Anal gland abscesses in dogs – signs and care

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: PDSA

Book a vet visit

Book a vet appointment if you think your dog has this – a vet needs to confirm it and plan the treatment. An anal gland abscess is an abscess in one of the small sacs just inside a dog's anus, and it can be very painful.

What to do now

What you can do now

Contact your vet as soon as possible.
Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
Keep fresh water available.
Let your dog rest somewhere calm.

Don't

Do not give any human medicine.
Do not wait if it gets worse.

What it is

Anal glands are a pair of small sacs just inside the anus that contain a strong-smelling liquid used for marking territory.^[1] If the glands do not empty during toileting, blockages and abscesses can develop.^[1]

Signs

A red, swollen bottom
Scooting or dragging their bottom along the ground
Pain when pooing
Nibbling or licking the anus or lower back
A foul, fishy smell
A wound near the bottom
Sitting down suddenly
Discharge, blood or matting around the bottom
Eating less
Low energy

sudden

Causes and risk factors

Anal glands not emptying during toileting
Blockages

How vets treat it

Anti-inflammatories to help with pain
A short course of antibiotics to help clear the infection

What the experts say

“Unlike blocked anal glands, anal gland abscesses are often too painful for your vet to empty straight away. Instead, your dog may be given anti-inflammatories to help with the pain, and a short course of antibiotics to help clear the infection.”
— PDSA [1]

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

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Common questions

What are the signs of an anal gland abscess in a dog?

Signs can include a red, swollen bottom, scooting, pain when pooing, licking or nibbling, a foul fishy smell, a wound, sudden sitting, discharge or blood, eating less and low energy.^[1]

How might a vet treat an anal gland abscess?

Because anal gland abscesses are often too painful to empty straight away, a vet may give anti-inflammatories to help with pain and a short course of antibiotics to help clear the infection.^[1]

When should I contact a vet?

Contact your vet as soon as possible if you think your dog has an anal gland abscess.^[1]

Sources

PDSA

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages