DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
Why some dogs need their anal glands emptied so often, and what it costs
For most dogs the anal glands look after themselves and you never think about them. A minority need them emptied over and over, and those owners end up paying for the same small job on repeat. Understanding why it keeps happening is the key to spending less, so the real prices below are only half the story.
The quick version
- Small breeds, overweight dogs and those with soft stools are the most frequent repeat visitors.
- Each individual expression is cheap, but monthly visits add up over a year.
- Allergies and skin problems often sit behind chronic gland trouble, so treating the cause can end the cycle.
- A price list at every practice from September 2026 makes it easier to shop around for recurring care.
Published and surveyed prices
Why the price varies so much
How often a dog needs the job done depends on the dog, not the vet, but what you pay for each visit depends heavily on the clinic. Firm stools press on the glands and empty them naturally, so anything that softens the stool, such as a poor diet or an ongoing allergy, means they fill up instead. Weight plays a part too, as extra fat around the area stops the glands draining. On the cost side, ownership is the big variable. The Competition and Markets Authority found in 2026 that corporate practices averaged 18.3% more than independents, and with a job you repeat many times a year, that difference is not trivial.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet to investigate why it keeps happening rather than just booking the next expression.
- Get your dog to a healthy weight, which often reduces how often the glands block.
- Try a vet-recommended higher-fibre diet to firm up the stools and let the glands empty on their own.
- Where the glands cause repeated misery, ask about the pros, cons and cost of removing them permanently.
Common questions
Why does my dog need its glands done every month?
Frequent blockage usually points to something underneath, such as soft stools, extra weight or an allergy. Once you treat the underlying cause, many dogs need the job far less often, which cuts the running cost.
Do cats need anal gland expression too?
Cats have anal glands as well, but problems are much rarer than in dogs. When a cat does need it done, expect a similar routine fee to a dog, with more if sedation is required for a fractious cat.
Can surgery stop the problem for good?
In severe, repeated cases a vet may suggest removing the glands. It is a bigger, one-off surgical cost rather than a routine fee, and it carries some risk, so it is usually a last resort after other options fail.