Signs Your Dog Has a Blocked Anal Gland

Signs Your Dog Has a Blocked Anal Gland. As a veterinarian, one of the most common (and let’s be honest, smelly) issues I see in practice is blocked anal glands. Such a distressing state for your pet, and upsetting when you learn why that they might end up this way but rest assured… this guide has it all from what the dog symptoms are of the condition, through to how this may come about and what you can do about it!

What Are Anal Glands, and Why Do They Block?

When your dog’s anal glands: also sometimes called anal sacs are full of that strong, fishy fluid they have. They’re pea-sized pockets within the body just inside the dog anus at about the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. There are tiny glands inside these pockets lining them which are used to excrete that musky smell. This liquid is a unique scent marker that dogs use for communication and territory marking.

In a healthy dog: these glands are naturally expressed when they pass a firm, bulky stool. The pressure of the stool against the glands during defecation squeezes out a small amount of the liquid. However, when this natural process fails, the fluid can build up and thicken inside the sac. This leads to impaction, or a blocked anal gland .

10 Key Signs Your Dog Has a Blocked Anal Gland

But identifying the warning signs early will save you from suffering the pain of a serious infection stemming from a small problem. Keep a watchful eye out for these signs and symptoms of an infected hair follicle, and ring your vet at first blush.

1. Scooting (The Classic Sign)

This is the most well-known symptom: dragging their bottom along the ground, floor, or carpet. Your dog is essentially trying to physically relieve the pressure and itchiness caused by the full, impacted glands .

2. Excessive Licking and Biting

If your dog is constantly licking, nibbling, or biting at their rear end, tail, or even their lower back, it’s a strong indicator of irritation . This repetitive action can sometimes even lead to hair loss or skin irritation in the area.

3. A Strong, Fishy Odour

If you notice a persistent, unpleasant fishy or metallic smell coming from your dog’s rear end, it’s a classic sign of anal gland fluid. This is often one of the earliest signs owners notice .

4. Pain and Vocalisation

A blocked anal gland is painful. Your dog may whine, yelp, or cry when you try to put their poo down or if you feel along the base of the tail, or try to move the tail to look underneath.

5. Straining to Defecate (Tenesmus)

You may notice your dog seems to be struggling or straining a lot more than usual when passing a stool. This is because the swelling and pain make the process difficult and uncomfortable .

6. Reluctance to Sit or Sudden Sitting

The discomfort can make sitting down very painful. Your dog may sit down very suddenly, look around at their rear, or constantly shift positions as if they can’t get comfortable .

7. Swelling or a Lump Near the Anus

An inflamed gland can begin to swell up and you can notice, or feel, a hard and tender growth on either side of the anus.

8. Changes in Behaviour

Even calm dogs, when they have a hurt rear, or sore anal gland(s) may become snappy, or snap and groan when someone attempts to interact with your dogs rear end area.

9. Blood or Pus

In severe cases, an impacted gland can become infected and form an abscess. The abscess could burst through the skin leaving a weeping wound, possibly releasing yellow-green or bloody pus. THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

10. Bad Breath (Halitosis)

This will not seem so bizarre however dog will lick at these affected areas of the anus excessively to the point where that bad smell fluid will start and irritate and makes your dog breathe stinks – the problem might have absolutely nothing to do with their gums and teeth .

Also Check: Why Is My Rabbit Pulling Out Her Fur?

Why Do Anal Glands Get Blocked?

What Causes It Some dog-specific issues make dogs predisposed to developing the condition more easily. Some common culprits include:

• Soft Stools: If a dog’s stool is not firm enough, it won’t exert the necessary pressure to empty the glands naturally. This is often linked to diet .
• Obesity: Overweight dogs often have poor muscle tone in the anal area, making it harder for the glands to express naturally .
• Breed Predisposition: Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels are much more prone to anal gland issues than large or giant breeds .
• Chronic Skin Issues: Skin conditions like seborrhea can lead to overproduction of the gland secretions, increasing the risk of blockage .

From Blockage to Abscess: The Stages of Disease

In fact, if an infected anal gland goes untreated, it will almost certainly lead to …

• Impaction: The duct gets blocked with the thick fluid the gland produces, the gland distends and this results in discomfort or pain in that area.
• Sacculitis (Infection): The stagnant fluid becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to an infection .
• Abscess: The infection worsens, filling the sac with pus and creating a painful, swollen lump. This is a painful, red, and hot swelling beside the anus .
• Rupture: The abscess eventually bursts through the skin, releasing a bloody, foul-smelling discharge. While this may release the pressure, it leaves an open, painful wound that requires immediate veterinary treatment .

When to See a Vet

While many owners prefer to clean their dog’s anal glands on their own, it should only be done if your vet has trained you how. If it is done incorrectly it could damage your dog and cause it pain. If you suspect your dog has an impacted anal gland with symptoms such as swelling, bleeding or discharge then take it to your veterinarian for treatment. If the situation has escalated you might be need to undergo surgery; however it is common for anal glands to get better with just expression and potentially antibiotics to treat infections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)