how do you clean a dog anus glands?

Question

I'm not trying to be nasty but i have heard that you need to clean them & I don't really know exactly where they are at or what they look like? Also does it hurt dogs to have this done? I have an eleven pound male chihuahua.

i don't think he is having any problems.. i thought i should check out doing it...

how do i know if it's giving him problems?

Answer 1

If you pup is scooting his butt on the floor it could be impacted anal glands. I not expressed they can get infected. You can take the dog to the vet, a dog groomer or do it yourself. If you want to try it yourself here is a video that will tell you how.

http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/dog-grooming-basics-glands.htm

Answer 2

The anal gland is an active working gland located just below and slightly outside the anus on both sides. In most dogs, the anal gland is self-cleaning, and does not require routine cleaning. Routinely cleaning a healthy anal gland has no benefit and can actually cause harm by disturbing the natural balance of the secretions or by causing irritation.
If the anal gland needs cleaning, here is the method. You will need to place your dog in the bath tub because you will want to bathe your dog. Next get a tissue or paper towel and place over your dog's anus. With your thumb and fingers on each side of the anus, gently squeeze. Take care with large or aggressive pets as they might take off your arm. Now move your fingers back and forth in a "milking" motion. The anal secretions will express into the paper towel. It is very important to not get the secretions on you may I repeat do not get it on you! It is very odorous.

Answer 3

Well I have worked at a groomers for a while, I bath and released the anal glands. It's very important that this is done. Left alone will cause a build up and possible medical treatment. It is very easy, put thumb and pointer finger on either side of the anus. Use your other hand to hold the baby and also the tail. Press in with your fingers semi-firmly. If the dogs anal glands need to be released you will feel a ball shape swollen gland. Then just squeeze, the release of this foul liquid will be smelly and please don't have your face to close to the dog! Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I would recommend leaving that to your vet. The glands are right inside the opening of the anus.

You can use an old towel, pull the dogs tail straight up and put the towel over the entire opening of the anus, where your fingers would be just along the outside. Gently press down, which will make the anus pucker a little and gently squeeze and gently pull at the same time. This will suppress the glands. It is very foul, so I hope you have a strong stomach. (which is why I said leave it to your vet).

Answer 5

A vet, or even a dog groomer can perform this service. Scooting can also be a sign of worms, you might want to take a stool sample to the vet to be checked. Yes, the vet or groomer can show you how to do this, and yes, it smells awful. Changing his food isn't going to correct this and needs to be done gradually. Tell your dad a panel of "experts" have all said that the dog needs to go to the vet. We're not all kids on here, either! It won't cost much, but is imperative to get it done. The sooner the better. Congratulations on being smart enough to know what the problem is! Lots of "adults" don't even know about anal glands and the need to have them expressed. So, good for you! I bet you've read a lot about dogs, huh? If your dad is still reluctant to go, ask him to just call the vet, tell them the dog's symptoms, and ask some questions then. They will probably convince him to bring the dog in. Good luck!

Answer 6

Next time you go to your Vet's office, ask them to show you. Or if you get your dog groomed, ask them to show you there. It's very simple but seeing it helps you to know what to expect, how much pressure to use, why you want to wear gloves and what to watch out for etc. It could hurt the dog if you exerted too much pressure or weren't sure what you are doing. I have seen some people suggesting sticking your finger in it's anus and that is not what you do. You will feel more at ease about it to see it done and to have someone show you how to do it and to tell you how often.
If you live in the country and your dog is outside a lot, you may never need to do it, or if your dog is outside in the yard a lot and there is lots of nice grass you will not necessarily ever need to do it. When you see a dog dragging it's rear across the lawn, sometimes it is because a dog is expressing it's anal glands itself.

Answer 7

well to tell you the anal glands are these two side pockets near the butt on each side of the dogs butt hole were the poop comes out. what you do is you lift up the tail with your hands place your fingers around the butt area were the skin is and you squeeze and once you done that you will get a foul smelling order out of the butt call the anal sacs witch is the anal glands. but becareful not to squeeze it tords you do it in the other end were it will not stain anything in your house because it's worse than poop on you it's so bad you can vomit from the smell . butt to really learn how to express anal glands take your dog to the groomers and thay will show you how to do it. some dogs are sensitive some are not it depends on the dog itself. good luck and have some things to get the smell away.

Answer 8

Oh boy, that's a smelly job. Like others have said, you won't need to worry about the anal sacs unless there's a problem. Your dog will scoot around on his butt, and may lick the area excessively. If you want to know how to do it, ask your vet for a demonstration at your dog's next check-up. If you do it at home, it's best to do it in a well-ventilated area and not on carpeting or upholstery. If you want to prevent any possible future problems with the anal sacs, you can even have them surgically removed. And voila, no more anal sacs means no more need to express them. Information on the surgery can be found at the following link (warning: contains images of surgery if anyone's not comfortable with that): http://www.thepetcenter.com/wai/analsacs.html

Answer 9

Unless your dog is scooting around the floor, you don't need to do it. The dog is managing on its own when it uh, eliminates. Otherwise, if it were me, I'd pay someone to do it. It's nasty and I'm a bit sissy about it. Luckily my dogs don't have this problem. But take care of it right away, the dog is really uncomfortable.

Answer 10

My dog has to have this done about once a month. Best thing I can tell you, go to the vet. They should not charge you for an office visit. Just call them and tell them. this is not an uncommon thing. My dog does not scoot. I just know when it needs to be done by the way he acts. constantly sniffing that area, and sometimes he'll even yelp. never has he scooted.