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Why is my dog's anal gland hard? Am I hurting her when expressing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Japanese Spitz | Female | unspayed | 8 months and 20 days old | 11.023 lbs

i've been recently expressing my 9-mo-old pup's anal sacs just because i've read somewhere that they need to be emptied when it needs tobe. i do it carefuly ofc. my concern is that one sac is harder than te other. when i try to empty it, her anus and vag contracts idontknowifim hurting her of it's okay to pressharder, so i dont. i'm scared that there's something wrong with it. i don't see any changes, but it would mean a great deal if you give out your professional opinions thank you

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 17th, 2017

A firm/hard gland could indicate an impaction or even an infection. You could have your veterinarian do an exam to make sure neither of those issues are present. If not it may just be an issue of a different technique for expressing her glands. Usually dogs can empty their glands when they defecate and routine expression isn't needed which is another issue I recommend discussing with her veterinarian.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Most dogs don't need their anal sacs emptied. They usually express them on their own when they defecate. Signs of needing help expressing their anal glands are: scooting, leaking anal gland material or chronic infections/impactions or abscesses. The contraction of her anus and vulva is some what normal when a finger or thermometer is put in the anus. Sometimes the dog will cry when the anal sacs are expressed. If the firmer one concerns you it may give you peace of mind to have your vet feel the anal sac. Good luck!

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