Just Curious - Squeezing Glands

[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.