Quote Originally Posted by managemysite
do all dogs need their anal glands expressed, or am I ok just letting him pee allot, he is a german shepherd, labrador mix
Labs are notorious for such problems. The heavy tissue structure in the anal area sometimes interfers with the dog being unable to express the anal glands during defication. My previous Lab mix sometimes had to see her Vet 2-3 times a year in some years. Then she might go a couple of years without problems. My current two although having a little Lab in them do not have the heavy set of a Lab and thus far have not had such problems.

As others have mentioned you can express them yourself, where the anal glands are approximately at the 4 and 8 oclock positions on the circumference of the anus. It's a yellow putrid fluid that comes out if expressed correctly. Also it can come out with some force, so while looking closely don't get your face in the line of fire! If upon feel they are rock hard, then they may have become infected and impacted and it's off to the vet you go. The only try at prevention is to feed dry dog food, not moist or canned. Avoid foods that may result in soft stools. The harder the stool the more likely the pressure coming out will express the glands. In very severe repeat cases the glands can be surgically removed. But that's a desperado try, and not usually done unless the infections have become serious.