There are two grape-shaped anal glands in your dog's anus.They give canines vital information about one another, including health, age, and sex.Dogs sniff each other's rears when they meet and insist on taking a whiff of every poop they pass on their morning walk.Sometimes the fluid in anal glands can build up, causing your dog to bite or lick his anus, or "scoot" his bottom around on the floor after defecation.Small dogs are prone to anal sac disorders, so this can happen to any breed.Expressing anal glands can help keep your dog happy and healthy.It is possible to save yourself a trip to the vet's office and do it yourself, if you choose to.Before attempting this for the first time, do consult a vet, as improper or unnecessary expression can lead to health problems.
Step 1: Look for signs of anal problems.
Dogs may have certain symptoms when there is a problem with the anal glands.If you've never had this before, it's a good idea to bring your dog in for a checkup to see if the symptoms are related to other issues, such as parasites, a sore bottom, or a food allergy.You can either get your dog the treatment it needs or rule out the issues.If you notice a red skin on your dog's anus or a fishy odor on furniture, you may be dealing with anal gland issues.
Step 2: The first time you have a vet demonstrate anal gland expression, be sure to do it.
Ask your vet for a demonstration if you've never expressed your dog's anal glands.You can try to express the second one in her presence if she can do the first.
Step 3: You should gather your materials.
Three to four damp paper towels and a pair of latex gloves will suffice.If you want to wash the dog, you should have plenty of towels, as well as any dog-friendly soaps you use.latex gloves are thinner and more sensitive than rubber gloves, making them a better choice for palpate the glands.
Step 4: If you can, recruit a help.
If your dog is cooperative, you can do this on your own, but you may need someone to hold the dog while you work.
Step 5: Put on old clothes.
The anal glands produce stinky pheromones.You can take off and wash old clothes if you wear them.
Step 6: A small room is where the dog should be secured.
If you bathe your dog in the tub, the bathroom works well.It's important to make sure the dog can't run off during the process.The dog should be clean.It's a smart idea to pair an expression with a bath since the process can be messy.
Step 7: The dog should be in front of you.
It should be facing you.If you have a partner, they should hug the dog close to them by wrapping one arm around the neck and the other at the side of the body.
Step 8: Roll the dog's tail up to expose its anus.
In a position that is comfortable to maintain, you should be at level with the dog's bottom.The process should take about five minutes, but the first time it may take a little more time.It's important to make sure you're in a good position.The procedure won't hurt your dog, but if the glands are swollen or impacted, your pet might be guarding their backside more than usual.Pay attention to your pet's body language.
Step 9: Don't make your dog frightened.
Try to keep things as relaxed as possible by talking to it and stroke it.Staying relaxed will help things go smoothly.
Step 10: Go to the anal glands.
On either side of the anus, place two fingers.The anal glands are located under the anus at 4 and 8 o'clock.You will feel a small bulge when pressing inward just below the anus if the glands are full.pressing in the right place is needed to empty the glands.If you can't feel the "cherries," you're either in the wrong place or the glands do not need emptying.Sometimes only one part of the body is full.This could be a sign that the glands are functioning normally but that one has become impacted.Call your vet if you want to express the sac.This could require antibiotics.
Step 11: You can milk the anus.
Keeping your thumb and forefinger on the glands, gently apply pressure in the direction of the anus.You should squeeze in gentle waves.Don't put too much pressure on yourself, just apply it to your own closed eye.
Step 12: The bottom of the dog is expressed liquid.
The liquid should be coming out slowly.Try adjusting the position of your fingers.There is a strong smell of fish in the liquid and it could be anything from a smooth consistency to a brownish substance.Do not discharge if the discharge is bloody or pasty.As soon as possible, see your vet for a possible impaction.
Step 13: If nothing happens, stop after a few tries.
You may want to try again.It can be painful and cause injuries, which only makes the problem worse.The glands may be impacted, which requires veterinary intervention.Don't force the expression.The anal sacs of large dogs are located deeper inside.Don't hurt the dog if this is the case.If the sacs need emptying through an internal procedure, it is best done by a professional.).
Step 14: Continue until the glands have emptied.
When the sacs are barely visible and there is no more liquid being expressed, they're empty.
Step 15: Put a paper towel on your dog's bottom.
As your dog may be uncomfortable with the swollen glands, do this gently.
Step 16: A treat for the dog.
Praise your dog and pet him.
Step 17: The dog's rear end needs to be washed.
To clean the dog's rear, wipe it with a clean paper towel.If your dog won't tolerate a bath at this point, you should wash and rinse his bottom.
Step 18: Don't give the glands too much attention.
Too much expression can lead to irritation and loss of muscle tone in the gland, which can affect its ability to function normally.You don't need to do this many times a year.If your dog has trouble with his glands, you should see a vet.It is not recommended for dog groomers to practice regular anal gland expression unless there is a problem with the glands.