$15 flat — alone or with any groom
Anal gland expression in Springfield, MO
Scooting across the rug, licking more than usual, and a smell you can’t place — full anal glands are uncomfortable for your dog and unpleasant for everyone. A quick, gentle expression sorts it out.
Last updated: September 2026
What anal glands are, and why they fill up
Every dog has two small scent glands just inside the rear. Normally they empty a little each time your dog goes to the bathroom. When they don’t — because of soft stools, a small breed, extra weight, or just the way a particular dog is built — the fluid builds up, the glands get full and uncomfortable, and the scooting starts.
Left too long, full glands can become impacted or infected, which is painful and needs a vet. A routine expression before it gets to that point is quick, cheap, and a real relief for the dog.
Signs your dog needs their glands expressed
- Scooting their rear along the carpet or grass
- Licking or chewing at the area more than usual
- A strong fishy smell, especially after they sit down
- Straining or seeming uncomfortable when sitting
- Suddenly chasing or biting at their tail
External expression
What we do — and what we don’t
Groomers perform external expression: gentle pressure from the outside that empties normal, full glands in a few seconds. It’s routine, your dog barely notices, and it’s usually done during the bath so nothing goes home with you.
What we don’t do is veterinary work. Internal expression, and any gland that looks swollen, impacted, infected, or abscessed, belongs with your vet — and if that’s what we find, we’ll tell you plainly rather than push on.
Easiest as part of the bath
Most owners add gland expression to a professional bath or full groom — it happens in the tub, everything is rinsed away, and your dog goes home clean. If your dog is between grooms and clearly uncomfortable, you can book it on its own for the same flat $15.
If your dog needs it done regularly, tell us at booking and we’ll make it a standing part of their groom.
Dogs who most often need it
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Small breeds
Chihuahuas, shih tzus, miniature poodles, Lhasa apsos, and other small dogs are the most frequent flyers. Smaller glands seem to block more easily.
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The chronic scooters
Some dogs simply don’t empty their glands on their own, no matter how good the diet. A routine expression with their regular groom keeps them comfortable.
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Older and overweight dogs
Softer stools and less muscle tone both make natural emptying less reliable. A quick check with every bath catches it before the scooting starts.
Pricing & booking
Anal gland expression price
A flat $15, whether it’s a standalone visit or added to a bath or full groom. Book online or call — if your dog is scooting today, we’ll tell you the soonest we can see them.
Flat prices, any size dog. Walk in or book online — these take about 10–15 minutes.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Nail Trim | $15 |
| Anal Gland Expression | $15 |
FAQ: Anal gland expression
How much does anal gland expression cost?
Anal gland expression at Dapper Doodle Grooming is a flat $15. You can book it on its own or add it to any bath or full groom.
How do I know if my dog needs their anal glands expressed?
The classic signs are scooting their rear along the floor, licking or chewing at the area more than usual, and a strong fishy smell. Some dogs also seem uncomfortable sitting down.
Is anal gland expression safe for a groomer to do?
Groomers perform external expression — gentle pressure from the outside — which is routine for dogs with normal, full glands. Internal expression, and anything involving impacted, infected, or abscessed glands, is veterinary work, and we’ll refer you to your vet if we suspect that.
How often should anal glands be expressed?
Many dogs never need it — a good diet keeps the glands emptying on their own. Dogs that do need help typically benefit from expression every 4–8 weeks, often timed with their regular groom.
Serving Springfield, MO and nearby neighborhoods — including Bradford Park, Mission Hills, Ravenwood, Lakewood Village, and the surrounding 417 area.
Springfield, MO
Stop the scooting.
A quick, gentle expression for $15 — on its own or with your dog’s next bath. Book a time online and we’ll take it from there.
Prefer to talk it through? Call (417) 496-1588