How to Express Your Dog's Anal Glands

Positioning of anal glands

Our beloved Golden, Retriever (Molly) has a chronic problem of engorged anal glands.
Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small glands present in both dogs and cats situated just below and either side of the anal opening. They produce a substance that is secreted through ducts just inside the rectum when pressure is put on the glands - most commonly by the passing of feces. This substance has a pungent odor which is very unpleasant to humans but was probably useful to animals, especially in much earlier times, for marking their territory.

Things You'll Need

• dietary changes in your dog's diet
• frequent trips to the groomer or Vet to do procedure
• OR
• the fortitude necessary to relieve your pet yourself

Instructions

1. In modern-day domestic pets, if the anal gland secretions are not released naturally and build up - it leads to thickening of the secretion and clogging of the duct. You'll notice your pet with his tail up, dragging his behind across the floor, in an attempt to relieve the pressure and discomfort of impacted anal glands. and is called scooting. Scooting can cause damage to the anus and indicates that your pet is having trouble with his anal glands and needs human intervention.

2. Prevention of anal gland problems, requires that the dog's diet includes kibble only (no table scraps) with extra fiber added. I supplement with 2 tablespoons of oat bran, twice daily , from a health food store. This bulks up the stool and will more likely break the dog's anal sac, as the bowels move. My vet has told me that surgery to remove these sacs, very well may cause incontinency.

3. If a vet demonstrates to you the evacuation procedure, you may be able to do it yourself if necessary--and if you have the fortitude:
   1.Have a person's at the dog's head, whispering sweet nothings to him or her, as you approach with gloved and lubricated fingers.
   2.To express the anal glands, use your fingers or a thumb and forefinger to gently apply pressure on either side of the anus--on the outside of the glands. Press inwards and upwards, and you should see (and smell) fluid being expressed.

Tips & Warnings

• We all want our pets to be comfortable and healthy.

• You may make dietery changes that help with this problem.

• If evacuation is necessary and needed frequently, you need to decide if you are really able/willing to do this, or you would rather pay for a groomer/vet to do it.