Clipping and shampoo could also cause irritation around the hind end, and should pass within a couple of days.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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