Scooting Dogs and Anal Glands: The Awkward Topic Worth Knowing

What the glands do

Two small scent sacs beside the anus normally empty during bowel movements. When they don't — soft stools, allergies, anatomy — they fill, irritate, and can infect or abscess.

The signs

Scooting across the floor, licking or chewing under the tail, a sudden fishy odor, or reluctance to sit. A hot, swollen, painful area beside the anus suggests an abscess — that's a prompt vet visit, not a groomer job.

Express only when needed

Healthy glands don't need routine squeezing — over-expressing can inflame them. Dogs with recurring trouble may need periodic professional expression; your vet or groomer can show the ropes if it becomes a maintenance task.

Fix the root cause

Firm stools empty glands naturally: adding fiber (plain pumpkin, psyllium, high-fiber diets) helps many dogs, as does weight loss and managing underlying allergies. Recurrent infections deserve a vet workup rather than a lifetime of squeezes.