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My dog scoots & licks. Could he express anal glands by pooping?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 3 years and 9 months old | 83 lbs

I've noticed my dog scooting on the floor occasionally lately and today frequently licking his anal area. I was thinking his anal glands might be bugging him even though he's never had this issue before. I left the house for a bit and came home to a strong smell and he had pooped in the house. Normal formed poop, good moist area where poop was laying. Could he have expressed them himself by pooping?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 15th, 2018

This does indeed sound like an anal gland problem. Impacted anal glands are very hard to express naturally as he would need to have a very voluminous and hard "sausage" and it would probably hurt as well. Of course there is also a chance that he manage to express some of the content. However, I do suggest you have your veterinarian examine Bugsy's anal sacs and glands and make sure they are not impacted and not infected.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    Anal glands can express themselves, usually with firmer stools. If you continue to see Bugsy scooting tomorrow, you may want to have him checked out by a vet. It could be the anal glands, but it could also allergies, diarrhea or loose stools, or intestinal parasites.

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