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My dog's anal glands bled after expression. Did I rupture them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 10 years and 5 months old | 61 lbs

I was expressing my dog's anal glands and noticed a bit of blood and the normal gland fluid come out. After expressing it a little more, mainly dark blood came out. I immediately stopped and made a vet appointment, but I'm just worried that I ruptured her gland or that something serious other than that happened?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Chad Brown, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2018

Unfortunately, sometimes while expressing a dogs anal glands, you can accidentally rupture the gland. The good news is that even if the gland is ruptured, the veterinarian will be able to correctly diagnosed the condition and put your pet on the correct regimen of medications to get the gland back to functioning properly again. You are correct in taking the dog to the vet as soon as possible to get a full physical examination performed I applaud you for taking such a proactive approach to your animals healthcare. You are a very good dog owner and I wish more were like you.

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19Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 26th, 2017

    Ouch, poor Lanie! It could be that the anal sac was impacted and infected, and that's why there is blood mixed in it. I would have her seen by a vet for this. If it is infected, the vet can prescribe antibiotics to treat it.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 9th, 2019

    Hi and thanks for your request. Even though a picture of it would help to give you specific answers, generally speaking this presentation could be due to a inflammation/infection of the glands. Expression may be contraindicated in case of an infection as disinfection and antibiotics may be needed. 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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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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