How Often Should You Express Your Dog’s Glands?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Care & Daily Living

If you’re a dog owner, you may have heard about the importance of expressing your dog’s anal glands but aren’t quite sure how often it should be done. Understanding the right frequency for expressing dog glands is essential for maintaining your pet’s comfort and preventing potential health issues. Whether your furry friend shows signs of discomfort or you’re simply looking to stay proactive, knowing when and how often to address this aspect of canine care can make a significant difference.

Dog anal glands, small sacs located near the rectum, play a natural role in communication and marking territory. However, these glands can sometimes become full, impacted, or infected, leading to discomfort or more serious problems. Determining the appropriate schedule for expressing these glands depends on various factors including your dog’s breed, diet, activity level, and overall health. While some dogs may rarely need assistance, others might require more frequent attention to keep them feeling their best.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the signs that indicate your dog may need gland expression, discuss the pros and cons of regular maintenance, and offer guidance on how to approach this sensitive task safely. Whether you choose to handle it yourself or seek professional help, understanding the nuances of gland expression frequency will empower you to provide the best care for your canine companion.

Recommended Frequency for Expressing Dog Glands

The frequency with which a dog’s anal glands need to be expressed varies depending on several factors including the dog’s breed, size, diet, and individual gland health. Generally, healthy dogs do not require routine expression as their glands empty naturally during regular bowel movements. However, some dogs, especially smaller breeds, may experience recurrent issues necessitating more frequent care.

Most veterinarians and professional groomers suggest expressing the glands only when there is a clear need, such as signs of discomfort, scooting, or a foul odor. Over-expressing can cause irritation or damage to the delicate tissues of the glands, so it is important to strike a balance.

Factors Influencing Expression Frequency

Several factors influence how often anal glands need to be expressed:

  • Breed and Size: Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Corgis, and Dachshunds are more prone to gland issues and may require more frequent expressions.
  • Diet and Stool Consistency: High-fiber diets promote firmer stools, which help naturally empty the glands. Dogs with soft stools may need more frequent manual expression.
  • Activity Level: Active dogs tend to have better natural gland emptying due to movement and muscle contractions.
  • Health Status: Dogs with allergies, infections, or chronic anal gland problems may need veterinary intervention and more frequent expression.

Signs Indicating the Need for Gland Expression

Owners should monitor their dogs for specific signs that indicate the glands are full or impacted:

  • Scooting or dragging the rear end on the floor
  • Excessive licking or biting at the anal area
  • Foul, fishy odor from the rear
  • Swelling or redness around the anus
  • Signs of pain or discomfort when sitting or defecating

If these signs are present, it may be necessary to express the glands immediately and consult a veterinarian for further advice.

Typical Expression Frequency Guidelines

While individual needs vary, the following table summarizes typical guidelines for anal gland expression frequency based on dog characteristics and symptoms:

Dog Type Expression Frequency Notes
Healthy Large Breed Rarely or as needed Glands usually empty naturally
Small Breed with No History Every 6-12 months or as needed Monitor for signs of fullness
Small Breed with Chronic Issues Every 4-6 weeks May require regular veterinary or grooming care
Dogs with Soft Stool or Digestive Issues Every 4-8 weeks Improving diet may reduce frequency
Dogs with Infection or Abscess As directed by veterinarian Usually more frequent during treatment

Professional vs. Owner-Performed Expression

While some owners choose to express their dog’s anal glands at home, it is advisable to receive proper instruction from a veterinarian or professional groomer. Improper technique can cause injury or worsen the condition. Professional expression is often recommended if:

  • The dog shows signs of pain or infection
  • The owner is uncomfortable with the procedure
  • The glands are impacted or abscessed

For dogs that require regular expression, scheduling visits every 4 to 8 weeks with a groomer or vet ensures the glands are managed safely and effectively.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Expression Frequency

To minimize the need for frequent gland expression, consider the following preventive strategies:

  • Dietary Management: Providing a high-fiber diet promotes firmer stools which help naturally empty glands.
  • Regular Exercise: Encourages muscle tone and normal bowel movements.
  • Hydration: Adequate water intake supports digestive health.
  • Weight Management: Overweight dogs are more prone to gland issues.
  • Routine Vet Checkups: Early detection and management of gland problems.

By optimizing these factors, many dogs maintain healthy anal gland function without needing routine manual expression.

Recommended Frequency for Expressing Dog Anal Glands

Expressing a dog’s anal glands is a procedure that should be performed based on individual need rather than a fixed schedule. The frequency varies considerably depending on the dog’s breed, size, diet, activity level, and natural gland function.

Most dogs naturally express their anal glands during normal defecation. However, some dogs may require manual expression more frequently due to impaction, infection, or other gland issues.

