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Why do my dog's anal glands fill so fast and need weekly expression?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 9 years and 11 months old | 3.6 lbs

is it possible that some dogs need anal glands expressed once a week? Bella just had expressed last Friday and right one seems full again. Going back to vet tonight. Last time just right was full, normal color fluid and not thick. Same symptom as last week, sitting and licking rear. Will emit a non-fishy smell. I can feel the right gland but not left.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on November 2nd, 2017

I have seen a few dogs like Bella. Many times there will be an underlying cause such as allergies that cause this but not always. I would recommend a food trial with a prescription diet made by Royal Canin called Ultamino. You will feed her ONLY this diet for 2 months. She cannot eat ANYTHING else, no treats, bread crusts...absolutely nothing. At the end of the food trial, if her anal glands are not bothering her, then you know its a food allergy. If they are still bothering her, then its not a food allergy. If you haven't tried this yet, its worthwhile. Sometimes a short dose of anti-inflammatory or steroids can also help wth residual inflammation. Her doctor can prescribe these medications if they seem warranted. Best of luck with Bella!

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on March 11th, 2017

    Poor Maggie! Some dogs do have chronic anal gland issues - this can be due to their anatomy in that area, insufficient fiber in the diet, or food allergies. Some dogs respond well to a high fiber diet, or added fiber in the form of canned pumpkin or something similar with each meal. Other dogs do better with a prescription hypoallergienic diet such as Hills z/d or Purina HA. If these things don't help, you can have the anal glands surgically removed to prevent these issues from constantly recurring. For dry skin, you can try adding an omega-3 fatty acid supplement such as Welactin to her food with every meal. Bathing in an aloe and oatmeal shampoo can also help.

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I am so sorry Bella is having issues with her anal glands. You can always add some canned pumpkin to Bella's food to see if that helps bulk up her stool a little bit so she can express her anal glands easier. Some dogs do need frequent expressions every 1-2 weeks. I would discuss doing an anal gland infusion with antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory to help with some inflammation in her anal glands. She may or may not need to be sedated for the infusion. Some dogs can tolerate it very well while others (typically when there is an infection) cannot tolerate it well and will need to be sedated. I hope her anal gland issues resolve soon and thank you for using Boop by Petco!
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My GS mix 2+yrs old has issues expressing her glands. We feed Taste of the Wild. Fed twice/day. When she was a puppy we added pumpkin to firm up her poo and it helped, about a Tbsp give or take. In last 6 months she has been having issues w/anal glan
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