Mistake Many Dog Owners Don’t Know They’re Making
Most dog owners have heard about anal gland expression.
What many don’t realize is that doing the wrong thing — even with good intentions — can actually make gland problems worse.
This common mistake is quietly causing:
- Chronic scooting
- Painful infections
- Repeated vet visits
- Long-term gland damage
Let’s talk about what’s really happening.
The Big Mistake: Expressing Anal Glands Too Often
Many owners assume that routine gland expression is part of normal grooming care.
It isn’t.
In healthy dogs, anal glands are meant to empty naturally during bowel movements.
When glands are expressed too frequently:
- The body may stop emptying them naturally
- Gland tissue can become inflamed
- Fluid can thicken and become harder to pass
- Dogs may develop lifelong dependence on manual expression
What started as “preventative care” can become a chronic medical cycle.
Why This Happens
Owners often react to early signs like:
- Scooting
- Odor
- Licking
Instead of addressing the root cause, glands get manually expressed over and over.
But the real issue is often:
- Soft stool
- Low fiber diet
- Food allergies
- Obesity
- Skin inflammation
- Poor gut health
Without fixing these, gland problems keep returning.
Another Common Mistake: Having the Wrong Person Do It
Many people don’t understand the difference between:
Grooming Expression (External)
Groomers may perform a gentle external expression for mild fullness.
However, groomers cannot:
- Diagnose infections
- Perform internal expression
- Prescribe medication
- Treat abscesses
If glands are impacted or infected, grooming expression is not enough.
Veterinary Expression (Internal)
Veterinarians can:
- Fully empty glands
- Check for infection or rupture
- Provide pain relief
- Flush the glands if needed
- Create a long-term treatment plan
Knowing who to see can prevent serious complications.
Signs You Should NOT Wait or Just Book a Groom
Some symptoms mean it’s time for a vet visit — not routine grooming.
Watch for:
- Blood or pus near the anus
- Severe swelling
- Extreme pain
- Open wounds or rupture
- Lethargy or fever
- Recurring gland issues
Ignoring these signs can lead to:
- Abscess formation
- Skin rupture
- Chronic infection
- Surgical removal of the glands
The Smarter Approach to Anal Gland Health
Instead of frequent expression, focus on supporting natural gland function.
Helpful strategies include:
- Improving stool firmness with fiber
- Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Managing allergies
- Regular exercise
- Veterinary evaluation for repeat problems
Many dogs stop having gland issues once the underlying cause is addressed.
Final Thoughts
Anal gland care should never be based on fear or guesswork.
The biggest mistake owners make is treating the symptom instead of the cause.
When you understand how glands are meant to function, you can make better choices that protect your dog’s comfort — and avoid unnecessary pain, expense, and stress.
Shear Grace 
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