If you don't clean the anal gland on dogs it harmful to the dog?

Answer 1

I have had seven dogs in my life, never once cleaned an anal gland. If you start cleaning them the dog will lose the ability to clean them itself, and they will become impacted. I am guessing you are trying to avoid the impacted anal gland mess... That would be why you asked the question, but it really is not needed.

If you do it and it isn't needed, you take a chance on harming the animal. You might create hemhroids. Then you have blood and impaction and infection later. If it isn't broken, don't fix it, your dog will thank you.

My husband says...
It's a crapshoot...

LOL, it really is... Rule of thumb, don't mess with it if you don't have to.

Answer 2

Yes, it can harm your dog. Especially if you have been having them done regularly. The reason all the other commenters said they have never had to have anal glands "expressed" is probably because of their breed...large breeds don't tend to have a problem as some smaller breeds. But...if you don't have it done regularly (say every month or two, depending on the dog) the anal glands can get so impacted that they will rupture, which is VERY painful for the dog!! My vet charges $8 to do them!! Even when the glands get full on a monthly basis, the scooting on the floor and/or licking means he/she is very uncomfortable, so it is best to have them done regularly so they don't get to that point!!`

Answer 3

it is unlikely that it will become harmful but it will eventually catch up to some dogs ( not all dogs need to have their anal glands expressed) and they will actually "express" their anal glands themselves by scooting around. If your dog is scooting around a lot, it is best to have it done, because your dog could scratch himself while scooting and get an infection or something.

Answer 4

They can become impacted and rupture or get infections.
Most dogs will drag their butts to clear them if they have a problem.
I do not express my dogs unless they need it and the dogs I have now one is nine and never had any problems. Some dogs never need to have it done.
I feed a very high quality diet and their stoll is hard they must clear out the glands as they go to the bathroom.
Just one more reason to feed super high quality pet food.

Answer 5

dog's can actually get tonsilitus from them licking their behinds. The anal glands can also get full and cause irritation. I would get the anal glands squeezed. you can do it yourself just don't let it squirt on your clothes you'll never get the stink out.

Answer 6

Don't touch their glands unless they are bothering your dog alot, Because it could make them worse. Talk to your vet.

Answer 7

No..I have never cleaned them. I just catch them rubbing their behinds on the carpet to handle it themselves. It doesn't seem to stain so that works for me.

I've had quite a few dogs over the past 30 years too.

Answer 8

Here's what my vet told me: Keep an eye on the dog. If he's fine, everything's fine. If you find them "scooting" (strange term for dragging their boombas across the carpet), take him in to have them looked at or possibly 'expressed' (YUK!). If the skin becomes very swollen, take him in. However, if you do it yourself or take him to a groomers/vet to have it done preemptively, their bodies become dependent and you'll consign yourself to an unpleasant task for the life of your dog.

Answer 9

I have my cat and dog excreeted once a year. No harm if not done though

Answer 10

yes it can lead to impacted glands which can lead to infection.