Dog Expressing on People

(Seattle, WA)

My best friend's dog (with whom I spend a lot of time with) has expressed while sleeping on my lap more than a few times now. She doesn't show any of the other symptoms of impacted anal glands and seems to only express on my lap and on my friend's fiance's lap and it's always when she's relaxed or sleeping.

My friend is going to take her to the groomer to make sure that her glands are properly expressed, but we were just curious if dogs do this as a way to show possession of people or something to that effect.

Thanks!

Vet Suggestion

Hi,

Well, that is one question I’ve never had to answer before! A dog’s anal glands are supposed to release during defecation, not while they are sleeping. Anal gland material is used to mark territories, not show affection, although the glands can also release when a dog is scared or stressed.

Emptying the glands (either with your groomer or with a veterinarian) is a good place to start. If the material looks abnormal, the glands might be infected and antibiotic therapy could certainly clear up the problem if that is the case.

If the glands are overly full, I recommend that you try bulking up your dog’s stool, which can encourage the glands to release during defecation. Adding a little psyllium or canned pumpkin to your dog’s current food is an easy way to do this.

Good luck!

Jennifer Coates, DVM