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How fast can a dog's anal glands build up and rupture after cleaning?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 4 years and 4 months old | 12 lbs

How long does it take for a small dog (Maltese) anal glands to build up and then rupture, typically? Our dog had an anal gland rupture earlier this week, but we realized with her grooming package her anal glands are supposed to have been cleaned and we're wondering if this could have been avoided. Her last cleaning and grooming was less than a month ago, does it take longer than that or can it happen in a matter of days?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on June 23rd, 2019

There are two ways to express anal glands, internal and external . Groomers generally express the glands externally. The internal expression is generally better and more complete. From now on, have Mario’s anal glands expressed internally every three months. If a groomer is not able to provide this type of expression, he will need to see the veterinarian for this. You can also be taught how to do this type of expression at home. There is a product called Glandex which made aide in normal anal gland expression but it is possible he may still need them expressed. I hope this helps.

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