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Why does my dog have a pus-filled bump near her anus? Can I squeeze it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 9 lbs

My dog has a bump almost puss looking on the left side of her anus. What could this be ? Should I try to squeeze it?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2018

Hi and thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This appears to be what we call an anal gland abscess, which is an infected anal gland. The anal glands are two sacks location at the 4 and 10 o'clock position that are usually expressed when your pet poops. However, some pets have a hard time expressing and emptying these sacks on their own, which leads to them filling up and getting infected. This needs to be addressed by your vet unfortunately because the sacks needs to be opened up and flushed. This often has to be done under a mild sedative. For now just apply a cold compress to the area. I hope that Fiffy gets better soon. Best wishes and take care.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 17th, 2017

    It might be helpful if you could post another question on the forum and attach a good picture, but it sounds like it could be an anal gland abscess. Anal glands are small pockets right inside the anus. You can't see them from the outside. It is common for them to fill up, become infected and burst onto the surface of the skin right next to the anus (roughly 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock). This usually requires veterinary attention for treatment of the abscess and to prescribe oral antibiotics and pain medication. Until you can get to the vet, you can apply a warm compress to the area for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times daily to encourage the pus to drain. Please do not give any over-the-counter human pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or Tylenol as these can have serious side effects in animals.

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on January 24th, 2018

    That looks like it could possibly be an anal sac abscess. These are painful and need antibiotics to resolve. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime you can warm compress the area with warm water washcloth. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 27th, 2017

    Ouch, poor Wyatt! I would not express it again and take him into the vet to have it treated. Pus indicates infection, and that requires antibiotics to treat. This will also have to be drained sterilely to prevent spread of the infection. I would take him into the vet today. I hope this helps!

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