Just Curious - Squeezing Glands

[mikkehla]

I don't quite get what what or why a female dog may need her glads squeezed or cleansed or whatever. I've never even heard of this until a co-worker was talking about it.

Why would one have this done to their dog? Is it necessary?

[CathyBogart]

Are you talking about anal sacs? Any dog, male or female, may need these expressed from time to time. The sacs fill with fluid, and theoretically the fluid is expressed with the dog's stool, but for some dogs this doesn't happen correctly.

If the anal sacs fill with fluid it IS necessary to express them, because the sacs can become impacted and infected. It stinks, it's painful for the dog, and it can become quite serious.

Fortunately, I've never had to do this with Jasper. My mom's dog, Star (female) does need her anal sacs expressed periodically. We can tell when it's time because she starts licking at them and scooting on the floor because they are full enough to be uncomfortable. Of course, I try to express them before it reaches that point, but since I don't live there I sometimes don't think of it until someone tells me she needs it done.

[scrain2329]

I think that kaysha needs this done. She has been... eh hum scooting her bum a few times recently but is always "cleaning". .... aaallll ttthhhheeee time. so gross.
Do some dogs just need it done and can not do it by themselves?

[CathyBogart]

Yep, some dogs just need it done periodically.

[flipgirl]

There's a video on youtube in which a lady shows how to express anal glands...interesting.

[jennielynn1970]

I have cats that need to have this done to them as well. So much fun!!!

[scrain2329]

I watched the video. UUUUUHHHHHMMMM not sure I'm excited to do that.
I'm having trouble finding the nerve to do it.
Kaysha is so small I'm scared i will hurt her or there just well isnt enough room to do it!
Obviously there is I'm just nervous..

[jennielynn1970]

Oh, I don't do it myself. Ick. No. Calloway goes to the vet to have it done. Plus he's a kitty, and was injured on his backside, so he's really not a fan of having his backside handled.

[Giselle]

Don't do it by yourself if you're unsure/never done it before. Have a groomer or vet show you how to do it, first.

Anal glands are supposed to express themselves when the dog poops. However, as we've often noticed with our own pets (collective "we"), our dogs often get mushy poops. Ergo, the glands can't express themselves and they get impacted.

Ideally, the holistic way to cure this would be to find a food that gives your dog firm poops. But, sometimes (as is very common in small dogs), that just doesn't happen and so you've got to express them manually.

[So-Crafty]

This can also be done during a bath, I found it to be less stinky that way. You can add canned (plain) pumpkin to your dogs diet to help firm up the stools. Some breeds like Bassetts and some Spaniels need to have this done for them.