Can Groomers Express Anal Glands Safely for Your Dog?

That fishy smell on your dog’s favorite blanket is not exactly the spa-day souvenir any pet parent hopes for. If your pup has been scooting across the carpet, licking under their tail, or suddenly seems uncomfortable sitting down, you may be asking: can groomers express anal glands? Often, yes - but whether it is appropriate depends on your dog’s symptoms, the salon’s policies, and whether there could be a medical concern.

For many healthy dogs, anal gland expression can be a simple grooming add-on when it is truly needed. For a dog who is painful, swollen, repeatedly having trouble, or showing signs of infection, a veterinarian is the right next stop. Knowing the difference helps protect your sweet furry family member’s comfort and wellness.

What are anal glands, and why do they fill?

Dogs have two small anal sacs, often called anal glands, located just inside the anus around the four o’clock and eight o’clock positions. These sacs hold a strong-smelling fluid that is normally released in tiny amounts when a dog has a firm bowel movement. It is part of how dogs leave their unique scent behind.

Sometimes the fluid does not empty as it should. Small dogs may be more prone to this issue, but any dog can have full or impacted glands. Soft stools, anatomy, allergies, inflammation, weight concerns, and a history of gland trouble can all play a role.

A dog with full glands may scoot, lick or nibble at the rear end, give off a fishy odor, or seem bothered when sitting. Those signs can point to anal glands, but they are not a guaranteed diagnosis. Skin irritation, parasites, allergies, diarrhea, or an injury can cause similar behavior.

Can groomers express anal glands during a grooming visit?

Many professional groomers offer external anal gland expression as part of a grooming service or an available add-on. The external method involves gentle pressure from outside the body to encourage the sacs to release. It can be appropriate for a relaxed, healthy dog with mild fullness and no signs of pain or illness.

Policies vary from salon to salon. Some groomers offer this service routinely, some provide it only upon request, and others prefer to refer all gland care to a veterinary clinic. A reputable groomer will also decline the service when a dog appears uncomfortable or when anything seems unusual. That is thoughtful care, not a lack of service.

Internal expression, where a finger is inserted to empty the sacs more completely, is generally considered a veterinary procedure. It requires more clinical assessment and may be necessary when glands are impacted. Groomers should not be expected to diagnose infections, abscesses, or other medical issues during a bath appointment.

At Star Struck Grooming Salon, your pet’s comfort comes before checking off an extra service. Share any recent scooting, licking, odor, or past gland concerns when scheduling. Clear communication gives the grooming team the chance to advise whether grooming support may be suitable or if a veterinary visit should come first.

When a veterinarian should handle anal gland care

There is a big difference between mildly full glands and glands that may be impacted or infected. If your dog is showing discomfort, do not wait for their next regular grooming appointment. Call your veterinarian promptly if you notice swelling beside the anus, redness, bleeding, pus, an open sore, or a lump.

Other warning signs include yelping when touched near the rear, straining to poop, refusing to sit, sudden aggression when that area is approached, lethargy, or a strong odor that keeps returning. An abscessed anal gland can be extremely painful and may rupture. That needs medical treatment, not a routine expression.

Dogs with recurring gland issues also deserve a conversation with their veterinarian. Repeated expressions may address what is in the sac today, but they do not necessarily solve the reason the problem keeps coming back. Your veterinarian can check for infection, discuss stool quality, evaluate allergies, and recommend a plan designed for your dog.

Why routine expression is not right for every dog

It is easy to assume that all dogs need their glands expressed at every grooming appointment. Most do not. In many dogs, anal glands empty naturally with normal bowel movements and never need hands-on help.

Expressing glands unnecessarily can cause irritation in a sensitive area. Frequent manipulation may also make it harder to tell when a dog genuinely has a problem. The best approach is need-based care: pay attention to your dog’s normal habits, ask questions when something changes, and choose grooming or veterinary support accordingly.

This is especially helpful for pet parents who schedule grooming on a regular cadence. A fresh bath, tidy trim, and paw care can be part of your dog’s feel-good routine, while anal gland care remains an individual decision rather than an automatic task.

What to expect if a groomer can help

If external expression is appropriate and offered by your salon, it is usually done carefully during the bath portion of the appointment. The groomer should use gentle handling, keep the area clean, and let you know if the glands seem unusually full or if your dog is too uncomfortable to continue.

A little strong odor during the process is normal - those glands have a very distinct scent. Your dog may also need a quick rinse afterward, which is one reason it makes sense to address the service during a grooming visit rather than at home.

Your groomer may recommend a veterinary follow-up if the discharge is bloody, thick, unusually colored, gritty, or difficult to express. They may also stop if your dog reacts with pain. Those observations are valuable, but they are not a medical diagnosis. Think of your groomer as a trusted part of your pet’s care team, with a veterinarian handling the health questions that need clinical expertise.

Please skip DIY anal gland expression

Online videos can make at-home gland expression look simple. In reality, it is easy to apply too much pressure, irritate tissue, miss a developing infection, or make an already nervous dog feel frightened and sore. The smell and mess are the least concerning parts.

If your dog is scooting once after a bowel movement but otherwise seems fine, monitor them and keep the area clean. If it continues, call your groomer or veterinarian to talk through the symptoms. If your dog seems painful or you see swelling or discharge, contact the veterinarian first.

Helping reduce repeat anal gland trouble

There is no one-size-fits-all prevention plan, but healthy stool quality matters. Firm, well-formed bowel movements are more likely to help glands empty naturally. If your dog often has soft stool, diarrhea, or digestive changes, ask your veterinarian about diet and whether adding fiber is appropriate. Do not make major dietary changes or start supplements solely because of a gland issue without professional guidance.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, staying on top of allergy symptoms, and maintaining regular wellness visits can help uncover factors that contribute to recurring trouble. Regular grooming also gives you a chance to notice changes around your dog’s skin and coat before they become easier to miss.

Your dog deserves grooming that feels gentle, polished, and reassuring - and care decisions that put their well-being first. If you have questions before your next appointment, reach out to your grooming team with the details you have noticed. A quick conversation can help your best friend receive the star treatment they deserve, with a veterinary referral whenever that is the kindest next step.