📄 Key points of the article
- Anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of the anus, which normally empty on their own during defecation.
- Impaction is manifested by licking the hindquarters, rubbing against the ground ("scooting"), or an unusual odor.
- Small breeds (Chihuahua, Dachshund, Toy Poodle) and overweight dogs are statistically more affected; the problem is rarer in cats.
- If left untreated, impaction can develop into a painful abscess or even a fistula requiring emergency veterinary care.
- A high-fiber diet, a healthy weight, and regular physical activity significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
It is a subject we rarely talk about, often out of modesty or because it seems trivial, yet anal glands are the source of real discomfort for many dogs, and more rarely for cats. A dog that constantly licks its hindquarters, drags its bottom on the living room rug, or whose cat litter suddenly gives off an acrid and unusual odor: in many cases, the culprit turns out to be these two small, discreet glands located just under the skin on either side of the anus.
What are anal glands used for?
Anal glands, also called anal sacs, are two small pouches located under the skin, to the left and right of the anus, in both dogs and cats. They produce a scented secretion rich in pheromones, which is mainly used for olfactory communication between conspecifics: it is partly thanks to this that two dogs sniff each other's hindquarters when they meet. Normally, this secretion is emptied on its own with each bowel movement, as the pressure exerted by fecal matter is sufficient to empty the glands. They can also be emptied involuntarily during a peak of stress or intense fear, projecting their contents up to a distance of over a meter in dogs.
In the vast majority of cases, this mechanism works without us ever having to think about it. The problem arises when the secretion thickens or the natural emptying no longer occurs correctly: the glands become impacted, tense, and turn into a source of discomfort, or even pain, for the animal.
Why do anal glands become impacted?
In dogs
In dogs, anal gland impaction is a relatively common reason for a veterinary consultation. Several factors can explain it: secretion that is too thick and does not drain well, stools that are too soft and do not exert enough pressure on the glands during passage, excess weight that alters the local anatomy and hinders emptying, a low-fiber diet, or a lack of physical activity. Certain small breeds are statistically more predisposed, notably the Chihuahua, the Dachshund, and the Toy Poodle, although other breeds are not immune. More rarely, the obstruction may be due to a tumor, an internal parasite, a foreign body like a grass awn, or a local injury.
In cats
In cats, this condition is significantly rarer than in dogs, but it does exist. The causes mentioned are similar: secretion that has become too thick, often linked to an underlying skin condition; digestive disorders that disrupt transit and thus natural emptying; a change in diet; or the presence of parasites such as tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum), whose segments can hinder drainage. Overweight cats, which groom and move around less easily, are also more exposed.
Recognizing the signs of impaction
The signs are generally similar in dogs and cats, even if cats, more discreet by nature, sometimes express them more subtly:
- Repeated licking or biting of the anal area
- Rubbing the hindquarters on the ground ("scooting"), a classic sign in dogs
- Difficulty or apparent discomfort when defecating
- Visible redness, swelling, or sensitivity around the anus
- Strong and unusual odor, sometimes noticed before any other sign
- In advanced cases, discharge of pus or blood, a sign of an abscess that has formed or ruptured
If your pet shows several of these signs, it is better not to wait: an impaction caught in time usually resolves with a simple emptying, while a neglected situation can develop into more serious complications.
Potential complications in the absence of treatment
Without intervention, persistent impaction can progress to inflammation of the anal sacs (sacculitis), and then to a bacterial infection. The gland, tense and inflamed, can then form a hot, painful abscess, visible as a swollen mass near the anus. In some cases, this abscess can rupture spontaneously, leaving an open wound called a fistula, which then requires regular veterinary care and sometimes prolonged antibiotic therapy. These complications remain avoidable in the vast majority of cases, provided you react at the first signs rather than waiting for the situation to worsen.
What does the veterinarian do?
