How Do You Express A Dogs Anal Glands

Expressing a dog’s anal glands: Tips and tricks from a seasoned professional

If you’re a dog owner or groomer, you may have heard of the term “expressing anal glands” or “anal sacs” and wondered what it meant. Or, if you’ve had the dubious pleasure of smelling a dog’s butt or worse, cleaning up after a mess, you may have wished you knew how to avoid or fix this unpleasant issue. Well, fear not, my dear reader, for I am here to guide you through the murky world of canine excretions and show you how to express a dog’s anal glands like a pro.

What are anal glands and why do they need expressing?

First things first, let’s clarify what we’re talking about here. Anal glands or anal sacs are two small pouches located on either side of a dog’s anus, just inside the rectum. They produce a smelly fluid that is supposed to help dogs mark their territory and communicate with other dogs. However, sometimes these glands get clogged, infected, or inflamed, causing discomfort, pain, itching, scooting (dragging their butt on the ground), biting or licking the area excessively, and even abscesses or ruptures. That’s when expressing the glands comes in handy.

Expressing the anal glands means manually squeezing out the contents of the sacs through a tiny duct or opening near the anus. This can be done by applying pressure with your fingers or thumbs on either side of the gland (like pinching a pimple), using a specialized tool called an anal gland extractor (which looks like pliers with rubber tips), or having a vet or groomer do it for you. The goal is to release the fluid and relieve any discomfort or infection.

How often should you express your dog’s anal glands?

Now that you know what anal glands are and why they matter, you may wonder how often you should check or express them. Well, it depends on the dog and the situation. Some dogs have naturally larger or more active glands than others, or may have a medical condition that affects their glandular function. Other dogs may only need to have their glands expressed occasionally, if at all. As a rule of thumb, most dogs need to have their anal glands checked and/or expressed every 1-3 months, or whenever they show signs of discomfort or irritation.

However, some experts caution against overexpressing the glands, as this can lead to more problems than solutions. For example, too much pressure or frequency of expression can damage the delicate tissues around the anus, cause inflammation or infection, or even rupture the gland and spread bacteria. Therefore, it’s important to be gentle and cautious when expressing anal glands and not rely on it as a routine procedure.

How do you express a dog’s anal glands step by step?

Now comes the fun part (or not). Let’s see how you can express your dog’s anal glands yourself, if you dare. Please note that this is not intended as a substitute for professional advice or training, and that you should always consult with your vet or groomer before attempting to do anything with your dog’s butt.

Step 1: Prepare the area

Make sure your dog is calm and comfortable before attempting to express their anal glands. You may want to give them a treat or distract them with a toy while you get ready. Put on some gloves (latex or vinyl) to protect your hands from the fluid and any germs. Have some paper towels or wipes nearby to clean up any messes. Position yourself behind your dog so that you have access to their anus without blocking their view.

Step 2: Locate the glands

Feel for two small bumps on either side of your dog’s anus, slightly below and inside the rectum. You may need to part the fur or use a flashlight to see them better. Gently press on each gland with your fingers or thumbs, applying firm but gentle pressure. You should feel a small amount of fluid coming out of the duct or opening.

Step 3: Express the glands

Now comes the tricky part. Using your fingers or an extractor tool, apply steady and even pressure on both sides of the gland, squeezing it towards the anus. Be careful not to put too much pressure or twist the gland, as this can cause pain or injury. Keep squeezing until you feel that all the fluid has been released from the gland. You may hear a squishing sound or see some brownish liquid coming out (sorry for the graphic details).

Step 4: Clean up and reward

Once you’ve expressed both glands, clean up any remaining fluid with paper towels or wipes, making sure not to touch your face or clothes with them. Dispose of them in a plastic bag or container that you can seal tightly. Then, give your dog a treat and praise them for being a good sport (or at least not biting you). You may also want to offer them some water or food to help flush out their system.

What are some tips and tricks for expressing a dog’s anal glands?

If you’re still reading this article, congratulations! You’re either a hardcore dog lover or a brave soul who wants to learn more about anal glands. Either way, here are some extra tips and tricks that may help you in your quest:

– Use lubrication: If you find it hard to squeeze the glands or if your dog is sensitive to pressure, you can use some lubricant such as petroleum jelly, KY jelly, coconut oil, or water-based gel to make it easier and smoother.
– Check for signs of infection: If you notice any redness, swelling, discharge, odor, bleeding, or discomfort around your dog’s anus or glands, they may have an infection or abscess that requires medical attention. Don’t try to express the glands in this case, as it can make the situation worse. Instead, take your dog to the vet and let them do a proper diagnosis and treatment.
– Avoid overreacting: While anal gland expression can be helpful in some cases, it’s not always necessary or beneficial for every dog. Some dogs may naturally have smaller or less active glands, while others may have other health issues that need addressing first. Therefore, don’t panic if you haven’t expressed your dog’s anal glands recently or ever. Just keep an eye on their behavior and hygiene, and consult with your vet if you have any concerns.
– Have a sense of humor: Let’s face it, talking about anal glands is not the most glamorous or pleasant topic in the world. However, it’s also not the end of the world. Dogs are amazing creatures that bring us joy and companionship despite their flaws (and ours). So, instead of being embarrassed or disgusted by their bodily functions, embrace them with a sense of humor and gratitude. After all, expressing a dog’s anal glands is just another way of showing them love and care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, expressing a dog’s anal glands is not rocket science but it does require some knowledge and skills. By following the steps outlined above and using common sense and compassion, you can learn how to do it safely and effectively for your furry friend. Remember to check with your vet or groomer first before attempting to express your dog’s anal glands yourself, as they can provide more specific advice based on your dog’s breed, age, size, health status, and history. And don’t forget to laugh and enjoy the process (if possible), as life is too short to be squeamish about butt stuff.