How to Express The Anal Glands of a Dog

Many small breed dogs will lose control of their muscles surrounding their anal glands over time, and with that, can unknowingly release a stinky fluid from these glands if not maintained by the owner or groomer. Normally, a younger dog will be able to release this fluid when pooping, but as age increases, these functions are altered.
Here is how you can keep your dog from rubbing its butt on the carpet, and stinking up your furniture.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby wipes
• Paper Towels
• Rubber Gloves (optional)

1. Take your dog out for a walk, and make sure that it has a chance to relieve itself, both #1 and #2, if possible.

2. Once ready, put your dog somewhere high up, like a counter or a large sink. (this will save you from any back pain, and discourage them from running off)

3. Put on Latex or rubber gloves if you are nervous of the fluid getting on your hands (it DOES stink, but after doing it regularly, you will find the smell disipates with simple hand soap.)

4. Position the baby wipe over your dog's anus, and then gently squeeze inward and together, much like a pimple. The fluid will then shoot out onto the baby wipe.

5. Try to use a new baby wipe for each attempt, since if the fluid gets on your dog's fur, it can retain the undesirable smell.

6. Gently massage the anal canal for any other fluid, and once done, take a fresh baby wipe and clean off the entire rear end area.

7. Smell the area you have just cleaned to make sure that it is fresh.
   If not, then repeat with a fresh baby wipe, and when satisfied, use a paper towel to gently dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful to catch the fluid in the baby wipe as you expel it. The fluid tends to shoot out of many dogs, and can become a very potent and unpleasant smell to your personal property.