How to Express French Bulldog Glands (2026 Guide)

If you are a proud owner of a Frenchie, you already know they are the masters of charm, the kings of snorting, and the undisputed champions of the “bat-ear” look. But there is a darker side to being a Frenchie parent.

A side that involves a very specific, fishy smell and a dog scooting across your expensive rug like they’re trying to win an Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter drag.

Yes, we are talking about anal glands.

It’s not the most glamorous topic. You won’t find it on many “aesthetic” Instagram feeds, but knowing how to express French bulldog glands is a vital part of keeping your pup happy, healthy, and smelling like a dog rather than a seafood market left out in the sun.

At Kingdom Frenchies, we believe that being a great pet parent means handling the dirty work with a smile (and maybe a clothespin on your nose). Let’s dive into the stinky details.

Why Do French Bulldogs Have These Glands Anyway?

Before we get into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “what.” Every dog has two small sacs located just inside the anus, roughly at the four o’clock and eight o’clock positions. These sacs produce a unique, oily, and—let’s be honest—revolting fluid.

In the wild, these glands served a purpose:

1. Territory Marking: Every time a dog “goes,” the pressure of the stool expresses a bit of this fluid, acting as a smelly business card for other dogs.
2. Identification: It’s why dogs sniff each other’s butts. It’s the canine version of LinkedIn.

However, French Bulldogs are prone to issues here. Because of their unique anatomy and sometimes “less-than-sturdy” digestive tracts, these glands don’t always empty themselves. If you’ve ever wondered are French Bulldogs high maintenance, this is one of those “hidden” maintenance tasks that comes with the territory.

The Tell-Tale Signs: When It’s Time to Express

How do you know if your Frenchie is struggling with full sacs? Your dog will tell you, often in the most embarrassing ways possible.

• The Scoot: If your dog is dragging their rear end across the grass or carpet.
• Excessive Licking: Constant attention to their “tail” area.
• The Smell: A sudden, pungent, metallic/fishy odor that seems to follow them around.
• Discomfort: Shying away when you touch near their hindquarters or appearing restless.

If you notice these signs, it’s time to act. Ignoring it can lead to impacted glands, infections, or even abscesses, which are painful for the dog and expensive for your wallet.

Preparation: The “Bunker” Setup

Expressing anal glands is a messy business. You do not want to do this on your white velvet sofa. Ideally, do this in the bathtub or a dedicated grooming area.

What You’ll Need:

• Disposable Gloves: Latex or nitrile. Trust us on this.
• Lubricant: Water-based jelly (like K-Y).
• Paper Towels: Lots of them.
• Dog-Safe Wipes: For the final cleanup.
• A Helper: Frenchies are wiggly. Having someone to hold the “front end” with treats is a game-changer.
• Patience: And perhaps a strong stomach.

How to Express French Bulldog Glands: Step-by-Step

There are two methods: internal and external. While groomers often use the external method (squeezing from the outside), veterinarians generally recommend the internal method because it is more thorough and less likely to cause tissue damage.

Step 1: Get Positioned

Have your helper hold your Frenchie’s head and chest. This keeps them still and keeps their mouth away from the “action.” Lift the tail gently but firmly.

Step 2: The Lubrication

Put on your gloves and apply a generous amount of lubricant to your index finger. This is about comfort for your dog—the less friction, the better.

Step 3: Finding the “Grapes”

Insert your index finger into the rectum about one inch. Use your thumb on the outside to feel for the glands. They should feel like small, firm grapes or peas at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions.

Step 4: The Gentle Squeeze

Once you have the gland between your finger and thumb, apply gentle, firm pressure milking the fluid toward the opening (toward you).

Pro Tip: Hold a paper towel over the opening with your other hand. The fluid can sometimes “spray,” and you do not want to be in the line of fire.

Step 5: Repeat and Clean

Repeat on the other side. Once both glands feel empty (flat rather than grape-like), wipe the area thoroughly with dog-safe wipes. A Frenchie with a clean bum is a happy Frenchie!

Diet: The Secret Weapon for Healthy Glands

If you find yourself having to express your dog’s glands every week, something is wrong. In a healthy dog, firm stools do the work for you. When the stool is firm, it presses against the glands as it passes, naturally emptying them.

If your dog has chronic soft stools, the glands never get that “squeeze.” This is why choosing the best food for French Bulldogs is so important.

Ways to improve stool consistency:

• Add Fiber: A tablespoon of canned pumpkin (not pie filling!) can work wonders.
• Probiotics: Helps balance the gut flora.
• Identify Sensitivities: Frenchies are notorious for French Bulldog skin problems, which are often linked to food allergies that also cause soft stools.

Shopping List for a Happy Tush

• Frenchie Gland Health Shopping List
• Disposable Nitrile Gloves (non-latex)
• Water-based Lubricating Jelly
• Heavy-duty Paper Towels
• Unscented Dog-Safe Grooming Wipes
• Canned Pumpkin (100% pure, NOT pie filling)
• High-Fiber Dog Treats or Supplements
• Nature’s Miracle or Enzyme Cleaner (for accidents)
• Peanut Butter or Lick Mat (to keep them distracted)

When to Call the Vet

First of all: ALWAYS call your vet before embarking on this adventure. While learning how to express French bulldog glands at home is a great skill, sometimes it’s a job for the professionals. See a vet if:

1. The fluid is thick, bloody, or looks like pus.
2. The area is hot, red, or severely swollen.
3. Your dog yells in pain when you try to touch the area.
4. There is a visible “hole” or sore near the anus (this could be a ruptured abscess).

At Kingdom Frenchies, we want your pup to be comfortable from head to tail. If you are just starting your journey, make sure you check out what to know for adopting a French Bulldog so you’re prepared for all the quirks—stinky or otherwise!

The Gland Finale

It’s not the most glamorous part of dog ownership, but maintaining your Frenchie’s anal health is an act of love. By keeping an eye on their “scooting” habits and ensuring their diet is top-notch, you can keep the fishy smells at bay and the cuddles coming.

If you’re part of the thousands of families looking for French Bulldog puppies for sale in Michigan and most of the country, so you can expect the same level of care and consistency wherever you live. From temperament to respiratory health, our puppies are bred intentionally and raised to adapt smoothly to family life, apartment living, and everyday routines.