Why do my dog's anal glands leak constantly, smell awful, and stain?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Both English Bulldogs continually secreting anal gland fluid it smells terrible and always on furniture or beds help what to do.
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 4th, 2015
These are two little glands inside the dog's rectum. They naturally fill with a material that ranges from thin, light colored liquid to a thick paste. When a dog defecated, this material is released -- most of the time not all of the liquid is release but over the course of each defecation, enough is released that the glands do not overfill. With some dogs though, this process does not occur as easily. This can be due to the material being too thick to be expressed, the stool being too soft or diarrhea which does not apply enough force to the gland to express the fluids or due to an underlying disease process. The most common cause of recurrently full anal glands is an underlying allergy problem. Dogs with skin sensitivity or allergies often have anal glands that need to be emptied on a routine basis. If the glands become too full, the material can become infected or the gland can rupture. In this case, the area will heal but antibiotics are typically needed. After the anal glands are expressed, the area can continue to feel irritating for a few days. In some cases though, the glands may not have been completely emptied. This is often the case if the glands are emptied at a groomers as they empty them from the outside and are not trained to empty them rectally as a vet would. Most dogs do not need their glands emptied for any medical purpose but if the glands were randomly checked, they could be moderately full. This does not indicate a need to express the material though. The reason I bring this up is because I have found that if we begin emptying the glands for the dog, it creates a cyclic effect where we continue to have to empty them. If the dog is scooting, this is an indication to have them checked.
8Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 30th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bruno. The anal glands sit under the skin on either side of the anus. They express a watery fluid every time the dog defecates to mark its scent. If the dog is startled or scared, he can accidentally express these glands. If the glands are overly full, they can leak fluid. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian to have the glands expressed and ensure there is not a problem. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 17th, 2018
Have Pika examined by your veterinarian. Her anal glands may need to be expressed (emptied) on a regular basis. If there is infection or inflammation, your veterinarian can prescribe or dispense the appropriate medication. He or she can also show you how to express the glands yourself...if you're up to the task. Adding in some additional fiber to Pika's diet may aid in natural anal gland expression when she defecates. Plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) is commonly used for this. Mix in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin per 10lbs body weight once or twice daily.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 14th, 2019
Duke may have anal gland inflammation and the expression yesterday may have released a partial impaction and allowed them to drain. I wouldn’t be particularly concerned about the symptoms you are seeing but if it continues you may want to have your vet recheck the glands to make sure there are no signs of infection.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 18th, 2018
Handsome boy! Expressing his anal glands is normal. Most dogs express the fluid when they defecate and also if they are scared or injured. Since this smells bad it’s unfortunate that he does this in the house. I don’t know of anything that will correct this. I like Purina foods and he certainly looks healthy so I don’t recommend changing the food. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Moose.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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