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Step 1
Express the anal glands regularly during bath time. The anal glands or sacs are located just inside the anal sphincter muscle at the five and seven o'clock positions, just inside the anal opening. These glands are about the size of a kidney bean normally. As they impact, or become full, they enlarge to the size of grapes.
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Step 2
Wear latex gloves. Wet the glove or work in the water and insert the index finger gently just inside the dog's anal opening. This is uncomfortable for the dog, so do this slowly and gently.
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Step 3
Use the thumb of the same hand and place it on the outside of the anal opening at approximately 7 o'clock. You should feel the anal gland between your fingers.
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Step 4
Gently pinch the anal gland between your fingers and the accumulated secretion should squirt out. You should be able to feel the anal sack shrink in size as you're gently squeezing.
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Step 5
Move your fingers to the 5 o'clock position and gently squeeze in the same way.
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Step 6
Repeat the procedure regularly during bath time to keep your dog's anal glands in optimal health.
Comments
stephljones said
on 20/09/2009 Who wrote this article? It is horribly written, bad information, poorly presented and inaccurate. Doing this procedure should never be attempted by the uninformed dog owner at home.... please take your dog to a professional groomer or to the vet if you do not know what you are doing!
azkenreid said
on 07/09/2009 likestoknow, thank you for your validation. I have paid far too much attention to my dog's stool and secretions over the last several months. From my observations, your feedback is spot on. I can't resist giving my boy some "steaky steak" every now and then when I'm enjoying a juicy rib-eye, but 99% of his diet is high quality kibble softened and made flavorful with a bit of hot water. Simple diet. Good stool formation. No glandular problems. I can't believe that I just commented on stool formation!
PS It's criminal that it took so long to sign in and then re-find the article upon which I was commenting (for you participle people)
likestoknow said
on 01/08/2009 I agree with AZKENREID, terrible article, not researched! The anal glands are not archaic, useless organs, they are a dog's calling card. Ever notice that when two dogs see each other their tails stand up at attention? This puts pressure on the anal glands and causes a small amount to be released in the anus. Then the dogs go into the butt smelling routine that nobody seems to understand. they are recognizing each other, much like us handing out a business card!
Soft stools can cause gland problems. When a stool is passed it puts pressure on the glands and causes a release so secretions don't build up. Needs2knowitall should pay attention to this. If she is feeding her dog table,human food or canned food the dog is going to have soft stools. A dog should be fed ONLY a dry dog food high in fiber causing a hard stool which in turn will put pressure on the glands and cause secretion...
needs2knowitall said
on 09/05/2009 i have a begal...and he has this smell tht i cant get rid of...im thinkin its is glands but not sure...the smell is taking over my apt:(....i have tried givin him a bath shampoo my carpet lit candles but it wont go away...and yuh i tried the anal glands...i love my dog had for 6 years now ...but he NEVER smelled like this...it is a smell thats a tad bit worst than pee pee...could this be any thing else ....please help..i dont wanna be the lady with the stink apt:(
azkenreid said
on 26/04/2009 Terrible article. First, anal glands do have a purpose. Scent marking is very important and valid dog behavior. Second, it is not necessary to insert ones finger into the anus in order to express the anal glands. This procedure is done perfectly well from the outside.