Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Prepare a bath for your dog. The secretions of the anal gland are highly unpleasant to smell, and the contents of the gland can spray out unexpectedly during expression. Expressing the anal glands in a tub allow you to perform this task and immediately control the mess and odor.
Step2
Locate the anal gland openings. Look at approximately 5 and 7 o'clock around the anus of the dog. They may be impossible or difficult to visualize.
Step3
Feel for the glands with your thumb and forefinger beneath the skin under the anal gland openings. The glands are about the size of a kidney bean. They may be enlarged if the sacs are impacted or infected.
Step4
Press in and squeeze with your finger and thumb in an upward motion. The goal is to get the gland under your fingers on each side, and force the contents to the surface and out the opening. You should use firm pressure, but not so firm that you cause discomfort to the dog. This step can be done with a warm washcloth or paper towel covering the anus to prevent the secretions from spraying.
Step5
Repeat Step 4 until you no longer notice the greenish or brownish fluid being expressed.
Step6
Wash the anal area thoroughly. The secretions of the anal glands can be transferred to your furniture, clothing or pet's bedding if it remains on your pet's coat. It is imperative to remove all of the odor from the dog after expressing the glands.
Comments
abornich said
on 5/28/2008 Great visual steps! I think I might actually be able to accomplish this now!
Landslyde said
on 5/20/2008 Thank you for this "how to"! I breed and show dogs and have never been able to master this task. It is definitely important to do this, or have it done by your vet every now and then because otherwise the anal gland can get infected and ultimately abscess. No fun for your puppy!!
shefveland said
on 5/17/2008 The smell of the anal gland is unique for each dog, that's why dog's smell each others behinds! To get to know their smell. I have a Yorkie, and the anal glands seem to get full and backed up with thick secretion, and then he scoots. I express his glands once a month or so. If liquid comes out, it's good. If a substance that looks more like whipped cream comes out, that's the secretion that gets stuck in the gland causing pain and discomfort.
christyhow said
on 3/1/2008 i never heard of this, why must this be done?
sadeyes1950 said
on 4/12/2008 how often do i express the anal glands??