how do you know when is it time to bring your dog in to get there anal glands expressed???? do you bring them to a vet or groomer??
2006-10-01 08:35:42 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
You will look at your dogs rectum and see if it is red and swollen or smells really bad. You can take them to the groomers to be done but they will not do as good of a job as the vet. The groomers will only "express" the glands from the outside where the vet will do it from the inside. If you find you are having to do it often or can't afford the 40 bucks to get it done you can easily do it yourself. Get a pack of rubber surgical type gloves, Vaseline and paper towel, tissue or an old rag. Try to do this in the bathroom over top of a cleanable surface. Put on the gloves and put Vaseline on your index finger. Insert your finger into the rectum gently. The anal glands are located at about 4 and 8 o'clock if you know what I mean. You will be able to easily feel them. Squeeze gently from the the inside with your index finger and with your thumb on the outside, outwards out of the rectum. A brownish yellow secretion should come out. If it has blood in it it means that you left them like that too long and they are infected so be gentle. Do both until the sacs feel empty and you cannot get any more fluid out of them. I know its rude but it will be less traumatic for the dog if you do it and it will be better on your pocket book. After a few tries it becomes really easy. Good Luck! I hope this helps.
2006-10-01 08:50:22 · answer #1 · answered by slickshiftin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some dogs never have to have their glands expressed, some dogs need them expressed every few weeks. They will begin to lick, scoot or sometimes chase their tale when it is time to have the expressed. Or you may just notice an odor. Usually groomers only express the glands externally and do not get them completley cleaned out. Vets go inside the rectum to express them. I would recommend taking your dog to your vet to have the properly expressed if needed
2006-10-01 09:33:59 · answer #2 · answered by leftygirl_75 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
not all dogs need this done. you will notice when they begin to scoot on the floor, or sometimes you may smell a very bad smell! Groomers can do this, but often you should have the vet do it, because you can be sure they are doing it right, and can look for any infection! Usually done on a runback basis, no office call! Depends where you live
2006-10-01 08:42:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a vet show you how to do it yourself. Its really very easy, best done while bathing but not nessesary. If your dog usually has this problem do it every couple of weeks or so. If not a big problem do it any how every month, wont hurt him. They usually scoot thier butt across the floor or lick the area a lot. A vet or groomer will do this for you but why spend the money? It's really very easy
2006-10-01 09:34:54 · answer #4 · answered by LisaMarie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Groomers know how to do this. Usually when they are having their bath. My God but it smells rotten! All the more reason to do it in the tub. We never charged extra for this. Yes, scooting their bum on the floor is the most common symptom of impacted anal glands. I've never heard of having to insert your finger into the rectum though. We just put our forefinger one one side & thumb on the other side & squeezed gently. Picture the action used to milk a cow. Stand back! It can spray. I've seen it colored from green to brown to black depending on how long they've been impacted. Ask the groomer to show you how to do it. Remember to be gentle. No wonder none of my dogs liked a bath!
2006-10-01 09:57:29 · answer #5 · answered by ebonyruffles 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When they are scooting their butts all over the floor. Or you can do it every 6 months to avoid the discomfort to the dog. MAny groomers do it, but call to make sure. They are cheaper than the vet.
2006-10-01 08:39:18 · answer #6 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people know how to do this to help their dog but I would prefer letting the vet do it. Watch for signs of scooting on the rug or carpet. Sometimes that is a sure sign, although it also can be a sign of worms.
2006-10-01 08:40:46 · answer #7 · answered by makeitright 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog starts to drag his butt on the floor..and right around the anus it usually pokes out like he's got to go potty. I use to take mine to the vet each time..My daughter is a vet tech student now and she does it now
2006-10-01 08:41:37 · answer #8 · answered by baby shih tzu 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a vet or groomer can do it have them show you how so you can do it yourself
2006-10-01 08:39:31 · answer #9 · answered by aussie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