Help! My Dog Has Anal Gland Issues! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hi Dr. Paola,
I have an almost 10-year-old female beagle mix that I adopted when she was around two. I wouldn’t say she’s had anal gland problems the whole time, but she does “drain” or “ooze” anal gland liquid every so often. I was told by my groomer that hound-type dogs have anal gland troubles and that I should express her glands routinely which I have been trained to do. However, other research I have read says not to express the anal glands frequently because the glands will cease doing it on their own. I stopped expressing them and am letting nature do its thing. Which is right?” – Melissa
Quick Info about Lucy
Melissa, you’re absolutely right to reconsider routinely expressing Lucy’s anal glands. These glands typically empty naturally during normal bowel movements when a dog has firm, well-formed stools. However, some dogs with slightly different anatomy, chronic soft stool, allergies, or other factors may have difficulty emptying them efficiently. While some hound breeds, including Beagles, can be predisposed to anal gland issues due to their body structure and size, manually expressing them too often can lead to dependence, irritation, or even inflammation. If the anal glands are expressed too often, they can become hypofunctional or fibrotic, meaning they lose their ability to empty naturally. Frequent manual expression can lead to glandular atrophy, where the glands stop functioning properly due to repeated interference. Additionally, excessive manipulation can cause chronic inflammation or sclerosis, leading to thickened secretions and scarring of the glandular tissue, which makes natural expression even more difficult. Over time, this can create a cycle of dependence where the glands no longer empty on their own and require continuous manual intervention.
If Lucy is only occasionally oozing anal gland liquid but isn’t excessively scooting, licking, or showing signs of discomfort, then allowing her body to regulate while monitoring and supporting her diet for optimal stool consistency is a reasonable approach. However, it is a fine line, since leaking may indicate glands are not successfully emptying, so monitor her feces consistency to get more clues. In some dogs, minor leakage may occur when they are relaxed, excited, or under stress, as sudden muscle contractions can cause a small release of fluid. However, frequent or persistent leaking; especially if accompanied by a strong odor, irritation, excessive licking, or scooting can indicate an underlying issue such as mild impaction, inflammation, or even an infection, which requires medical intervention. Routine expression in an otherwise healthy dog can actually do more harm than good. Supporting her gland function through a high-fiber diet, such as adding canned pumpkin or psyllium husk, can help bulk up her stools, encouraging natural expression during bowel movements.
Since Lucy has occasional leakage but no major signs of distress, you’re likely on the right track by stepping back and letting nature take over. However, keeping a close eye on her is important. If the issue worsens, including signs such as frequent leakage, discomfort, scooting, excessive licking, nibbling or foul-smelling discharge, in-clinic veterinary care is required to rule out underlying inflammation or infection. Every dog is different, and while some require occasional manual expression, many can regulate on their own when their digestion and diet are optimal, making unnecessary intervention more harmful than helpful.
Dr. Paola