How to Express Your Dog's Anal Gland from the Outside

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By Jin Li
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dog gland

Expressing your dog's anal gland juicy is important for his health and well being. Some dogs will develop infection if the anal glands are not expressed. This article talks about how to express your dog's anal gland from the outside. If you cannot do it yourself, it can be done by a veterinarian or a dog groomer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tissue
dog
your hands

Step 1

Some dogs need their anal glands expressed every couple weeks while others might not even need them expressed in their lifetime. It all depends on the dog. If you need to know when to express the anal gland, check out my other article on when to express the anal gland.
Step 2

Use your right hand for the actual squeezing. Place the tissue on top of your hand so that the anal gland juice gets on the tissue and not your hand.
Step 3

express anal gland

Your left hand should grab his tail and hold it up because dogs tend to get nervous when you are squeezing his anal glands. With the tissue in your right hand, use your thumb and index finger to express his anal glands. Start from the bottom below the anus and pinch in and move your fingers up while still applying pressure (see picture). The anal gland juice should come right out.
Step 4

anal gland juice

Take a look at the anal juice on the tissue. It should be yellowish-brown in color. If there is any sign of blood or pus, that means the anal gland is probably infected. Go to a veterinarian right away.
Step 5

If you tried it a couple of times and nothing comes out of his anus. There are two explanations for this, one there are none, two you are not doing it right. If your dog shows signs of needing the anal gland expressed, then go to a veterinarian. He will express it for you.

Comments

NewbieG said

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on 9/13/2009 Nice article, I sugest skipping the tissue and buying gloves from walmart for $7, You may want to mention that the fishy smell is normal. Often times you will have problems getting it from the outside, so if are intrepid be sure not to forget the lube with the internal expression. (I don't see many owners having the heart to do that though)

daniellelee77 said

on 7/15/2009 aah yes, i needed to see how to do this as my dogs "butt pimple" pops constantly all over the house and it is putrid.

soanyway said

on 11/17/2008 I've tried, so now I'll try again...still yuckie but better then a carpet butt rub!~thanks~

momofour said

on 11/11/2008 I have tried to do this before but just can't get past the yuck part of it. Thankfully, my best friend has no problem with it and loves me enough to do it for me. If not for her, I would have to pay for it too be done. Thanks for sharing your article. Too many people do not realize the need for it.