02/25/2026
🚨 DOG SCOOTING ON YOUR CARPET? (Yep… it’s usually that.)
Early in my career, one of my less-than-stellar “talents” was becoming very good at expressing a**l glands.
New grad + busy clinic = you quickly become the designated a**l sac expert. Lucky me.
Here’s the good news: many a**l gland problems can be prevented, some can be treated safely at home, and yes—I'll share a simple DIY deodorizer for that fishy smell.
What are a**l glands?
Dogs have two small a**l sacs inside the a**s at about the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. They produce a foul-smelling liquid (their scent gland). Normally, a small amount empties when your dog poops—used for territory marking and dog “social networking.”
Why do they get impacted?
The duct can get inflamed or blocked, or the fluid thickens and won’t empty. Pressure builds.
Common issues: impaction, infection, rupture, tumors (impaction/infection are the most common).
Signs something’s up
• Scooting
• Strong fishy smell
• Swelling/bump near a**s
• Red, irritated skin
• Brown/red discharge
• Licking at base of tail
• Straining/crying when pooping
• Repeated sitting
If there’s severe redness, swelling, discharge, or pain—see your vet.
Should you express them?
Only if necessary. Ideally, your dog should not need routine expression. Regular “just because” expression (even by groomers) can cause inflammation over time. Better goal: fiber + exercise + good digestion so glands empty naturally.
How to express at home (only if impacted and NOT infected)
1. Put your dog in the tub, rinse with lukewarm water
2. Wear gloves, lift tail
3. Hold a paper towel behind the a**s
4. Gently squeeze at 4 and 8 o’clock
5. Apply moderate pressure until brown fluid releases
Not glamorous—but it can bring relief fast.
Preventing it from coming back
1. Add fiber (more bulk helps empty glands):
• Ground flax: 1 tsp per cup of food
• Metamucil: 1 tsp per 10 lbs
• Oat bran: 1 tsp per 10 lbs
• Carrots: 1/8 cup per 10 lbs
• Pumpkin: 1 Tbsp daily for cats
2. Warm compress: cloth soaked in warm water + Epsom salts, 5 min, twice daily
Exercise: 15 min twice daily
3. Support the gut: probiotics + digestive enzymes (digestive imbalance often drives recurrence)
4. Address allergies: allergies can inflame ducts—quercetin may help some dogs.
DIY fishy smell deodorizer
½ cup water + 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar + 1 tsp castile soap + 10 drops lavender oil
Mix, apply lightly to coat, avoid eyes.
Most a**l gland trouble improves with fiber, exercise, and digestive support… Has your dog ever done the classic “carpet scoot”?
