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Why does my dog still drag and have scabs after anal gland draining?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 7 months old | 21.5 lbs

My dog got his anal gland drained still drags but, looked under his tail and saw scabs/ crust what could it be ?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on August 23rd, 2017

Hi and thanks for your question. The scabs you mention may be due to chronic licking around his anal area before his anal sacs were expressed. Full anal sacs can cause discomfort and dogs may lick their rear end excessively because of this. You may wipe the area with a mild cleansing cloth a few times a day and see if it improves. I hope this has helped!

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 7th, 2019

    Hi and thanks for you request. Usually these signs are related to anal gland most commonly affected by inflammation or infection. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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    Answered By Levi Gordon, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 6th, 2017

    Cleaning the area thoroughly to prevent infection is vital. Also, if you don't have a lot of veterinary funds you can either ask if a hospital will do just an anal gland expression without a visitation fee. Or you could go to a grooming salon and ask them if that is cheaper. Most likely these signs are due to full anal glands.

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Hello, My dog was licking and biting at his butt last night and scooting all around the floor. I took him to get his anal gland expressed thinking that would solve the problem. He was fine for a few hours and then he started licking at his butt. I
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My Maltese shih-tzu is experiencing some irritation around the anal area. She's been scooting a little and doing some licking but nothing excessive. However, there are some small scabs where it looks like she's rubbed it raw. She recently had a chang
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I just got my dog’s anal glands expressed and the same day he is still scooting across the floor. Is this normal or are they full again?
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Yesterday (6/11/18) I took Emma to have anal glands expressed around 4:30 pm. Vet tech said her glands were pretty full. I just caught Emma scooting on the area rug. Does this mean her anal glands still need more expressing? Is this why her anus loo
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My dog got his anal glands expressed yesterday as he was scooting and licking in the air..he is still scooting but a little less than before..I'm trying hot towel against his rectum..its helping fir a while but then he just start again..
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Every now and then my dog licks the top of his tail underneath for Afew seconds,he doesn’t scoot around on the floor with his bum or run around after his tail and he’s going toilet fine which looks normal,Does this sound like he needs a anal expressi
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Why does my dog, Stella, keep expressing her own anal glands?
It may be that her [anal glands](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs/) are full and she is only able to express a little bit at a time. When too full, [anal glands](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-prevent-impacted-dog-anal-glands/) can cause intense itching. Dogs will scoot (dragging her butt) on the floor or lick excessively for relief. This can cause injury. If she is unable to express her glands, an abscess can develop. This may require sedation or anesthesia to lance and drain. The best thing to do is to take her to your veterinarian or an experienced groomer to her glands expressed. Some dogs never need their glands expressed, some need to go every month and some just need a one time visit. The terrible smell is normal. If the smell lingers, consider using an [enzymatic cleaner](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/natures-miracle) to thoroughly cleanse soiled areas.
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