Yorkie anal glands — scooting, smell, impaction, and when to see a vet

Let me tell you something about Yorkies and their backside. It is not a glamorous topic, but it is one of the most common reasons Yorkie owners end up at the vet — and one of the most embarrassing to talk about at a braai when someone asks why your dog keeps dragging its bottom across the lawn.

Anal gland problems in Yorkies are incredibly common. The breed is genetically predisposed to them because of their small size, their often-soft stools, and the way their glands are built. A Yorkie with full, impacted anal glands is miserable — and if you ignore it long enough, that impaction turns into an infection, then an abscess, then a surgical nightmare.

This is the honest South African guide to Yorkie anal glands. What they are, why they cause problems, how to spot the signs, what the vet will do, how to prevent them from coming back, and exactly when it stops being a "let's just express them" situation and becomes something serious. No fluff, no embarrassment, just the practical information a Yorkie owner needs.

What are anal glands and what do they do?

Every dog has two small anal glands (also called anal sacs) located on either side of the anus, at roughly the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. These glands produce a foul-smelling, oily liquid that is unique to each dog — essentially a biological ID card that dogs use to identify each other. In the wild, this secretion helps dogs mark territory and communicate.

In domestic dogs, the glands are vestigial — they still produce the fluid, but most dogs no longer need it for survival. The fluid is normally expressed naturally when a dog passes a firm stool. The pressure on the glands during defecation squeezes them empty. Simple, efficient, and usually trouble-free.

The problem with Yorkies is that they are a small breed with small glands and small stools. Their poops are often soft or small enough that they do not provide enough pressure to naturally empty the glands. The fluid builds up, thickens, and eventually causes discomfort. That is when the scooting starts.

Why Yorkies specifically — the breed factor

Yorkies are disproportionately affected by anal gland problems compared to many other breeds. Here is why:

• Small size. Yorkies are a toy breed with tiny anal glands and narrow ducts. Small glands clog more easily than large ones. This is a structural predisposition, not a failure of care.
• Stool consistency. Yorkies are notorious for soft or small stools — whether from a sensitive digestive system, dietary issues, or the stress of being a small dog in a big world. Soft stools do not provide enough pressure to naturally express the glands.
• Chronic allergies. Yorkies are genetically predisposed to atopic dermatitis and food allergies. Allergic inflammation affects the entire body, including the anal glands. The gland secretions become thicker and more difficult to express naturally.
• Obesity. Overweight Yorkies have less muscle tone around the anal area, reducing the natural expression mechanism during defecation.
• Age. Older Yorkies may have weaker sphincter muscles that do not express the glands as effectively. Senior Yorkies are at higher risk of chronic impaction.
• Rescue background. Many rescue Yorkies arrive with chronic, untreated anal gland problems that have been neglected for months or years. The glands may be permanently scarred or chronically infected.

If your Yorkie falls into any of these risk categories, discuss a preventative monitoring plan with your vet. Regular checks during annual health visits are the best way to catch impaction before it becomes an abscess.

Anal gland abscess — the emergency scenario

An anal gland abscess is what happens when an impaction is left untreated. The fluid inside the gland becomes infected, the gland swells with pus, and eventually the pressure causes the gland to rupture through the skin near the anus. It is as unpleasant as it sounds.

Signs of an abscess: Intense, persistent scooting and licking. Swelling or a hard, painful lump near the anus that you can feel. Redness and heat around the area. A foul, rotten, or pus-like smell that is much stronger than normal gland secretion. Blood or pus oozing from near the anus — this means the abscess has ruptured. Pain when sitting or defecating — your Yorkie may cry, whine, or try to avoid sitting. Lethargy, reduced appetite, and fever if the infection is spreading.

What to do: If you suspect an abscess, go to the vet immediately. This is not a "wait and see" situation. An untreated abscess can cause a much more serious infection that spreads to surrounding tissue. A ruptured abscess needs immediate veterinary treatment — antibiotics, pain relief, and wound management. Do not try to express an abscessed gland at home — it is extremely painful and can make the infection worse.

Surgical removal (anal sacculectomy): In severe or recurrent cases, the vet may recommend surgical removal of the anal glands. This is a last resort because the surgery carries risks (incontinence, nerve damage, wound healing problems), but it is permanent — the glands will never be a problem again. Most Yorkies do fine with conservative treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and regular monitoring). Surgery is only considered when the problem is chronic and recurring despite other treatments.

Rescue Yorkies and anal gland problems

Rescue Yorkies are more likely to arrive with chronic anal gland problems than a well-cared-for family Yorkie. The reasons are the same as for most rescue health issues: neglect, poor living conditions, inadequate veterinary care, and chronic stress.

