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!!!