my beagle has anal glands, how do I empty those at home?

Question

We can not take my dog to the vet once a month.... there has to be a way to do it at home. A way that does not involve my finger. Will a warm bath do it?

Answer 1

Disgusting, fuc#ing disgusting.

Answer 2

I have a one year old male beagle and have NEVER had his anal glands expressed becasue he has shown no signs of needing it done! There is no reason to express their anal glands unless they are scooting their bottoms across the floor. If it needs to be done, your vet can do it as part of your dog's exam or a groomer can do it as part of the bath, or as others have said, you can do it yourself...with your fingers. It is a very stinky, smelly, messy job and I'd rather have someone else do it for my dog WHEN it is needed. There is no need to clean out their anal glands monthly, a warm bath will not do it, and the ONLY way it can be done is with your fingers. If you are going to do it yourself, be sure you know what you're doing because you can hurt or injure your dog if it is done incorrectly or if you have applied too much pressure to the anal glands. Love and enjoy your beagle and only clean out the anal glands when it is needed and when symptoms of full glands are shown by scooting its bottom across the floor.

Answer 3

My dachshund is older and I have to take him to the vet to have this done once a month (expressing the glands rids them of the build up of the secretions dogs produce). But I found this to do when I feel brave.

"To express your pet’s anal glands use your fingers or a thumb and forefinger to gently apply pressure on either side of the anal opening - on the outside of the glands. Press inwards and upwards and you should see the fluid being expressed. "

Answer 4

This one thing that grosses me out completely. I refuse to do it to my dog, she goes to the vet to get it done. HOWEVER, all you need to do is get a paper towel, and kind of pinch around the anus of the dog. It will come out fast (do not have your face in that area). I would recommend wearing gloves and not leaving the paper towel in a trash that is in the house. There is another option. You can get the glands removed. My parents had this done with their Jack Russel... what a relief for them AND the dog! If you are interested, talk to your vet.

BTW- to other dog owners, some dogs do express their anals once a month or MORE. Depends on the dog.

Answer 5

This is a, gross. First I would take him outside or put him in the tub. Then put a fair of gloves on. Now comes the gross part lift up his tail then their is where his presents come out (you know what I mean.) Then about a centimeter or less up where his tail meets his body you take you thumb on one side and your pointer finger on the other and gently squeeze. But the easiest and least gross thing to do is take him to the groomer and ask if that is included in a bath if so that's the easiest way to go. Also your vet way show you.Good luck

Answer 6

Just go to the vets or groomer one time and get them to show you how to do it in future. They shouldn't need doing every month.

Of course a warm bath won't do it. Just get someone to show you, it requires a finger!

Chalice

Answer 7

Some Hamilton Tiger-Cats memorabilia.

Answer 8

Who said or why would you want to do it once a month? My dogs get it done once a year at their annual checkup if needed. What is this obsession with anal glands? Oh, groomers will do it too.

Answer 9

the only other way that doesnt involve your finger is someone elses. or you brink it to the vet. you can use latex gloves. if it is the smell that is bothering you and it isnt getting infected then there is no need to do it that often and if it is an infection than you should see your vet.

Answer 10

Here is little video that may help.

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

Answer 11

I'm pretty sure the finger trick is the only way.