When an impaction is suspected, the veterinarian begins with a rectal examination to assess the state of the glands: are they simply full, or already inflamed, or even abscessed? If a simple emptying is sufficient, the procedure is carried out during the consultation and provides almost immediate relief to the animal (the process is not painful, but its odor is, it must be said, particularly strong). In the event of an infection or abscess, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment is usually prescribed, sometimes accompanied by local drainage. In chronic or highly recurrent situations, surgical removal of the glands may be considered, but it remains reserved for cases that do not respond to other approaches.
Should anal glands be emptied regularly, even without problems?
This is a common question, and the answer is no in the majority of cases: in a healthy dog or cat with no history of impaction, the glands empty themselves and systematic emptying is not necessary. Conversely, overly frequent and unjustified manipulation can irritate the area. Manual emptying only becomes useful when the animal shows signs of discomfort, or for individuals with a history of frequent recurrences, for whom a veterinarian or a trained groomer may suggest checks at regular intervals.
How to reduce the risk of impaction on a daily basis
Several simple habits can significantly limit the risk, especially in animals already identified as predisposed:
- Maintain a healthy weight adapted to the animal's breed and morphology, as excess weight is one of the most documented risk factors
- Offer a quality diet, sufficiently rich in fiber, to obtain well-formed stools that exert natural pressure on the glands
- Encourage regular physical activity, which promotes good digestive transit
- Monitor the appearance of soft stools or recurring diarrhea, which can hinder natural emptying, and speak to your veterinarian if they persist
- Perform periodic veterinary checks for predisposed breeds or animals that have already experienced an episode of impaction
- Quickly treat any parasitic infestation, especially tapeworms, which can promote gland problems in cats
Some owners also add a spoonful of squash (pumpkin or butternut squash, cooked and unsalted) to their dog's ration, a tip commonly mentioned by Anglo-Saxon veterinarians to naturally enrich the diet with gentle fiber. This does not replace veterinary advice in the event of an established problem, but can be a simple daily preventative measure, to be validated with your veterinarian according to your pet's profile.
Special cases to know
Certain situations deserve a slightly different focus. In long-haired dogs and cats, early signs of impaction (redness, slight swelling) are harder to spot visually: it is often the odor or a change in behavior (licking, restlessness, refusal to sit) that warns first. In senior animals, chronic constipation or loss of muscle tone in the sphincter can hinder the natural emptying of the glands, making regular veterinary checks particularly useful from a certain age. Finally, in recently spayed or neutered dogs and cats, the weight gain sometimes observed in the months following the procedure can, indirectly, increase the risk: monitoring a healthy weight therefore remains relevant after sterilization, as with many other aspects of the animal's health.
One final point is worth noting: if your animal has a hot lump, very painful to the touch, with or without discharge, near the anus, it is likely an already formed abscess. In this case, a quick veterinary consultation is necessary, without waiting for a routine appointment, because a self-ruptured abscess exposes the animal to a risk of more widespread infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog dragging its bottom on the ground?
This is one of the most characteristic signs of anal gland impaction: the animal is trying to relieve pressure or itching by rubbing its hindquarters on the floor. More rarely, it can also indicate irritation linked to worms, which is why veterinary advice is needed to make the correct diagnosis.
Can I empty my pet's glands myself?
This procedure requires real technique to be done without pain or risk of injury, and if done poorly, it can further irritate the area. It is best to entrust it to your veterinarian or a trained groomer, especially if it is the first time the situation has arisen.
Are anal glands more problematic in certain breeds?
Yes, small dog breeds like the Chihuahua, Dachshund, or Toy Poodle are statistically more affected, probably due to the anatomical configuration of the area. This does not prevent large dogs from also developing this condition, especially if they are overweight.
Is an indoor cat at higher risk?
The main risk factor in cats remains being overweight, which limits their ability to groom themselves properly and can promote impaction. An active indoor cat at a healthy weight is not particularly more exposed than a cat that goes outside.
Is a sudden bad odor always linked to the anal glands?
It is a common cause, but not the only one: a dental infection, a skin problem, or a digestive disorder can also cause an unusual odor. If the odor persists or is accompanied by other signs, a veterinary consultation will allow for the exact origin to be identified.
To support your dog's daily comfort and hygiene, find our selection dedicated to dog hygiene.