8 Dog Breeds That Need Their Glands Expressed (Written By Vet)

Small breeds are the most likely to need their anal glands expressed, especially Pomeranians, Bichon Frisés, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Miniature Pinschers, Jack Russell Terriers, Beagles, and Pugs. That said, most dogs of any breed empty their glands naturally and never need routine expression; it’s only needed when a dog shows signs of full or irritated glands.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at why these breeds are prone to gland problems, how to spot the signs, and what could happen if the problem isn’t treated properly.

If your dog is one of the breeds that keeps needing help, firmer stools often make the difference. We compared the best anal gland supplements for dogs, from Glandex to plain pumpkin.

Why Do Dogs Need Anal Glands Expressed?

Before we delve deep into the topic, we believe it’s essential, especially for first-time dog owners, to know what anal glands are. Anal glands, also called anal sacs, are two small pockets on either side of the dog’s anus, at roughly the 4 and 8 o’clock positions.

Each gland connects to a small duct that releases a secretion with a distinctive odor that helps dogs communicate with each other.

Under normal circumstances, when dogs do number two, the pressure of a firm stool and the contracting muscles squeeze the glands, releasing a small amount of foul-smelling fluid onto the poop.

The glands are small in size, like two tiny pockets right above the anus. But, some dog breeds cannot express their glands naturally and require help from a professional. 

This often happens when a dog has soft stools or diarrhea, which don’t put enough pressure on the glands. The fluid then sits in the sacs, thickens, and becomes harder to empty.

Read about: Dog Anal Gland Problems

Once the fluid thickens and the glands stay full, they can become impacted, leading to irritation, inflammation, or, worse, infection.

Unfortunately, this is not a problem that dog owners should overlook, as it can lead to more severe health problems. And we believe that not a single dog owner wants to see their dogs in a helpless position, suffering from something that could’ve been easily solved.

Besides the above-mentioned factor, like soft or irregular stools, there are a few other reasons why dogs need their glands expressed by a vet or a grooming professional. Such factors are:

Read about: Why Is My Dog Expressing Glands When Sleeping

Factors that have impact on anal glands

• Small body size
• Obesity
• Skin problems
• Food or environmental allergies
• Chronic soft stool or diarrhea
• Low-fiber or improper diet

8 Dog Breeds That Need Their Glands Expressed

Anal gland problems are most common in small dog breeds. But that doesn’t mean that bigger breeds are never affected. So, if you own one of the breeds we’re about to mention, keep a closer eye on their glands.

1Pomeranian

The Pomeranian, a friendly toy breed, is one of the breeds most often seen for anal gland expression. This tiny, petite breed that has become very popular and one of the favorite breeds among dog lovers grows only eight to 11 inches. 

Because of its small size, this toy breed has very small ducts that can block more easily, so the glands may not empty properly during bowel movements.

Besides their small size, Pomeranians can have a problem with their glands if they’re overweight. The best things you can do to cut down on vet visits are to keep your Pom at a healthy weight and ask your vet about a diet with enough fiber to keep stools firm.

When Pomeranians experience irritation in their glands, it’s not uncommon to see them scratching their butts on the floor, chasing their tail, or licking their anus. All these symptoms are the Pomeranian’s way of telling us, “Please, come and help me deal with the problem.” 

2Bichon Frisé

Another small dog breed that is among the favorites is none other than the Bichon Frisé. But this breed comes with many other responsibilities than just taking them to a grooming center every once in a while to keep up appearances. 

They are a delicate breed with several health problems and are prone to anal gland issues. The two most common reasons Bichons need to get their glands cleaned are their size and fur.

Besides the common symptoms we mentioned, such as excessive licking or scratching the butt on a surface, Bichons may display other signs of discomfort, like vocalizing. 

And before you start questioning when to get your Bichon’s glands expressed, you need to know that even though these dogs are prone to this problem, each dog is a story of its own. Some need their glands expressed every few weeks, while others only need it every few months or not at all.

3Dachshund

Another one on the list with anal gland issues is a Dachshund. If you own a Dachshund, you might have encountered a foul smell, but there is a high chance you had no idea why or where it came from. If the smell is accompanied by leaking from the anus, it may be because their glands are overfull and need to be emptied.

Their small size likely plays a role in why some Dachshunds struggle to express their glands naturally. Dachshunds that are prone to the problem may need their glands emptied every one to two months.

