Your dog is dragging their backside across the floor. Or there's a sudden, unpleasant fishy smell. Or they keep turning to lick near their tail. If any of this sounds familiar, your dog may be having an issue with their anal glands — and it's one of the most common, least talked-about aspects of dog care.
Here's everything Miami pet owners need to know about anal gland expression, including what causes problems, when to get it done, and what to expect from a professional groomer.
What Are Anal Glands, Exactly?
Dogs have two small sacs located on either side of the anus, roughly at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. These glands produce a pungent, oily fluid that dogs use for scent-marking — it's why dogs sniff each other when they meet. Under normal circumstances, the glands empty naturally when your dog defecates.
The problem arises when they don't empty properly. Fluid builds up, the glands become impacted or inflamed, and your dog starts showing discomfort.
Signs That Your Dog's Anal Glands Need Attention
- Scooting — dragging the hindquarters across the floor or carpet
- Excessive licking or chewing near the base of the tail or around the anus
- A strong fishy or musty odor that isn't resolved by bathing
- Swelling, redness, or visible discomfort near the tail
- Straining or obvious discomfort when defecating
If any of these signs are present — especially swelling or difficulty defecating — contact your veterinarian. A severely impacted or abscessed anal gland requires medical treatment, not just expression.
Which Dogs Are Most Prone to Anal Gland Issues?
Any dog can experience anal gland problems, but certain factors increase the risk:
- Small breeds — Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Toy Poodles, and Dachshunds are most commonly affected
- Overweight dogs, where excess body fat can compress the glands
- Dogs with chronic soft stools or dietary sensitivities, since firm stools help express the glands naturally
- Dogs with recurring skin allergies, which often go hand in hand with anal gland issues
In Miami's humid climate, skin and coat issues are already more common than in drier climates — and dogs that are prone to allergies or skin irritation may need more frequent attention to their anal glands as a result.
External Expression vs. Internal Expression: What's the Difference?
There are two methods of anal gland expression:
- External: External expression
The groomer applies gentle pressure to both sides of the anus from the outside. This is the standard method used during routine grooming and works well for dogs whose glands are full but not severely impacted. It's quick, non-invasive, and appropriate for regular maintenance.
- Internal: Internal expression
A finger is inserted into the rectum to manually express each gland. This is a veterinary procedure used when glands are severely impacted, infected, or abscessed. It should only be performed by a veterinarian or licensed vet technician — not at home, and not by a groomer.
At Deluxe Mobile Pet Grooming, we perform external anal gland expression as part of our full grooming service. If we notice signs of severe impaction, infection, or abscess, we'll let you know and recommend a vet visit rather than attempt internal expression.
How Often Should Anal Glands Be Expressed?
For most dogs, anal glands don't need to be manually expressed at all — they empty naturally with each bowel movement. However, if your dog has a history of anal gland issues, your vet or groomer may recommend routine expression:
- Every 4–8 weeks for dogs with recurring problems
- At each grooming appointment for small breeds with chronic impaction
- Only as needed for dogs that have never had symptoms
Over-expressing healthy anal glands can actually cause problems over time by disrupting the normal self-expression cycle. A good groomer will check the glands and only express them when necessary — not as a default part of every visit regardless of whether it's needed.
Why Mobile Grooming Is a Better Setting for Anxious Dogs
For dogs that are already uncomfortable due to full or inflamed anal glands, the grooming environment matters a lot. A busy salon with multiple dogs, unfamiliar sounds, and long wait times can make the experience significantly more stressful.
With mobile grooming, your dog is in a calm, quiet setting — one dog, one groomer, zero waiting room. That one-on-one attention makes a real difference for dogs that are sensitive or anxious, and it means the groomer can take the time needed to check and gently address the anal glands without rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I express my dog's anal glands at home?
Technically yes, but most vets and groomers advise against it unless you've been specifically trained to do so. Incorrect technique can cause injury or push bacteria deeper into the duct. For most pet owners, scheduling routine grooming that includes anal gland checks is the safer, more effective option.
Is anal gland expression painful for my dog?
External expression should not be painful when done correctly and when the glands are just full rather than infected. A dog may show mild discomfort or turn to look, but should not yelp or react strongly. If your dog shows obvious pain, there may be an underlying infection that needs veterinary attention.
Does Deluxe Mobile Pet Grooming include anal gland expression in the service?
Yes. Anal gland expression is included in our full grooming packages. We check the glands at each appointment and express them externally when needed. If we notice signs of impaction or infection that require veterinary care, we'll always let you know.
📞 Book your next grooming appointment with Deluxe Mobile Pet Grooming — we come to you across Miami, Hialeah, Doral, Coral Gables, Kendall, and all of Miami-Dade. Full-service care at your door.