Gross dog question?

Question

I apologize in advance for this one!

BUT...has anyone ever tried draining their dog's anal gland? I wondered if it was easy enough for me to do myself. How do you do it? I usually take her to see the vet and have him do it, but he claims I can do it myself. Ick, I'm not looking forward to it!

My dog needs it so often and I don't see the point in spending $12 each time when I could possibly do it myself.

Answer 1

HERE'S A VIDEO SHOWING HOW BY A GROOMER~

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yg1yey2vN3M

Answer 2

I have 2 dogs--an American Eskimo and a Shih tzu and I pop their anal glands once a month to ensure that they dont become impacted. Popping/Draining it once a month prevents them from having foul odor. You dont have to put in a lubed gloved finger inside your pup's anus in order to drain it. What I normally do is I take 2 baby wipes fold them so 3 times (depending on the size of your dog) to ensure that if I drain the anal glands, it wont spurt on me. I always use the External Method as this is easier and less gross plus it is more "comfortable" for your pup.

The anal glands or sacs are located at about the five and seven (or four and eight) o'clock positions if you imagine the area around the rectum to be a clock face. It is usually possible to feel them under the skin at these points when they are full. In some dogs the sacs can be pretty far to the side of the rectum but most are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch to the side.

EXPRESSING THE ANAL GLANDS (OR SACS)

External Method:
A rag or tissue is held up to the anus and both sides of the anal area are squeezed. If the secretion is very pasty, this method may be inadequate to empty the sacs. If the glands are pressed against each other by pinching the rectal area together they will usually express. It is hard to get them as empty as the vet can by doing this rectally but most pets tolerate it better so it can be done more frequently. Don't push so hard that you rupture an anal sac, as this can lead to significant problems.

After draining them, simply wash off the area with a mild dog shampoo, rinse and wipe it dry. Do this at least once a month and minimize the risk of your pup having impacted anal glands. Plus you save a trip to the vet or the groomer.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Ok, I don't know what all this talk about "going in" is, but I was a groomer for 5 years and I've drained hundreds of anal glands, and I've never "gone in" any dog. Well you asked a gross question, so heres your gross answer. You use your pointer finger and your thumb. You place them both about a half inch on either side of the anus, you will feel the glands (like a bean on each side) then gently squeeze, and they will drain. You definately want to do it in the tub, it is a mess and it smells.

Answer 4

In the bath tub, feel your dog's anus. You must be strong stomached, or use gloves. If they are full, you may feel two roundish lumps on either side of the upper anus, usually at the eight o'clock and four o'clock position. Gently squeeze them while having a friend plug your nose (kidding, but it can smell!) Watch carefully, it can spurt out and travel a long way! After several attempts and you can't get it, call a groomer or vet and schedule a quick anal gland emptying. If you do succeed, take the shower hose, and rinse it down the drain and you're done!

Answer 5

It's not terribly difficult. Next time you are at the vet, have them show you how to do it. That way you know what to do and don't cause damage. WEAR GLOVES! Believe me this stuff stinks to the high heavens. You can order latex gloves from a medical supply company online, and one box will last you a long time. Make sure to lubricate your finger before inserting it too. It can be painful if you go in dry. Also, make sure to keep your mouth closed during the entire procedure, just in case. It's bad if you accidentally spray your face, it's worse if you ingest the stuff. (Mostly gross factor, but you don't want anything that has contacted the dog's anus in your mouth). Good luck. My golden had impacted anal sacs fairly often, so I know how it goes.

Answer 6

yes you can do it yourself, but most people prefer to not do it. what i am really shocked by is how no one has yet said how dangerous it can be to drain anal glands. if you dont know how to do it and you push too hard you can cause damage to them. i would not take anyones advice on here, i would personally ask your vet how to do it and have him show you. i also have no clue what some people have been saying about inserting their fingers, but i hope you steer clear of that information, as it is wrong. one thing to keep in mind is if the anals dont come out in one good pinch, then they dont need to be done. you shouldnt try it more than once.

Answer 7

Call the vet and ask if they can show you how to do it. I have to pay $15 about once a month to have my dog's done. I asked once about how to do it and the vet tech told me how to do it and even brought out a diagram of the area to show me where the glands would be. So you may have to make one more trip to the vet but it will be worth it.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

If your vet won't do it, then bring your dog to the groomers! Most groomers will drain anal glands for a small fee.

Answer 9

It is very easy to do. You vet should be willing to show you. There are two ways to do it, internal and external. External is enough for most dogs.

I find it best to do in the tub before I bathe the dog, so I can wash off all the smelly stuff right away.

DO NOT look at what you are doing, you might get the stuff in your face or hair. (Don't ask me how I know this.....)

Answer 10

It is not hard at all but have the vet show you what to do. I do it once a month when I give them a bath.
I have worked in a vets office and I'm a groomer so I do it a lot.

Answer 11

OK so your Vet says you can do it - ask him to teach you how to do it properly - that means gently, thoroughly and cleanly.

You should invest in a box of surgical gloves, and loads of gauze pads. but your vet is right - it's easy to do and why spend the $$ when you don't have to.

Thing is, YOU have to get over the squeemies. That's the hard part.

But have him show you how to do this properly so you don't hurt Fifi's poor little behind.