Express Anal Glands from Home
One important component to dog care is one that we as dog owners do not like thinking about, or dealing with.
A dog’s anal glands play a big role in its ability to eliminate. These glands are located on either side of the dog’s anus, and In the wild these glands are used to mark territory as they secrete a dark displeasant odor along with the bowel movement. Usually when a dog deficates, the glands will suppress and express however for various reasons, there are times when this does not happen naturally.
Some problems that can occur as a result of a blocked anal gland are; a foul smelling odor, diarrhea, and even infection.
The act of expressing a dog’s anal glands is a simple medical procedure that can be performed by you in your own home. Many dog owners will take their dog to the Veterinarian for this treatment due to their unwillingness to deal with their dog’s rear end, however to save the price of a vet bill, why not glove up and dig in?
Procedure
- In one hand gently pull up the dog’s tail towards its head.
- In the other hand have a paper towel or tissue handy.
- Using the hand holding the tissue, place your thumb on the left side of the left gland, and your 4-finger on the right side of the right gland. The glands will be quite visible especially if they are full and will feel like little sacks.
- Squeeze firmly but gently and a brownish liquid will empty on to the tissue or paper towel.
- If the glands are severely impacted, this will not come easy.
Impacted Gland Expression
This will be the situation if when you squeeze the glands nothing comes out of them, and they appear swollen and full. They may also omit a foul smelling oder which is another telling factor. To aid you and to provide a more comforting experience for your dog, using some kind of lubricant such as KY jelly is strongly advised.
- Each anal sack must individually be expressed.
- Place your thumb on one side of the gland, and your 4-finger inside the dog’s rectum in order to squeeze and express the gland.
- The fluid that comes out as a result, may be thick and pasty, and may be a black, grey or brown colour.
- Do the same to both glands.
If a bloody pus like substance is extruded, this is a telltail sign of infection, and your Veterinarian will put your dog on antibiotics.