How to Help Dog Anal Glands Naturally

Two Vizsla dogs lying on grass with a container of Stoolrite dog supplement placed in front, promoting natural anal gland health support.

Anal gland problems are common in dogs, and mild cases are usually straightforward for a vet to deal with. This page covers the signs that need a vet quickly, what causes the problems, and the home steps that can help, mainly firmer stools, a healthy weight and regular exercise.

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When to see a vet

Contact your vet the same day if your dog has:

  • swelling, a lump or redness beside the anus
  • blood or pus, or an open or draining wound near the anus
  • severe pain when sitting or passing a stool, or straining to poop
  • a fever, lethargy or no interest in food
  • a mass near the anus, or increased thirst and urination, in an older dog

Book an appointment soon if scooting, licking the area or a strong smell lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back. Impacted glands can become infected and form a painful abscess, and older dogs can develop tumours of the anal sac. A vet can tell these apart by examining the area.

What anal glands do

Dogs have two small sacs beside the anus, at roughly the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. They make a strong-smelling fluid that dogs use for scent marking and communication with other dogs. The sacs normally empty a little each time the dog passes a stool.

Illustration showing location of a dog’s anal glands beside the anus with a labeled diagram to educate pet owners.

Healthy anal glands and signs of a problem

Healthy May mean a problem
Empty normally without distress Scooting along the ground
No signs of discomfort Licking the area a lot
The anal area looks normal Swelling or lumps near the gland
Dog sits comfortably Redness, or discomfort when sitting

What causes anal gland problems

Problems start when the sacs do not empty properly. Common reasons include:

  • stools that are too soft to press on the sacs as they pass
  • excess weight and poor muscle tone
  • skin conditions, including allergic skin disease

Small breeds are more prone to impaction. If the sacs stay full, bacteria can multiply and infection can follow. Dogs with repeated problems should be checked for an underlying cause, such as skin allergies.

Home steps that may help

These steps support normal emptying. They do not replace a vet exam if your dog is in pain or the area looks swollen. No controlled trials have compared different treatments for anal gland problems, so ask your vet what suits your dog.

Firmer stools with more fibre

Fibre can bulk up and firm stools, and firmer stools are more likely to empty the sacs as your dog passes them. Plain cooked pumpkin, sweet potato, green beans and flaxseed are common sources. Introduce any change gradually, and ask your vet first if your dog has chronic diarrhoea or a health condition.

Stoolrite supplement packaging with text highlighting benefits like improving stool consistency and anal gland health, next to an orange 'Buy Now' button.

Stoolrite is a single-ingredient seaweed powder that is high in both soluble and insoluble fibre. It goes on one meal a day: 1 level teaspoon for a small dog (under 10 kg), 2 for a medium dog (10 to 20 kg) and 3 for a large dog (over 20 kg). Start with a smaller amount, use half the dose for maintenance, and allow up to five weeks to see results. It contains natural iodine, so it is not recommended for dogs with thyroid problems. If you use other seaweed products as well, keep seaweed below 5% of the total feed.

Stoolrite dog supplement packaging beside bold text reading 'Green seaweed high in fibre' on a green and white background.

A healthy weight and regular exercise

Excess weight and poor muscle tone make it harder for the sacs to empty. Daily walks and play help keep your dog at a healthy weight, and your vet can help with a weight plan.

Black and white curly-haired dog joyfully running across a sandy path in an outdoor setting.

Fresh water

Keep fresh water available at all times, which supports normal stool consistency.

What not to use

Do not put essential oils, creams or home remedies on a swollen or sore area, and do not try to treat a suspected abscess at home. Ask your vet before using anything on the area.

Illustrated graphic of a smiling dog with the caption: “Did You Know? Dogs’ anal gland secretions are as unique as human fingerprints. These scent markers convey detailed information about a dog’s identity, health, and even emotional state.”

Should the glands be expressed or removed?

For a simple impaction, vets often empty the sacs by manual expression, which brings quick relief. It can hurt your dog if it is done wrongly, so ask your vet or vet nurse to do it or to show you how. If the problem keeps coming back, your vet should look for the cause, such as skin allergies, stool consistency or weight.

Surgery to remove the anal sacs (anal sacculectomy) is considered when other treatment has not worked, or when a tumour is present. It carries risks, and your vet will go through them with you before you decide.

Veterinarian wearing protective gear examining a small brown dog in a clinical setting, highlighting care and attention.

Common questions

What are anal gland problems in dogs?

The two small sacs near the anus can become impacted, infected or inflamed. This is uncomfortable and can lead to an abscess.

Should I see a vet before trying home steps?

Yes, if your dog is in pain, the area is swollen or red, or there is blood or pus. If your dog is scooting a little but is otherwise well, ask your vet before you start.

Does fibre help?

It can, by firming stools so the sacs empty as your dog passes them. It will not fix an infection or a tumour, so any swelling, pain or blood needs a vet.