• Chronic neglect. A rescue Yorkie that has been living with untreated, chronically full anal glands for months or years may have permanently scarred or damaged glands. The ducts may be narrowed or blocked from repeated impactions. These dogs often need regular expression for the rest of their lives.
• Diet-related damage. Many rescue Yorkies arrive on poor-quality food that produces soft stools, which over time leads to chronic impaction. Switching to a high-quality diet with appropriate fibre can help, but the damage from years of neglect may already be done.
• Stress. The stress of abandonment, transport, and an unfamiliar environment can affect digestive health, leading to soft stools and increased gland problems. See the rescue Yorkie settling-in guide →
• Undiagnosed allergies. Many rescue Yorkies have undiagnosed food or environmental allergies that contribute to chronic anal gland inflammation. Identifying and managing the allergy is key to preventing recurrent problems.

If you adopt a rescue Yorkie, get their anal glands checked as part of the first vet visit. Many rescue organisations do this as standard, but if they do not, ask your vet. A simple check and expression is quick and inexpensive — and it prevents the misery of an untreated impaction or abscess.

If you are considering adoption, start with SA Yorkie Rescue — adopt a Yorkie in Gauteng →

Frequently asked questions — Yorkie anal glands

• What are anal glands and why does my Yorkie have them? Anal glands are two small glands on either side of the anus that produce a foul-smelling liquid used for territorial marking in the wild. In domestic dogs, they are vestigial but still produce fluid. Normally, firm stools during defecation naturally express the glands. Yorkies are prone to problems because their stools are often too soft to provide enough pressure.
• Why is my Yorkie scooting on the carpet? Scooting is the most classic sign of anal gland discomfort. The dog drags its bottom along the floor to relieve pressure from full, impacted glands. However, scooting can also be caused by tapeworms, allergies, faecal matter stuck in the fur, or irritation from cleaning products. If scooting is persistent or accompanied by smell, licking, or swelling, the glands are the likely cause.
• What causes anal gland impaction in Yorkies? The most common cause is soft or small stools that do not provide enough pressure for natural expression. Other causes include chronic diarrhoea, obesity, genetics (narrow ducts), chronic skin allergies, and lack of dietary fibre. Once a gland has been impacted, it is more likely to become impacted again.
• What are the signs of an infected or abscessed anal gland? Intense, persistent scooting and licking. Swelling or a hard, painful lump near the anus. Redness and heat. A foul, rotten, or pus-like smell. Blood or pus oozing from near the anus. Pain when sitting or defecating. Lethargy, reduced appetite, and fever if the infection is spreading. An abscess is a veterinary emergency.
• Can I express my Yorkie's anal glands at home? Some owners learn to do this, but it is not a DIY task for the faint-hearted. External expression (applying pressure on the outside of the anus) is safer than internal expression. Stop immediately if you feel resistance, see blood, or your Yorkie shows pain. If the glands are hard, swollen, or painful, do not attempt home expression — see a vet. Ask your vet or groomer to show you the technique first.
• How often do Yorkies need their anal glands expressed? There is no fixed schedule — it depends on your individual Yorkie. Some never need manual expression. Others need it every 3 to 4 weeks. The rule: if your Yorkie is scooting, licking, or showing discomfort, the glands need to be checked. Do not have them expressed on a fixed schedule unless your vet recommends it — over-expressing can irritate the glands.
• Can diet help prevent anal gland problems? Yes. The goal is firm, well-formed stools that naturally express the glands. Increase dietary fibre (pumpkin puree, psyllium husk, high-fibre food). Ensure adequate hydration. Feed a high-quality diet. Manage food allergies. Consider omega-3 supplements. Make dietary changes gradually over 7 to 10 days.
• What is the treatment for an anal gland abscess? The vet will sedate or anaesthetise your Yorkie, express the glands, flush out infected material, prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pain relief, and manage any ruptured wound. In severe or recurrent cases, surgical removal of the glands (anal sacculectomy) may be recommended as a last resort.
• Are certain Yorkies more prone to anal gland problems? Yes. Small size, soft stool consistency, chronic allergies, obesity, age (older Yorkies have weaker sphincter muscles), previous impaction, and rescue background all increase risk. If your Yorkie is in a high-risk category, discuss a preventative monitoring plan with your vet.
• When should I see a vet for my Yorkie's anal glands? See a vet if scooting is persistent or repeated, if there is a foul smell, if you can feel a hard swollen lump, if there is blood or pus, if your Yorkie seems painful when sitting or pooping, or if home care has not resolved the issue within a few days. Do not wait if you see swelling, blood, or pus — these are signs of infection that need immediate treatment.