anal glands?

Question

im doing reasearch on my doggie, i dont understand anal glands, do they have 2 b cleaned? my dog goes 2 the groomer but i would like 2 no about this.........Thankyou

Answer 1

The anal glands are two small sacs with a glandular lining that sit at about 10pm and 2pm just inside the anus. They have 1 duct from each that runs to the anus. When a stool is passed it is meant to put pressure on these sacs that will then express a small amount of the foul smelling secretion onto the stool. This then acts as a territorial marker.
Smaller dogs like chihuahuas and yorkies tend to have more problems that larger dogs because they are more compact around the rear end and the duct ends up being too small for anything to pass down. Dogs dont need them to live so they can be removed in dogs where they are problematic. Big dogs shouldnt really need them emptied. We only tend to need to empty small dogs glands. Signs of impacted glands include scooting on their bottom and gnawing at there rear end. They can become abscessated if they are left impacted.

Answer 2

Anal glands varies on each animal, whether they need to be cleaned out . Sometimes they get inflamed and have to be cleaned. Some critters go their whole life without anyone touching them. I have a cat that needed them cleaned out because they were compacted, unkown reason why, but they extracted them and she has been fine ever since. The indication there was her dragging her bottom on the floor. I would doubt the groomer cleans them, this procedure has to be done by a Vet or Vet-Tech.
Good luck!
Anal Glands: Anal sacs (also called "anal glands") are two small glands just inside your pet's anus. The material secreted into these glands is thick and foul smelling. Most animals can empty these glands voluntarily for scent marking or in self defense (like a skunk might do).

Domestic animals have largely lost their ability to empty these sacs voluntarily. Walking around and normal defecation serves to empty the glands but some animals become unable to empty their glands on their own at all. The sacs become impacted and uncomfortable. Dogs with impacted anal sacs usually scoot their rear on the ground in an attempt to empty the glands. Some dogs will lick their anal area and other dogs will chase their tails. Cats often lick the fur off just under their tails.

Answer 3

Dogs have anal glands because they used to eat birds, squirrels and such. They produce a fluid to help the bones, hair and other items that don't digest pass. Now dogs eat dog food and don't use this fluid so these glands have to be drained or there is discomfort for the doggy. Ask your groomer if they can do this for you as many will. If not, it's something the vet can do at checkups. It only takes about 3.5 seconds.

Answer 4

If your dog's anal glands fail to properly express, they may actually become impacted, making your dog very uncomfortable. Watch for these signs:

Your dog begins scooting or dragging his rear across the floor.
Your dog keeps licking or chewing near his rectum.
Your dog's stools have become soft and mushy.
If you are noticing one or more of these signs, it may be a good idea to take your dog in for a check up with his vet. The dog anal glands may actually need to be manually expressed, a job best left to the professionals. Some professional dog groomers will also perform this procedure for you at your request.
Many breeders and owners feel capable of expressing their dog's anal glands themselves. However, one should be prepared for the anal gland secretions to appear and smell quite disgusting. If you feel this is a task you are willing to perform, here are some basic directions. Please be advised, that you should only perform this procedure on your own dogs and never someone else's.

Prepare a warm moist washcloth.
Locate your dog's anal glands by raising his tail and using your other hand to feel for two lumps at approximately five and seven o'clock on either side of his anal opening.
Holding the cloth over his anal opening to prevent an unpleasant squirt, begin applying firm but gentle pressure to the sacs. This should cause some of the fluid to be expelled through the rectal opening, thereby emptying the glands. Wipe your dog's behind clean, and the job should be finished.
If you notice blood or pus in your dog's anal gland secretions, it is likely a sign of infection, and you should contact your vet for an appointment and treatment.
http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Dog_Anal_Glands

Answer 5

Hi,

Most times the anal glands clean themselves when the dog goes to the bathroom. If you take your dog to the groomer, they usually clean them. I have a page on my website all about anal glads. Check it out, it might help.

http://www.standardpoodlesusa.com/anal-sacs.html

Answer 6

Depends on the dog, the diet of the dog, etc. Usually the groomers will do it for you if the glands do need to be expressed.

Answer 7

yes a dogs anal glands usualy empty themselves but sometimes they need help, so you have to take them to the vets to be emptied, it does smell foul but it is better for the dog to have them done, you can do them yourself but its not very nice. hope this helps good luck

Answer 8

some do and some don't the groomer should be able to check them when the dog is done.