Anal Gland Expression During Grooming: What to Know and When to See a Vet

Anal gland expression is one of the grooming hygiene services Fluffy Crew offers, and it's listed as an inclusion in Full Grooming. It's a routine hygiene procedure, but it's important to understand what it is and when it's not enough. Persistent anal gland issues need your veterinarian. This guide covers what to know and when to seek veterinary care.

Anal gland expression is one of the grooming hygiene services Fluffy Crew offers, and it's listed as one of the inclusions in Full Grooming. It's a routine hygiene procedure that some pets benefit from as part of their grooming visit. But it's important to understand what anal gland expression is, what it doesn't treat, and when persistent anal gland issues need your veterinarian rather than a grooming service. This guide covers what to know.

What anal glands are

Anal glands — also called anal sacs — are two small glands located on either side of your pet's anus. They produce a strong-smelling secretion that's normally expressed naturally when your pet has a bowel movement. For most pets, the glands empty on their own during normal defecation, and no intervention is needed.

Sometimes the glands don't empty naturally — this can be due to the consistency of the stool, the anatomy of the glands, or other factors. When the glands don't empty, they can become full and uncomfortable. This is where anal gland expression comes in: manually emptying the glands to relieve the fullness.

What anal gland expression does

Anal gland expression is the process of manually emptying the anal glands. The team applies gentle pressure to the glands to release the accumulated secretion. It's a routine hygiene procedure that relieves the fullness and discomfort of glands that haven't emptied naturally. It's part of the grooming hygiene service and included in Full Grooming.

The procedure is done carefully and gently. It's quick but can be slightly uncomfortable for some pets. The team works gently and calmly. If your pet is sensitive about this area being handled, mention it so the team can plan a calm approach.

Signs your pet's anal glands may be full

Certain signs suggest your pet's anal glands may be full and could benefit from expression. If you notice your pet scooting — dragging their bottom along the floor — that's a common sign. Other signs include licking or biting at the rear, a fishy or strong odor from the rear, or your pet seeming uncomfortable in that area.

If you notice these signs, mention them when booking so the team knows to check the glands during the grooming visit. The signs suggest the glands may be full, and expression can relieve the discomfort.

When anal gland expression is not enough

Anal gland expression during grooming relieves the fullness, but it's not a treatment for impacted, infected, or diseased anal glands. If your pet has recurring problems — frequent fullness, repeated scooting, signs of pain, swelling, or discharge — that's a veterinary concern. Impacted or infected glands need veterinary diagnosis and treatment, not just grooming expression.

Signs that need a veterinarian: persistent or recurrent anal gland issues despite expression, swelling or lumps near the anus, discharge that's not normal, blood in the secretion, or signs of pain. These suggest impaction, infection, or another condition that needs veterinary care. The grooming expression relieves fullness; it doesn't treat disease.

When to see your veterinarian

If your pet has recurring anal gland problems — needing expression frequently, or the glands filling rapidly after expression — talk to your veterinarian. Recurring issues can have underlying causes — diet, anatomy, allergies — that your vet can investigate. They can recommend a plan that may include dietary changes, regular veterinary expression, or other management.

Also see your vet if you notice signs of infection or impaction: swelling, abnormal discharge, blood, or pain. These are medical issues, not grooming issues. The grooming expression can't treat an infection or impaction. Your veterinarian can diagnose and treat the underlying problem.

• Recurring fullness despite regular expression
• Swelling or lumps near the anus
• Abnormal discharge or blood
• Signs of pain or discomfort in the area
• Frequent scooting that doesn't resolve with expression

If you notice these signs, contact your veterinarian. The grooming expression addresses routine fullness; your veterinarian addresses the medical conditions that can affect the anal glands.

Anal gland expression and Full Grooming

Anal gland expression is listed as one of the inclusions in Full Grooming, so it's part of that package. It's also offered as a grooming hygiene service. If you're booking Full Grooming, anal gland expression is included. If you want it without the full package, ask about standalone availability — it's something to confirm with the team.

For cats, anal gland care may involve different considerations. If you have a cat, discuss cat-specific care with the team. Don't assume every dog-package item applies identically to cats — cat inclusions are confirmed separately.

Working with your veterinarian

If your pet has chronic anal gland issues, your veterinarian may recommend a management plan — dietary changes to firm the stool (which helps natural expression), regular veterinary expression, or other approaches. Share your vet's guidance with the grooming team so they can align. The grooming expression can complement your vet's plan but shouldn't replace it for chronic issues.

Keep your veterinarian informed about how often the glands seem to fill and whether the grooming expression provides relief. This information helps your vet manage the overall plan. The grooming team and your veterinarian work together for your pet's comfort.

Questions to ask about anal gland expression

• Is anal gland expression included in Full Grooming?
• Does my pet show signs that the glands need expression?
• How often might my pet benefit from expression?
• When should I see my vet instead of the groomer?
• Can the grooming team follow my vet's management plan?

Anal gland expression is a routine hygiene procedure included in Full Grooming. It relieves fullness, but it doesn't treat impacted or infected glands. For recurring or abnormal signs, see your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.