Anal Gland Expression: What Your Groomer Does vs. Your Vet

If you’ve ever noticed your dog scooting across the floor or smelled that unmistakable “fishy” odor, you’ve probably heard someone say, “It might be their anal glands.” It’s not a glamorous topic, but understanding what groomers do versus what veterinarians do can keep your dog comfortable and help prevent bigger health issues.

What are anal glands, anyway?

Dogs have two small scent sacs, called anal glands, just inside their rear end at about the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. Each time your dog has a firm bowel movement, a bit of this fluid should naturally empty, leaving their personal scent “signature” behind.

When these sacs don’t empty well, fluid can build up and become thick or painful. Common signs include:

  • Scooting on the floor

  • Licking or chewing under the tail

  • A sudden strong, fishy odor

  • Discomfort when sitting or going to the bathroom

That’s usually when owners start asking about anal gland expression.

What your groomer typically does

During a grooming appointment, some groomers will perform what’s called external anal gland expression. This is a quick, surface‑level technique.

External expression means the groomer gently applies pressure from the outside of the anus where the glands sit, to help release fluid if it is loose and ready to come out. The area is then cleaned and washed during the bath so your dog doesn’t go home smelling unpleasant.

External expression can be helpful for some dogs that get a bit “full” but are otherwise healthy. However, many experienced groomers are cautious about doing glands routinely because too‑frequent or forceful squeezing can:

  • Irritate the glands and surrounding tissue

  • Reduce the glands’ natural ability to empty on their own

  • Mask underlying problems that should be seen by a veterinarian

At H. Williams, we believe in a conservative, comfort‑first approach. We may perform gentle, external expression when appropriate and requested, and we stop and recommend a vet visit if there is pain, swelling, blood, or anything that doesn’t feel normal.

What your veterinarian does

Veterinarians and licensed vet technicians can go further than a groomer when it comes to anal glands. They perform internal expression and can diagnose and treat medical problems.

Internal expression usually includes:

  • A lubricated, gloved finger gently inserted just inside the rectum to locate and fully empty each gland from the inside

  • A check for thickened secretions, inflammation, abscesses, or growths while they’re expressing the glands

  • Treatment if needed, such as flushing the glands, applying medication, prescribing antibiotics or pain relief, or investigating allergies and diet if problems keep coming back

Internal expression and a full exam are especially important when your dog seems painful, you see swelling or redness, there is blood or pus, or the glands seem to need attention very frequently. Those are all “vet jobs,” not grooming add‑ons.

When to call the groomer vs. the vet

A simple way to think about it:

  • Occasional scooting, no pain: ask your groomer or vet for guidance

  • Strong fishy odor, dog otherwise normal: ask the groomer; see the vet if it keeps coming back

  • Pain, swelling, blood, or open sores: go straight to your veterinarian

It’s also worth noting that not every dog needs regular manual expression at all. Many dogs with firm, healthy stools empty their glands naturally, and routinely squeezing healthy glands “just because” may create more dependence on manual emptying.

Our approach at H. Williams Mobile Pet Spa

Because we work in a calm, one‑on‑one environment right at your home, we get to know your dog’s normal behavior and comfort level very well. That helps us spot when something seems off.

We always keep your pet’s comfort and safety first. During a groom, we visually check the rear area for anything that looks unusual. We may perform gentle, external anal gland expression when appropriate and requested, and we will always recommend a veterinarian if something seems painful or abnormal.

If you’re ever unsure whether your dog’s anal glands are a grooming issue or a medical issue, just ask—we’re happy to help you decide the right next step.