2006-09-24 01:21:43 · 12 answers · asked by ? 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
There is no such thing as an anal gland. All creatures have an anus, which is an opening that the biproduct of food consumption is excreted from. Any creature that eats has one. But there is no GLAND associated with it. The closest thing would be the MUSK gland in animals like mink and skunks (located near the anus, but not part of it).
2006-09-24 01:27:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The anal glands are a vestigial organ in dogs, meaning that they used to have a purpose of marking territory with smelly liquid but in modern dogs they don't really do anything. They're a lot like an appendix - there's no point to having them, but sometimes they act up and cause problems for the dog. There are two glands on either side of the dog's anus.
In many dogs, the liquid that used to be used for spraying will build up in the canine anal glands and they get full. The dog will try to "express" them itself by rubbing it's butt on the carpet or licking its rear. "Expressing" the dog's anal glands just means that the liquid gets released.
2006-09-24 02:43:52 · answer #2 · answered by badgirl41 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are two glands just inside of the dogs (and cat) anus. These glands are secreted as the dog defecates. There is a scent left behind that is only known by that dog. The problem occurs when they are not doing it by themselves anymore. So some owners have it done on a regular basis. You may notice your dog scooting or licking excessively at his anus. This may be a sign that your dogs anal glands are full and need to be expressed. I do this all the time and it is not at difficult to do. Some vets will even teach you do this at home.
2006-09-24 02:22:18 · answer #3 · answered by VetTechJanet 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
on the inside of the dog...just below and on either side of the rectum are the anal glands...they work sort of like scent glands. they empty each time the dog deficates. However, if they fail to empty due to soft stools from people food etc the anal glands fill up and need to be expressed. signs from the dog include dragging the butt.
2006-09-24 01:29:27 · answer #4 · answered by mups mom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its a gland in there anal cavity. Sometimes a dog with start to smell from the rear end and they can go in and "pop" that gland to help with the smell. Takes them just a few minutes and there is no pain to the dog at all.
2006-09-24 01:29:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
they are glands just inside the dogs rectum and can become compacted,the vet can quiet easily empty them or some time they have to be removed
2006-09-24 01:27:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Watch the dog ane it'll show you several times a day.
2006-09-24 01:23:32 · answer #7 · answered by chickenger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dog's got 2 of em also called scent glands becoz they enable the dog to mark its territory and to identify each other ...greeting each other by sniffin at the other;s rear
"http://www.barkbytes.com/medical/med0029.htm"
2006-09-24 01:34:23 · answer #8 · answered by iLoVeD&mE 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe it gives off scent that the dog can recognize when he poos. Sometimes they need help having stuff extracted by the vet or you'll find them dragging their butts all over your carpet....gross ha?
2006-09-24 01:25:49 · answer #9 · answered by sweet 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like his butt.
2006-09-24 01:29:23 · answer #10 · answered by theodore r 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