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Dog licking rectum after neuter, black fluid from anal glands. Normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua (Long Coat) | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 12.2 lbs

My 1 y/o dog was neutered 3 days ago. He recently has started biting his rectum nonstop. I noticed it was red, so my husband expressed the anal glands. A bunch of black fluid came out. Is that normal? Never saw it that color before. Our dog is still licking the area, so not sure if we got it all or what to do now.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 8th, 2019

Poor guy. Sometmes it can be a black color if it has been sitting in there for a while. However, this does not indicate that it is infected. It likely just got too full and caused irriation. You can apply a cold compress to the area for now and keep an eye on it. The swelling should subside within the next 24 hrs, even if you didn't express them fully. HOwever, if he is still irritated by Monday its best to take him to your vet to have the glands fully checked and to get him some pet friendly medication to help resolve the inflammation. I hope that Ezra's anal gland issues resolve soon! Best of luck and take care. ; )

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