Anal glands??

[Beau's Mommy]

Duh!!

Only if they give any indication that they may be in discomfort (ie constant licking or scooting across the floor). If yours dogs are on raw, there is rarely, if ever, a problem ~ Cathy

Ya know, I was going to write (being funny) that I'd only accidentally expressed my dog's anal gland then I read lafsalot's post and it hit me! DUH!! My MinPin's anal glands need to be expressed! She scoots on the floor all the time and it drives me insane. Mind you this is the same dog I accidentally "expressed." We were playing and rough-housing one time and I poked her behind and.....yes, all over my hand :eek:

Wow, now I too have to make decision....to express or not to express!!?!

 

[beausmommy]

My boys have a lovely habit of "expressing" themselves in the most inopportune places like the car or my bed. You can't escape it when you're driving and it's NOT a nice smell to wake up to. Many small dogs need it done frequently so I guess I should be grateful that Bailey does it on his own...even if he does do it in the worst places. Beau has a firm tail-down policy when anyone comes near his hiney so I can't imagine that I'd be able to do it on my own.

 

[rmcbrair]

I am an anal gland virgin and intend to stay that way after smelling the experience! The other reason for that is I've done some reading up and am afraid of doing damage. I'm probably just prissy about it because I know people who do it and don't have problems.

 

[MorganIL]

We had to take my first boxer regularly

to the vet for his anals - no way was I going to do it - it was absolutely worth the $16 every 6 weeks or so!

Good luck -

Buzz's mom

 

[SandyHG55654]

I am an anal gland virgin and intend to stay that way after smelling the experience! The other reason for that is I've done some reading up and am afraid of doing damage. I'm probably just prissy about it because I know people who do it and don't have problems.

That's me too! But if it ain't broke why fix it! Mine don't scoot or lick!

 

[MissiM]

It's really not a big deal.
Your dog should be fine if it's used to having it done.
It's nas-tay... you might want to use latex gloves or the such.
and do it right before a bath b/c there will be a mess.
Just make sure to shampoo the butt to get rid of all of the "expressed material."

You will do fine.
Really.

 

[Zoeys_Mom]

After reading all of these posts, if Zoey ever needs this done, we will be going to the Vet's! I can clean up crime scenes, but not my puppies bum!

 

[RECTEC]

Wow

I have never heard of this before... I am really lost in this conversation. Exactly what does this process entail? Do you like use some medication or just stick your finger up the anus or what? What is the purpose of this? Does this decrease the chance of infection? And does this process typically make them have a bowl movement during the process, if so, there is not way I could ever do it...

 

[MissiM]

I cut and paste this from another thread - (I am the author.)

You can tell your dog needs their gland expressed if you see them scooting their bottom across the lawn, carpet, blankets, floor...
They are trying to "express" their gland.
If you let them do it, it's smelly and nasty and something you have to clean up.

It's normally done at the groomer before the bath.

***this part is a little - graphic***
You hike up their nub of a tail, basically, grab the place the poo comes out - but "further back" and squeeze that gland. Nas-tay stuff comes out that is gag reflex smelling. You then quickly bathe the dog and it's over quickly and your pup's bum is happy and your carpets stay clean.

 

[SandyHG55654]

You squeeze the glands from the outside and the glands drain there is no "entry" into that area and no medication needed to do it. Although I'd need some if I did it If anyone has anything else to add to the process, who has first hand experience no pun intended... Oh and don't forget the gloves!