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Dog in pain & swollen after anal gland expression. Is poop normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | spayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 12.5 lbs

Hello, I hope you can help. I took my dog today to a vet for a suspected parasite infection. The Vet said that dog needs glands expressed and proceeded to do so. No liquid came out, but poop. Vet sent us home saying that her glands are now empty, gave us some vitamins. The dog is now in pain. I don’t know what to do. Can I ease her pain somehow? Just few hours after the visit to a Vet, she seems swollen. Can poop come out during glands expression? Is that normal? Thank you for your time.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 12th, 2018

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your concern about Spot. If her anal sacs were impacted, then it would make the contents of them thicker and to appear like poop. Should the vet had to squeeze hard to get the contents out, that could be the cause of the pain and swelling. Please do NOT give her any human pain medications. Many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Give her vet a call today to explain what you are seeing, and they can advise if they want you to bring her back in now. Keep her quiet and rested, and make sure she is eating and drinking. If she stops eating and drinking, and/or becomes very lethargic, then I would take her into a vet right away. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poop can definitely come out through the rectum at the time of anal gland expression. There is really no safe over the counter pain control medications that can be readily used in dogs. This would be something that would have to be prescribed by a veterinarian. If you are concerned about Spot being swollen, I think it would be best to contact your veterinarian as they saw her before and would know if this looks more significant than it did before and if something should be done. They may also prescribe pain control medications if needed. Sorry you are going through this with Spot. I hope she feels better soon. Good luck!

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