how do i empty my dogs anal glands myself?

Answer 1

very carefully!!!

I was wondering this too a few weeks ago when I was considering grooming my dogs myself.....but I think I'll stick with the groomer...I'm interested in what the answer will be though.

Answer 2

It is perfectally OK for you to express your dogs anal glands. If more people would do this, they would have less vet bills. However, I think it would be best if you get your vet or a groomer to show you how to do it properly first. You can injure a dog if you don't know what your are doing. Ever see your dog dragging his butt on the floor? Most people think they are doing this because they have worms, and it can mean that, but most of the time they are trying to clean the anals themselves.
A large dog has enough weight, he can sit down and drag himself and clean them pretty well but you should know he is cleaning them on your carpet!!!!!!! A small dog can drag themselves around all over town and not get them cleaned.
While having your groomer clean the anals with each visit is a good habit to get into, you need to be aware that some groomers refuse to do it. Always ask your groomer if they offer this service. A small dog may need to have it's anals cleaned more often than once every 4-8 weeks. So it depends on how often you get your dog groomed. I have some dogs that come for a bath every week (which I don't recomend but I figure, they are determined to get it done and If I don't do it, the groomer down the road will and at least I know I use good products. Some groomers use people shampoo or worse, dishwashing liquid) and I express some out every week!
I always knew it was important to get a dogs (or a cat) anal glands expressed, but I didn't realize until my fathers dog got really sick.Just how important it was. She ran fever, and vomitted all over the place. Her's were impacted!



It is a good idea to clean them when ever they get a bath. The glands are there to express a luberacant when the dogs bowles move. If they are a little constipated this luberacant will help. If you feed your dog a soft diet, and they never get constipated the glands can fill up because they don't strain to go.

I would recomend doing this when you bath him, for two reasons. First, it does have a foul odor, so you can just wash it down the drain, and off the dog. Second, it is easier to feel the glands when the dog is lathered up and slippery. Depending on the size of the dog, the glands can feel anywhere from pea size to grape size.

Depening on wheather you are right or left handed, I am right, so I lift the tail up with my left hand. This will cause the glands to be stand out a little better. Then with my right hand I use my right thumb on one side and my middle finger on the other. When your sure you feel the glands, try to kinda get under them, squeeze up and together. Sometimes they do squirt, but mostly they drain. I would recomend you point the anus away from you just in case! LOL! They can be real runny or the constancy of tooth paste. If they are any color than brown, or if they look like cottage cheese, They may be trying to get an infection, but it can also just mean they REALLY needed to be cleaned. You might tell your vet and see if he wants to check your pet out. I always tell my clients that I will TRY to clean the anals. Some dogs don't have tails, or the tails are too short, and sometimes the dogs are kind of chubby and I can't feel the anals. If you can't feel them don't try to express them. Like I said you can hurt them so you don't want to just squeeze without being able to feel them. Once you have successfully done this once or twice, you will be an expert. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Prepare a warm moist wash cloth or towel. Raise the dog's tail and locate the anal glands. The glands should be at approximately 5 o'clock and seven o'clock positions in relation to the anal circumference. you will feel the glands as small firm nodules in the perianal area. Place the cloth over the area. Position your thumb on one gland and index finger on the opposite gland.

By pressing in and squeezing your fingers toward each other the glands should empty. Wipe the area clean with the cloth. Repeat if necessary.

If the discharge is bloody or purulent in appearance there is probably an anal gland infection .

Answer 4

Empty, no but to remove the bulge that sticks out, yes. You'll want to have a warm watered down paper towel. Make sure someone is holding the dogs head so he can not turn around to bite you. Gently squeeze his "HOLE" until there is no more puffiness in that area. The smell will about Knock you back, make sure you wear a mask when doing this or you may end up having a mess all over your face. Repeat if needed. No more than 2 times at one try, or the dog will end up having a sore butt.

Answer 5

There are two glands on each side of your dogs anus. When you lift the tail up you can feel them. Like two small grapes. Put a paper towel in your hand that you are using to express them. It's very stinky stuff. Go just behind the to "grapes" (towards the front) but right behind them. Gently squeeze. While squeezing pull towards the end of the anus. You'll smell it!! Feel it!!! And see it! Brown to green junk! Watch out it will squirt sometimes!!!

Answer 6

Put some gloves on, take a paper towel, and squeeze the sides of the anal area.

Answer 7

Why on earth would you want to? That's a job for a groomer or your vet. Also, they don't really need emptied that often...and the vet will check for it when you take your dog in.

Answer 8

All you can really do is massage the glands periodically. This will help avoid infection allowing circulation.

Answer 9

Put your dog in the tub, or where you plan to bathe it, put some gloves on, get piece of tissue, lift the tail, put the tissue over the rectum and gently squeeze on either side of its rectum with your thumb and pointer finger, then wash well because it will smell!!!

Answer 10

Just go to the nearest animal emergency clinic. Use a credit card or borrow the money.