How much does it cost to express dog anal glands?
How much does it cost to express dog anal glands?
$7 – $20 average cost at pet groomer
$25 – $100 average cost at veterinary office
Dog anal gland expression cost
Dog anal gland expression costs $7 to $20 at pet grooming salons. At veterinary offices, basic anal gland expression for healthy glands costs $25 to $50, or $50 to $100 when a full examination is included. Costs can range from $100 to $800 when complications like infections or abscesses require additional treatments.
| Provider | Average cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pet groomers & retail pet stores | $7 – $20 | May be included in full grooming |
| Low-cost vet clinic | $15 – $40 | Basic expression for healthy glands |
| General vet's office | $25 – $50 | Basic expression by technician |
| Vet office with full exam | $50 – $100 | Basic expression with full vet exam |
| Vet office (with complications) | $100 – $800 | Infected or abscessed glands |
| Surgical removal (anal sacculectomy) | $1,000 – $2,600 | Anal gland removal for chronic cases |
Choose a veterinarian for anal gland expression because vets use sterile techniques for your dog's safety and can detect infections and complications that groomers might miss.
Anal gland expression cost factors
Factors that affect the total treatment cost include:
Service provider: Independent grooming salons and retailers like PetSmart and Petco offer the lowest prices. Some may include anal gland expression in their regular dog grooming price. However, veterinarians are better equipped to drain the sacs completely and notice signs of infection.
Case complexity: Routine expression is less expensive than cases involving infected or abscessed glands that require additional treatments or procedures.
Additional services: Comprehensive exams, diagnostic tests, and bacterial cultures increase the total cost.
Underlying health issues: Does with food allergies, skin conditions, obesity, or chronic soft stools may require more frequent treatments, leading to higher ongoing costs.
Geographic location: Costs vary by region, with urban areas charging significantly more than rural areas for the same service.
What is dog anal gland expression?
Anal gland expression is the process of manually releasing fluid from two small sacs located on either side of your dog's anus. These pea-sized glands naturally produce a distinctive, foul-smelling fluid that serves as a scent marker unique to each dog. Normally, this fluid is expelled during bowel movements, but some dogs are unable to empty their glands on their own, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
Why do dogs need anal glands expressed?
Most dogs can express their anal glands naturally during bowel movements. However, some dogs may not release enough fluid on their own. When the anal gland fluid isn't regularly expelled, it can thicken and create a pasty, brown material that clogs the sacs.
Medical complications
If left untreated, full or impacted anal glands can lead to serious health issues including infections, abscesses, and even ruptures that cause severe pain. Dogs with blocked anal glands experience moderate to severe discomfort and may develop bacterial infections that create pus buildup inside the glands.
For dogs with chronic anal gland problems, dog anus gland removal surgery costs $1,000 to $2,000 for the removal of one gland or $1,600 to $2,600 for the removal of both glands.
Risk factors
Certain factors increase the likelihood of anal gland problems, including:
Soft or irregular stool consistency
Food allergies or sensitivities
Chronic skin conditions or environmental allergies
Obesity
Genetics (Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Bulldogs, and Pugs are more prone.)
Age and gender (Older, female dogs have a higher risk of anal gland cancer.)
Parasites or chronic digestive issues
Dogs with these risk factors may require regular manual expression to prevent complications and maintain comfort.
Warning signs
Watch for these warning signs that indicate your dog needs anal gland expression:
Scooting behavior: Your dog drags their bottom across the floor to relieve pressure from full glands.
Excessive licking: Your dog licks, bites, or paws at their rear end or tail area when experiencing discomfort.
Fishy odor: A strong, foul-smelling fishy or metallic odor coming from your dog's rear end indicates overly full glands.
Bowel movement issues: Dogs may strain during defecation, show pain while pooping, or cry during bowel movements when glands are impacted.
Physical changes: Look for swelling, redness, inflammation, discharge, blood, or pus around the anal area.
Behavioral changes: Dogs may become withdrawn, lose appetite, chase their tails more frequently, or suddenly turn to look at their rear end.
If you notice any of these symptoms, have your dog's anal glands checked promptly to prevent impaction, infection, or abscesses.
Prevention tips
Many anal gland problems can be prevented or minimized through proper care and lifestyle management. To reduce the need for frequent expressions:
Feed a high-fiber diet to help produce firm stools that naturally express the glands.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of chronic gland issues.
Ensure regular exercise to promote healthy bowel movements.
Use probiotics or supplements to support digestive health.
Schedule regular wellness checks, especially for breeds prone to anal gland problems.
FAQs about dog anal gland expression
How often do dogs need anal glands expressed?
The frequency varies greatly between individual dogs. Some dogs may need anal gland expression every 4 to 6 weeks, while others may only need it once or twice a year, and many dogs never need it at all. Most dogs go their whole life without any concerns with their anal glands since they naturally express during normal bowel movements.
Where can I get my dog's anal glands expressed?
You can have your dog's anal glands expressed at veterinary clinics, grooming salons like Petco, or by professional groomers. Many pet owners also learn to do it themselves at home after being shown the proper technique by a veterinarian or groomer. However, a vet is more qualified to detect infections and complications that groomers or owners may miss.
Do all dogs need their anal glands expressed?
No, most dogs never need their glands expressed because the fluid is released naturally when they pass stool. Only dogs that develop problems with impacted or blocked glands require manual expression, and this varies by individual dog based on their anatomy, diet, and health condition.
Can I express my dog's anal glands?
Yes, you can learn to express your dog's anal glands at home after being properly instructed by a veterinarian or groomer. However, many owners prefer to have professionals do it due to the messy and smelly nature of the procedure.
How do you express a dog's anal glands?
Before attempting to express your dog's anal glands yourself, visit a veterinarian first to have them show you the proper technique and ensure your dog actually needs this procedure.
To express a dog's anal glands, put on disposable gloves and apply lubricant to your fingers, then locate the glands at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions around the anus (about grape-sized when full), and gently but firmly squeeze the glands together with your thumb and index finger while holding a paper towel behind your dog to catch the fluid that will be released.
Questions to ask your vet
Ask your veterinarian these questions to ensure you understand the essentials for your pet's care:
Does my dog actually need their anal glands expressed, or do they empty naturally during bowel movements?
What are the signs that indicate my dog's anal glands are full or impacted?
How often should my dog's anal glands be checked or expressed?
Can you show me the proper technique if I want to learn to do this at home?
When should I bring my dog in immediately versus waiting for the next regular appointment?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.