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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 3 years and 6 months old | 49 lbs

Yesterday (6/11/18) I took Emma to have anal glands expressed around 4:30 pm. Vet tech said her glands were pretty full. I just caught Emma scooting on the area rug. Does this mean her anal glands still need more expressing? Is this why her anus looks to be kind of swollen?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Summer Walker, DVM, MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 12th, 2018

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on April 7th, 2017
Tammy may still be irritated in her little anal gland area from the expression, or from having them too full before, or from infection. Try soaking her rear in warm epsom salt bath water like in a little tub or sink several times a day, if she'll let you, as this is very soothing for most dogs. She may need additional pain medication from your veterinarian.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 21st, 2017
Poor girl. I am not sure if they expressed her anal glands or not; however, the anal glands could be bothering her. I do see some pink inflammatory area just below her rectum, so a little bit of razor burn could also be causing this. Try applying a cold compress on the area for 5-10 minutes, followed by soaking her in a warm water Epsom salt bath tonight to reduce some of the irritation and inflammation and see how she is by morning. If she is still irritated then try to get her in to the vet on tomorrow for a proper exam and a check of her anal glands. If she needs to have her anal glands expressed, they can do so at the vet. If she still has irritation, then they can prescribe some pet friendly medication to help with the inflammation. I hope that your yorkie girl is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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

They are likely not full again but may be a bit irritated due to the expression. If your dog keeps scooting for more than a day or two then I suggest you take him back to your veterinarian for a recheck.

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

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!

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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.

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Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is a little difficult to say exactly what is going on with Daisy - she may have a recital prolapse (a condition where some of the tissue in the rectum actually comes out) or chronic irritation if she is scooting on carpeted areas. Scooting may be related to anal gland impactions, infections, or intestinal parasites. I recommend having Daisy seen by a vet as soon as possible because she is likely uncomfortable and the conditions above require treatment. I hope all is well!

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My dog is scooting again after gland expression. Worms or glands?

Hello. You can certainly try to worm her, making sure you use a complete wormer like Safe Guard canine dewormer. Treat for 3 days in a row. If Tootsie continues to scoot, there is a possibility that her anal glands may be developing an infection, or she has allergies. Allergies can affect the mucous membranes, & rectal tissue can definitely be affected. So if she is still having issues several days after you finish the deworming protocol, do let your vet have another look at Tootsie. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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