How to Express Dog Anal Glands

You might be wondering how to express dog anal glands. There are several ways to do this. You can do this externally during a full-service dog bath or on an as-needed basis. Regardless of how you express your dog’s anal glands, it is important to do so carefully. If you do it too frequently, you may cause tissue damage, scar tissue, or blockage of the drainage duct.

Externally

There are a few different ways to express your dog’s anal glands. If your dog is a bit nervous, you can ask a helper to help you restrain it. Once your dog is calm, place your finger and thumb on the anus. You should feel a squirt of substance come out.

The external method is more comfortable and less intrusive than the internal method. However, you will still need to apply pressure to your dog’s anal glands, which may result in bruising. Make sure to wear disposable gloves, which will protect your hands. You can also use a lick mat or stuffable Kong to distract your dog during the process.

After making sure your dog is comfortable with the process, place a paper towel between its anus and your hand. Next, gently squeeze the anal glands outwards. Make sure you apply pressure on the side of the anal gland that is farthest from you. Be careful not to exert too much pressure; you should only feel a small amount of the liquid.

Some dogs may have underlying medical conditions that require routine expression of the anal glands. This can prevent impaction or infection in the area.

During a full-service dog bath

If you want to express your dog’s anal glands, there are a couple of different methods. First, you can either place a finger or thumb inside the dog’s anal cavity and squeeze the anal glands. Alternatively, you can use a tissue to squeeze each gland. If you have never done this before, you should seek the advice of a vet.

You can also ask a professional groomer to express the glands, but you shouldn’t try to do it yourself. You need to stay calm and be quick. This procedure may not be worth the risk to your pet. A professional dog groomer will have a special instrument to do it safely.

In most cases, dogs only need their anal glands expressed as needed. Frequent manual expression may lead to irritation and tissue damage. In addition, it can also clog the drainage duct. If your dog has a painful anal gland, you should not try it at home.

It’s best to do the procedure in a place where your dog is comfortable. Make sure that you have disposable gloves and lubricant on hand. Also, ensure that someone else is around to hold your pet. This process is messy and smelly. Use a lick mat or a spreadable Kong toy to distract your dog during the process.

On an as-needed basis

Veterinary technicians will reach inside a dog’s anus and manually express the dog’s anal glands. Afterward, they will examine the secretion. Anal glands can rupture if they are not expressed, so it is important to express them on a timely basis to prevent any complications. Manual expression is needed for some dogs only when they exhibit symptoms of blockage or irritation, while others require it more frequently.

When your dog exhibits symptoms of anal pain, you should bring your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet staff can help you learn how to express your dog’s anal glands and show you the proper technique. In some cases, you can perform the procedure at home, but you should still consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog is suffering from a ruptured gland.

An impacted anal gland can cause your dog to scoot around the house, lick its bottom, or have loose stools. Medications to treat this issue include antibiotics and painkillers. Depending on the severity of the situation, your dog may require a surgical procedure to remove the impacted gland.

External expression is a less invasive method. Using an instrument to squeeze or massage the anal area, a veterinarian can examine the contents of the sac. If there is an infection, the vet can prescribe antibiotics or instill them directly into the gland.