Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM • Chief Executive Officer, RexVet • 2026-06-22 • 9 min read
Dog Anal Gland Problems: Scooting, Expression & When to Worry — FL, NY & VA
Dog anal gland problems are one of the most common (and most preventable) vet calls. A licensed DVM walks Florida, New York, and Virginia dog parents through what's normal, what's not, and when telehealth helps.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Anal gland problems are one of the most common — and most preventable — reasons dogs end up at the vet for non-emergency visits. This guide is written for dog parents in Florida, New York, and Virginia. It covers what's normal, what's not, and how to fix the underlying cause rather than treating the symptom monthly.
What anal glands actually do
Anal glands (anal sacs) are two small scent-producing glands at 4 and 8 o'clock positions just inside the anus. They express a small amount of strong-smelling fluid during normal defecation — that's how dogs 'mark' their territory in stool. In healthy dogs, this happens automatically with every firm bowel movement and you'd never know they're there.
When they cause problems
Problems arise when:
- Stool is too soft — doesn't apply enough pressure to express the glands during defecation
- Glands are anatomically positioned poorly (some breeds, especially small dogs)
- Inflammation from allergies thickens the gland fluid and blocks expression
- Obesity changes the anatomy
- Diet is too low in fiber
Signs your dog has anal gland issues
- Scooting on the carpet, grass, or floor
- Licking or biting at the rear end persistently
- Foul fishy smell coming from the rear
- Swelling, redness, or bumps near the anus
- Blood or pus around the anus or in the bedding
- Difficulty pooping or yelping when defecating
- Sitting down abruptly or repositioning to relieve discomfort
Treatment — fix the cause, don't just express
Most dogs DO NOT need monthly expression. If your dog needs frequent expression, address the root cause:
- Increase dietary fiber — 1 tablespoon pure canned pumpkin per 10 lbs body weight daily, or psyllium husk (Metamucil unflavored), or vet-formulated fiber supplements
- Treat the underlying allergy — most chronic anal gland issues are food or environmental allergies
- Weight management — overweight dogs have more anal gland problems
- Increase water intake (water fountain, wet food)
- Routine high-quality kibble or diet with adequate fiber
When expression is needed
If glands are full or impacted, manual expression provides immediate relief while you work on the underlying cause. External expression (less effective) can be done at home; internal expression should be done by a vet or vet tech. Frequent expression actually WORSENS the problem long-term by stretching the glands — fix the underlying cause.
Anal gland abscess — an emergency
When an infected gland ruptures, you'll see a hot painful lump near the anus, often with bloody/pus discharge through a hole in the skin. This is an emergency:
- Drive to a 24-hour vet or get same-day care
- Treatment: drainage, flushing, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory pain meds
- Recovery: usually 7-14 days; surgery (anal sacculectomy) for recurrent cases
Florida-specific: humidity-driven allergies
Florida's year-round allergen exposure means many Florida dogs have chronic underlying allergies driving anal gland issues. Apoquel, Cytopoint, or immunotherapy often resolves the anal gland problem as a side effect. RexVet FL veterinarians can prescribe by $64.99 video visit.
New York-specific: cold winters + diet quality
NYC dogs often eat premium pet store kibbles that vary in fiber content. Switching to a higher-fiber food or adding pumpkin often resolves chronic anal gland issues. NYC apartment dogs also tend to be less active in winter, contributing to softer stools.
Virginia-specific: tick prevention + meat-heavy diets
Many Virginia dogs are on raw or high-meat diets popular with active outdoor lifestyles, which can produce softer stools. Adding fiber (pumpkin, fiber supplement) usually solves anal gland issues without diet change. RexVet VA veterinarians can coach you through the fiber protocol.
How telehealth fits in
$64.99 RexVet video visits in FL/NY/VA can: review the pattern (scooting frequency, stool consistency, allergy signs), prescribe antibiotics for confirmed infections, prescribe Apoquel or Cytopoint for underlying allergies, coach on fiber protocols, and refer for in-person expression when needed. Anal gland expression itself is an in-person procedure.
Emergency signals
When to contact a veterinarian
- Hot painful lump near the anus with possible discharge — abscess, drive to ER
- Persistent scooting + pain when defecating
- Visible blood from the anal area
- Recurrent infections (3+ in a year) — needs underlying workup
- Sudden onset of issues in an older dog — rule out anal sac tumors
- Difficulty defecating + straining
Frequently asked questions
Should I express my dog's anal glands at home?
Generally no. External expression (squeezing from outside) is less effective and can be done occasionally, but internal expression should be done by a vet or vet tech. Frequent expression long-term actually worsens the problem by stretching the gland. Address the underlying cause (fiber, allergies, weight) instead.
Can a RexVet online vet help with my dog's anal gland issues in FL, NY, or VA?
Yes for diagnosis, planning, and Rx. RexVet's FL/NY/VA-licensed veterinarians can review the pattern, prescribe antibiotics for infections, prescribe Apoquel or Cytopoint for underlying allergies, and coach on fiber protocols — all by $64.99 video visit. Manual expression itself is in-person.
How much fiber should I give my dog?
Standard starting dose: 1 tablespoon pure canned pumpkin (not pie filling) per 10 lbs body weight daily, OR 1/2 teaspoon plain psyllium husk per 20 lbs daily. Adjust based on stool consistency — too much fiber causes loose stool. RexVet veterinarians can tailor the dose to your dog.
Why does my dog smell fishy?
That fishy smell is anal gland fluid that's leaked. It usually means the glands are overfull, leaking under pressure, or recently impacted. Increase fiber, address allergies, and consider an in-person expression. If it persists, get a vet workup.
Are anal gland problems an emergency?
Routine anal gland fullness, scooting, and even mild infection are NOT emergencies. BUT an anal gland abscess (hot painful lump near anus, often with rupture and pus discharge) IS an emergency — drive to a 24-hour vet for drainage and antibiotics.
Should I have my dog's anal glands removed?
Surgery (anal sacculectomy) is reserved for chronic, recurrent, severe cases that don't respond to medical management. There's a risk of fecal incontinence post-surgery. Most dogs do extremely well with anal sac removal when truly needed, but try the fiber + allergy approach first.
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About the author
Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Chief Executive Officer, RexVet
Licensed veterinarian and CEO of RexVet (Rex Vets Inc.). Practicing across Florida, New York, and Virginia via licensed telehealth. Reviews every clinical article on RexVet before publication.