  • Typical Frequency: For dogs prone to gland problems, expression every 4 to 6 weeks is common. This helps prevent discomfort and complications.
  • Occasional Expression: Dogs without recurring issues may only need gland expression a few times per year or not at all if their glands empty naturally.
  • Signs Indicating Need for Expression: Scooting, licking or biting the anal area, a foul odor, swelling near the anus, or difficulty defecating.
Dog Condition Recommended Expression Frequency Notes
Healthy dog with no anal gland issues As needed (rarely) Most dogs express naturally during defecation
Dogs with mild impaction or mild irritation Every 4-6 weeks Monitor symptoms closely to avoid overexpression
Dogs with chronic anal gland problems or infections Every 2-4 weeks or as advised by veterinarian May require veterinary treatment alongside expression
Dogs with diarrhea or soft stools More frequent, based on symptoms Soft stool may not provide enough pressure to empty glands naturally

It is critical to avoid overexpressing the glands, as this can cause irritation, inflammation, or damage. A professional veterinary or groomer’s assessment is recommended to determine the optimal schedule for your dog’s specific needs.

Factors Influencing Expression Frequency

Several factors contribute to how often a dog’s anal glands need to be expressed:

  • Diet and Stool Consistency: High-fiber diets promote firmer stools that naturally express glands more effectively. Conversely, low-fiber or soft stool diets may lead to inadequate gland emptying.
  • Breed Predisposition: Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, and Toy Poodles are more prone to anal gland issues and often require more frequent expression.
  • Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Overweight or inactive dogs may have less natural gland expression due to reduced bowel motility.
  • Age and Health Status: Older dogs or those with chronic health issues may experience decreased natural emptying.
  • Underlying Medical Conditions: Infections, allergies, or anal gland tumors can increase the frequency of required expression.

Signs Your Dog Needs Anal Gland Expression

Recognizing when your dog’s anal glands require attention is crucial for their comfort and health. Common signs include:

  • Scooting: Dragging the rear end across the floor is a classic symptom of anal gland discomfort.
  • Excessive Licking or Biting: Persistent licking or biting at the anus indicates irritation.
  • Foul Odor: A strong, fishy smell is often associated with full or infected glands.
  • Swelling or Redness: Visible swelling or redness near the anus signals inflammation or infection.
  • Difficulty Defecating: Straining or discomfort during bowel movements may be linked to impacted glands.
  • Visible Discharge: Fluid or pus around the anus can indicate infection.

If any of these symptoms are observed, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian promptly for examination and appropriate treatment.

Expert Perspectives on How Often to Express Dog Glands

Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinarian, Canine Health Associates). Regular assessment of a dog’s anal glands is essential, but expressing them should only be done when necessary—typically every 4 to 6 weeks for dogs prone to impaction. Overexpressing can cause irritation, so it is best to consult with a veterinarian to tailor the frequency based on the individual dog’s needs.

Jason Meyers (Certified Canine Behaviorist and Grooming Specialist). From a grooming perspective, many dogs benefit from gland expression every 3 to 4 weeks, especially smaller breeds with a tendency for gland issues. However, it is important to monitor signs of discomfort or scooting and avoid routine expression if the glands are healthy and empty naturally.

Dr. Laura Chen (Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Wellness Clinic). The frequency of expressing dog glands varies widely depending on diet, activity, and individual anatomy. While some dogs require monthly attention, others may only need expression a few times a year. A personalized approach, guided by veterinary examination, ensures gland health without unnecessary intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I express my dog’s anal glands?
The frequency varies by individual dog, but generally every 4 to 6 weeks is sufficient. Some dogs may require more frequent expression if they have recurring issues.

What signs indicate my dog’s glands need to be expressed?
Common signs include scooting, excessive licking of the anal area, a foul odor, or swelling near the anus. These symptoms suggest the glands may be full or impacted.

Can I express my dog’s glands at home safely?
Yes, with proper technique and hygiene, owners can express glands at home. However, it is advisable to receive guidance from a veterinarian or professional groomer to avoid injury.

What happens if anal glands are not expressed regularly?
Neglecting gland expression can lead to discomfort, infection, abscess formation, or chronic inflammation, which may require veterinary intervention.

Are there any health conditions that affect how often glands need expressing?
Yes, dogs with obesity, allergies, or digestive issues often produce more gland secretions and may need more frequent expression.

Is expressing anal glands painful for dogs?
When done correctly, expressing anal glands should cause minimal discomfort. If a dog shows signs of pain, consult a veterinarian as there may be an infection or other complications.
Expressing a dog’s anal glands is a procedure that should be approached with care and understanding. Generally, dogs do not require regular gland expression unless they exhibit signs of discomfort, scooting, licking, or have a history of gland issues. Overexpressing can cause irritation or infection, so it is important to rely on a veterinarian’s guidance or a professional groomer’s expertise to determine the appropriate frequency based on the individual dog’s needs.

Most healthy dogs naturally express their anal glands during bowel movements, which eliminates the need for routine manual expression. However, certain breeds, diets, or health conditions may predispose some dogs to gland problems, necessitating occasional manual expression. Monitoring your dog’s behavior and consulting with a veterinarian will help identify when intervention is necessary to prevent complications such as impaction or infection.

In summary, the frequency of expressing a dog’s anal glands varies widely and should be tailored to the dog’s specific circumstances. Regular veterinary check-ups and attentive observation are key to maintaining your dog’s anal gland health. By addressing any issues promptly and avoiding unnecessary expression, owners can ensure their dog’s comfort and well-being.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.