In most cases, dogs' anal glands are naturally expressed by regular elimination to firm stool and do not need to be emptied by a groomer.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only when stool is soft
• D. Never express

Answer: (A)

Anal glands are small sacs that sit around the anus and secrete a scent. They’re normally expressed as the dog passes firm stool, which helps push the fluid out without any help. Because of this natural mechanism, most dogs don’t need to have their anal glands emptied by a groomer. The statement is best because regular, well-formed stool provides the pressure that empties the glands automatically. Manual expression is only appropriate when a dog isn’t expressing on its own or shows signs of impaction, infection, or recurring anal gland issues, and in those cases a veterinarian or trained groomer may assist. Soft stool can indicate problems and doesn’t guarantee expression, so it isn’t the rule that dictates when to express. Never expressing isn’t accurate either, since there are situations where manual expression is needed.