4French Bulldog

Next, we have the French Bulldog. Oh, this sweet and cuddly dog breed that makes no fuss at all when left alone and prefers sleeping to going for a walk has a problem with its glands. No surprise here, right?

Bulldog breeds in general are prone to anal sac problems, and Frenchies are no exception. Some Frenchies need their glands emptied as often as every four weeks to prevent more serious problems.

But if your Frenchie is an exception and manages to express the glands naturally, don’t rush to the vet. Expressing healthy glands that don’t need it can irritate and inflame the tissue, which may cause more problems over time. Only have them emptied when your dog shows signs of trouble or your vet recommends it.

5Miniature Pinscher

Continuing with the list, the Miniature Pinscher, an energetic and very small breed, can also struggle to empty its glands naturally. As with other toy breeds, small ducts can make the fluid more likely to build up, which can lead to impaction or infection if it isn’t addressed.

Often when this dog breed needs its glands emptied, they’ll show symptoms like scratching, licking, or chasing their tail. 

6Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a family-friendly dog that loves running and jumping on every surface; unfortunately, it comes with its bag of problems. And yes, anal gland problems are one of the many. 

Like all dogs, their glands sit at roughly the 4 and 8 o’clock positions around the anus, and some Jack Russells need them emptied every few weeks. But, like other dogs, it still depends on their age, health, and diet. If obese, they might need more frequent visits to the vet or the grooming professional. 

7Beagle

An anal gland problem is common among Beagles. Glands that don’t empty properly can become impacted or infected, and any lump or swelling in the area should be checked, since anal sac tumors can also occur in dogs.

So, if you have a Beagle, ask your vet to check their anal glands at routine visits. And if you plan on getting one, be aware of this common health problem with the breed.

8Pugs

Another dog breed that overfills its glands is a Pug. You know by now that when the dog poops, the poop squeezes the anal glands, and the glands coat the poop. Amazing, no? But is there a specific reason why Pug owners have to deal with this problem?

Well, yes. Pugs come with many health problems, not only their inability to breathe properly. But, when it comes to their anal glands getting overfilled specifically, there are a few reasons behind it. (If your Pug is holding its tail low, see what it means when a Pug's tail is down.) 

One of the reasons is that your pug may be born with the duct, the tube that connects the gland to the world, being deformed. But the reason for the duct deformity may be a recurrent infection, as well. 

Another reason may be an allergy or gastrointestinal issues.

What Age Do Dogs Need Glands Expressed?

Most of the dog breeds we mentioned above don’t need their glands expressed when they are puppies. But you shouldn’t take that for granted. Depending on their health, some dogs might need help even from a young age, especially if they often have soft stools.

As they grow older, they may require more care. For prone breeds, ask your vet to check the glands at every routine visit. If your dog is not on the list above, only have their glands expressed if they develop a gland problem.

Read about: Dog Still Leaking After Glands Expressed

What Happens if You Don’t Express Your Dog’s Glands?

An anal gland problem is not something to be taken lightly. Even though it’s not a problem visible in every dog breed, you still need to consider the possibility. But how serious can it be if you fail to express your dog’s glands?

For starters, failing to express your dog’s glands may cause your dog discomfort, and they can even become restless and try to find a way to extract the fluid by themselves. 

But this is only the bright side of things. If you fail to express your dog’s glands, it may result in more serious health problems that will only bring worry and stress to you and your dog. And nobody wants that.

For instance, impacted glands can become infected and form an abscess, which makes passing stool painful. If it isn’t treated, an abscess can rupture through the skin, leaving an open wound that is painful and prone to further infection.

Call your vet promptly if you notice swelling, redness, or a lump beside the anus, blood or pus, straining or crying when pooping, or your dog suddenly refusing to sit. These signs point to an infection or abscess that needs treatment, often with antibiotics and pain relief.

Read about: How To Help Dog Express Glands Naturally

Conclusion – Keep an eye on your dog

Some dog breeds, especially small ones, are more prone to anal gland problems than others. However, it depends on the dog’s health, age, and diet. 

But, even if your dog is not on the susceptible dog list with anal gland problems, it is still good to keep an eye out. When you notice symptoms like scratching on the floor or chasing its tail, take them to the vet to prevent serious health problems.