bad dog. anal gand? what!?

Question

i have a dog, and usually every 2 weeks, he'll run his butt over the floor. somebody told me his anal gland needs to be... milked?!? how do i do this? it's crazy, and she also said that's it's sick.

Answer 1

Yes it is probably his anal glands. If you have not been shown how to express the glands do not attempt it as you could really injure your dog. Take the dog to the vets office. A tech can show you how it's done. When my dog has to be done it cost about $20.00 It is well worth the $$$ because of the smell.............. boy howdy has it got a smell!

Answer 2

don't do it yourself!!! dogs have anal glands on each side of their rectum. when they go potty they normally express them themselves. about the only explanation i've gotten from vets as to why they have these glands is that this is how dogs identify each other through the scent of it. sometimes a dog will have problems with being able to express them himself. so he may occasionally need help. when he needs help should be the only time this should be done. if it is done for him all the time, it will develope in to a problem where he can't do it himself. many groomers have created this problem in dogs by expressing them every time they are groomed. bad idea. you should have it done by your vet. if you don't do it correctly you can impact them , or rupture them. then you're talking surgery. and yes scooting on the rug is a typical sign. but go to the vet to make sure that's what it is, and not something else.
and yes, it's gross. it has a smell all it's own, and if you get it on you or your clothes, it just seems like you can't wash the smell away good luck and your dog is NOT a bad dog. he can't help it

Answer 3

You can express a dog's anal gland easily. It is rather smelly and you don't want to get it on your hands so use gloves, and have someone hold the dog while you do this. Properly gloved, get some tissue, place it over your dog's anus. Put your thumb and forefinger on either side of the anus. Gently push inward, then squeeze the fingers together and gently and slowly pull outward. You can also do it by placing your index finger inside the anus with the thumb on the outside, which is more effective, but most people aren't comfortable doing that.

You can also pay your vet to do it.

Answer 4

1) If you feel you vet isn't cutting it, get a new vet. 2) Yes some dogs need anal glands expressed more than others, and yes it stinks. But is the discharge normal? If it comes out kinda watery and squirts out easily, then they are normal. If they discharge with mucus or are chunky, then they are infected and your dog needs treatment. See a new vet. If they leak and she goes on your carpet, they may be full, and you can express them yourself. If it really becomes a problem with leaking and infections, they can be removed. The procedure is simple, the glands get removed, and the dog goes home with a few sutures in it's rear. They get over it fast. For an older dog though, you need to consider if she can handle the general anesthesia for the procedure. Weigh the options. Good luck!

Answer 5

A groomer or vet can empty the anal glands, which usually empty themselves when the dog defecates. Or, if you feel that you're ready to do the job yourself, check out the URL listed as my source.

Answer 6

Dogs do have this problem from time to time. I think that PetSmart or antihero place which has grooming can do this for a fee for you dog. I read that giving the dog some more fiber in the diet helps prevent the problem. If a gland becomes infected, there is a worse problem.

Answer 7

Take your dog to the vet or a groomer and tell them you want the anal glands emptied. It is a simple procedure and not one I recommend that you perform yourself if you want your dog to remain friends with you. It doesn't have to be done very often, once or twice a year if necessary.

Answer 8

It's true. Most dogs can lick themselves to fix the problem but some are overweight(mine) and can't reach them. I have never done it and would rather let her rub her bottom on the floor or deck or whatever. Let the vet or groomer do it. They showed how to do it on a episode of Dirty Jobs but I don't feel the need to know!

Answer 9

Anal sacs are located on each side of your dog's anus; they are glands that exude scent when your dog has a bowel movement. If you notice your dog scooting along on his rear or licking or scratching his anus, he may have impacted anal sacs. Ask your veterinarian how to treat an anal sac problem.

It really is very common.

Answer 10

just schedule an appointment at your pets vet, let them know that the dog is scooting and you would like his anal glands checked.