Contents
Anal glands are two small secretory sacs located on either side of the dog’s anus. They contain a fluid used for scent marking and individual identification, which is why dogs sniff each other’s hindquarters during greetings. In a healthy dog, the glands express naturally when the dog defecates, the pressure of the stool stimulating small amounts of fluid to be released. When this natural expression mechanism fails, the glands fill and cause significant discomfort.
Why French Bulldogs are prone to anal gland issues
Several breed-specific factors increase the likelihood of anal gland problems in French Bulldogs:
Compact, low body shape: The muscular anatomy around the anus in a compact, low-set breed may provide less natural expression pressure during defecation than in longer-legged, more athletically built dogs.
Soft or loose stools: The French Bulldog’s digestive sensitivity means soft stools are common. Soft stools provide significantly less natural pressure against the anal glands than firm stools, reducing the natural expression mechanism.
Dietary sensitivity: Chronic digestive upset from food intolerance or allergy, common in this breed, can keep stool consistency suboptimal and contribute to ongoing gland problems.
Skin disease: Some dogs with chronic skin conditions affecting the perianal area have altered gland anatomy or secondary inflammation that makes normal expression less efficient.
Body weight: Overweight French Bulldogs may have extra fat around the perianal area that reduces the mechanical expression pressure further.
The anatomy
The anal glands (also called anal sacs) are small pouches with a short duct leading to the anal opening. Secretion builds continuously in the sac and is normally released in small amounts during defecation. The secretion’s distinctive fishy smell is used for territory marking, this is why a scared or stressed dog may suddenly emit a strong anal gland smell; fear can cause involuntary expression.
Recognising the signs
Scooting: The most obvious sign. The dog drags its rear end along the floor or carpet in an attempt to relieve the discomfort of full or irritated anal glands. Note that scooting can also indicate perianal itching from worms or allergies, a distinction the vet can help make.
Excessive licking of the hindquarters: Normal dogs occasionally groom their rear, but persistent, focused licking suggests discomfort.
Fishy smell: A strong, distinctive fishy odour from the dog’s rear end, not explained by recent bowel movements, often indicates full or leaking anal glands.
Visible discomfort when sitting: The dog may shift when sitting, appear restless or reluctant to sit normally.
Swelling near the anus: Visible swelling on one side of the anus usually indicates a gland is becoming impacted or infected. This requires same-day vet attention.
What the vet does
When a vet or vet nurse expresses anal glands, they gently apply pressure (either externally from both sides, or internally by placing a gloved finger inside the rectum) to manually express the contents of the glands. The process is quick and provides immediate relief. The consistency and appearance of the secretion gives the vet information about whether the glands are healthy (thin, watery secretion) or becoming impacted (thick, pasty or gritty material, sometimes with blood).
Preventing recurrence
Dietary changes that produce firmer stools can significantly reduce the frequency of anal gland problems:
- Higher fibre intake (pumpkin, appropriate high-fibre food) can improve stool consistency
- Identifying and eliminating food sensitivities reduces ongoing digestive disruption
- Maintaining a healthy body weight improves the mechanical expression mechanism
For dogs with recurrent impaction that does not respond to dietary management, a vet may recommend more frequent routine expression or, in severe recurrent cases, surgical removal of the glands (anal sacculectomy). This is a significant procedure and is not recommended lightly, but for dogs with chronic abscess formation, it is sometimes the best option.
For the full range of health conditions common in the breed, the French Bulldog health problems guide covers all the major areas including digestive and skin conditions that interact with anal gland health. For the broader grooming routine that includes monitoring anal gland symptoms during regular checks, the grooming guide covers the complete maintenance routine. For the digestive sensitivity and diet management that underpins preventing ongoing soft stools, the feeding guide covers ingredient selection and dietary management for this breed.
Frequently asked questions
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French Bulldogs are among the breeds more frequently presented to vets for anal gland issues. Their compact, low-set build means the muscles around the anal glands may provide less natural expression pressure during defecation than in taller, more athletic breeds. Soft stools from dietary sensitivity (common in the breed) also reduce the natural expression mechanism, and the breed's overall susceptibility to skin and digestive issues creates additional risk. Not every Frenchie will have anal gland problems, but it is common enough that owners should know the signs.
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The most recognisable sign is scooting, dragging the hindquarters along the floor in an attempt to relieve discomfort. Other signs include: frequent licking of the anal area; a fishy, unpleasant smell (the anal gland secretion has a distinctive odour); swelling or redness near the anus; the dog sitting awkwardly or seeming uncomfortable when resting; and occasionally the dog turning to look at or bite at its rear end. If the anal gland becomes infected or ruptures, there may be visible swelling, discharge, pain and the dog may resist any handling near the area.
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There is no standard interval that applies to all French Bulldogs. Some dogs' glands express naturally during every bowel movement and never need manual expression; others accumulate secretions and need expressing every four to eight weeks. The indicator is the dog's behaviour: if scooting returns at a consistent interval, that interval tells you the frequency needed. If the dog never shows signs, the glands may be managing independently. Do not express anal glands prophylactically on a dog with no symptoms, unnecessary expression can cause inflammation and disrupt the natural function.
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External expression (applying gentle external pressure on either side of the anus) is technically possible at home but carries risks: incorrect technique can cause inflammation or incomplete expression, and repeated home expression may impair the glands' natural function. Internal expression (a finger inserted rectally) is more effective but should only be performed by a vet or trained groomer. If your dog regularly needs anal gland attention, having a vet demonstrate the external technique for home use is a reasonable middle ground, or book regular vet nurse appointments for the task.
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An impacted anal gland (one that is full and not emptying naturally) causes increasing discomfort. If left untreated, impaction progresses to infection and then abscess formation. An anal gland abscess is painful, involves significant swelling and redness to one side of the anus, and eventually ruptures through the skin, leaving an open wound. Treatment at the abscess stage involves antibiotics, pain management, and flushing and packing of the wound. This is significantly more uncomfortable for the dog and more expensive to treat than simple impaction caught early.
