Natural Ways to Express Your Dog's Anal Glands: A Guide for Pet Owners

As a dog owner, you may have heard about anal gland expression, but you might not know much about it—or why it’s necessary for your dog’s health. For many dogs, expressing their anal glands can be an important part of regular care. However, while some pet owners opt for a trip to the vet or groomer to have this done, there are natural ways you can help your dog express their anal glands at home.

In this blog, we’ll explore why anal gland expression is important, how you can naturally help your dog with it, and what signs to look for if your dog is having trouble.

What Are Anal Glands and Why Do They Need to Be Expressed?

Dogs have two small anal glands, located on either side of their anus, which contain a smelly fluid. These glands are part of the dog’s territorial marking system, releasing a unique scent when your dog defecates. In nature, these scents help dogs mark their territory, but in domesticated dogs, this process is not always as straightforward.

In some cases, the glands don’t empty naturally, leading to discomfort, infection, or impacted anal glands. Some signs that your dog’s anal glands need attention include:

• Scooting: Dragging their bottom on the ground.

• Excessive licking of the rear area.

• Foul odor from their rear.

• Discomfort or pain when sitting or defecating.

• Redness or swelling around the anus.

When these glands are impacted or infected, they can cause pain and discomfort for your dog. While expressing the glands manually is one way to relieve this issue, there are natural methods you can try to help prevent or alleviate anal gland issues without the need for frequent vet visits.

1. Increase Fiber in Your Dog’s Diet

One of the most effective ways to help your dog naturally express their anal glands is by ensuring they have a diet that supports healthy bowel movements. Fiber plays a key role in promoting regular, firm stools, which, in turn, helps to naturally express the anal glands as your dog eliminates waste.

How to increase fiber:

• Canned pumpkin: Pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is a great source of fiber and can be added to your dog’s meals. About 1–2 tablespoons per day, depending on your dog’s size, can help regulate their digestive system.

• Sweet potatoes: Another excellent source of fiber, sweet potatoes can be boiled or baked and added to your dog’s food.

• Psyllium husk: This fiber supplement can be added to your dog’s food to help improve stool consistency and promote regular bowel movements.

By promoting regular and firm stools, the natural act of passing waste will help compress the anal glands, encouraging them to express themselves naturally.

2. Encourage Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity is another natural way to help support your dog’s digestive system and overall health. When dogs are active, it encourages healthy bowel movements, which can assist in expressing the anal glands naturally.

Exercise helps stimulate your dog’s digestive system, and the more they move, the better their gastrointestinal health will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise each day, depending on your dog’s breed and energy level. This can include walks, playtime, and even time spent outdoors running around.

3. Hydration is Key

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy bowel movements. When a dog is dehydrated, their stools can become hard and difficult to pass, which in turn can cause issues with their anal glands. Ensuring your dog has access to fresh, clean water throughout the day is important for their overall health and digestive function.

If you find that your dog isn’t drinking enough water, consider:

• Adding water to their food: Pour a bit of water over their food to make it more palatable.

• Water fountains: Some dogs are more inclined to drink from a pet water fountain, which may encourage them to drink more often.

• Ice cubes: Adding ice cubes to their water bowl or offering ice as a treat can also encourage hydration.

• Fruit: Adding fruit to their food bowls or as treats such as watermelon is a great way to add in extra hydration.

4. Use a Natural Anal Gland Supplement

There are natural supplements available that are designed to support anal gland health. These supplements usually contain ingredients that promote healthy digestion and help your dog maintain firm stools, which can naturally aid in expressing the anal glands. Look for supplements that contain ingredients such as:

• Probiotics: Help balance your dog’s gut flora and support a healthy digestive system.

• Digestive enzymes: Assist in breaking down food and promoting regular bowel movements.

• Herbs like marshmallow root or slippery elm, which soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.

5. Gently Massage the Area (If Necessary)

While the goal is to promote natural expression of the anal glands, there are times when a bit of gentle massage can help encourage the glands to release. However, this should be done with caution and only if you're comfortable handling the area.

To do so, gently massage the area around your dog’s anus, using soft pressure. The idea is to stimulate the glands and encourage the fluid to be expelled. If you’re unsure how to do this or are uncomfortable performing this task, it’s always best to seek the help of a professional.

6. Regular Grooming and Hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene around your dog’s rear end can help prevent irritation and blockages. Regular grooming will help ensure that any hair or debris around the anus is kept clean, which can reduce the risk of anal gland impaction.

After your dog’s walks or bathroom breaks, consider gently wiping their rear with a dog-friendly, unscented wet wipe to remove any excess material. Keeping the area clean can help reduce inflammation and prevent irritation that might affect the glands.

When to See a Veterinarian

While natural methods can help maintain your dog’s anal gland health, there are instances where professional intervention is necessary. If you notice the following, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian:

• Persistent scooting: If your dog is frequently scooting or licking their rear end, it may be a sign of an underlying issue, such as infection or impacted glands.

• Foul odor: A strong, rancid smell coming from your dog’s rear may indicate infected anal glands.

• Swelling or redness: These could be signs of inflammation or infection in the anal glands.

• Lethargy or pain: If your dog seems unusually tired or in pain, it could be a sign that their anal glands are causing discomfort.

In some cases, your veterinarian may need to manually express the anal glands or treat any infection or abscess that may have developed.

Conclusion

Taking care of your dog’s anal glands doesn’t have to be stressful, and there are natural ways to help support your dog’s health and reduce the risk of anal gland issues. By focusing on a fiber-rich diet, encouraging regular exercise, ensuring proper hydration, and maintaining good hygiene, you can significantly reduce the chances of your dog developing anal gland problems.

With the right care, you can help keep your dog’s anal glands healthy and functioning properly, ensuring they remain comfortable and happy.