How To Express Dogs Anal Glands
Examining your dogs anal glands while grooming and regular dog baths is
imperative to make sure the glands are in ideal health. It is most likely one of the least pleasant undertakings for canine owners, although for years many people that had dogs did not know that canine anal sacs existed.
How a Dogs Anal Gland is Drained
Canines will empty these glands while defecating. As the stool moves out of the anus, the pressure will normally clear the anal glands; however, because of the domestication of dogs, some of our canine friends have trouble emptying their sacs. Clogged anal glands are most common in small breeds and are indicated by your dog scooting on the ground or licking and biting at his rear and you will probably notice a dog odor.
Why Expressing Dogs Anal Glands is Important
When emptying of the glands does not happen, they can become clogged and it is very unpleasant and painful for your dog. They must be expressed or infection and abscess can follow if the impact isn’t eased. The
normal size of the glands is that of a kidney bean but when they are impacted the glands will increase in size and feel hard. Normally, the impacted glands will be extremely sensitive and your pet may react as if in pain when you touch near that region.
Where to Find a Dogs Anal Glands
Anal sacs can be found on each side of the lower half and just within your pet’s anus. They are lined with cells that routinely secrete a very strong smelling discharge. If you look closely, you will most likely see the tiny ducts through which a unpleasant smelling liquid seeps. In the wild the secretions are used to mark territory, but in the domestic dog they have little use apart from the attention they receive from other dogs, who (for reasons humans find impossible to understand) find it appealing. There is no noticeable smell to humans when your furry friend is washed regularly and your dogs anal glands are in good shape. Other dogs on the other hand have no trouble the scent.
Expelling the Sacs
To avoid the price of having the sacs expelled, you can do this yourself; however, some dog owners feel it is well worth having a veterinarian perform this procedure, at least the first time . To express the glands, wear a throw away latex glove. Holding a tissue, place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the anus and press gingerly. Anal sack material should release from the ducts without much pressure and you will likely feel the glands become smaller as you carefully squeeze. If you are hesitant about doing this or observe anything curious, consult your veterinarian. It is best to have someone hold your pet still, while you do this.
A Change of Diet
Your veterinarian may recommend a diet high in fiber if you find your pet
is having consistent trouble with impacted anal sacs. The extra fiber will help to express the anal sacs when your dog eliminates.
If Infection Occurs
If anal sacs become infected they will become larger and may burst through the skin by the anus. This will produce a painful draining abscess and will need proper veterinarian treatment and most likely manual expressing of the glands until the abscess has gone.
Re-occurring Impacted Glands
If the impacted anal glands become a chronic issue for your pet, they can be surgically removed. This can often result in a more pleasing relationship for you and your dog.
This is considered routine surgery but there are potential problems because of the numerous nerves in that area and fecal incontinence may arise if too much damage occurs. Additionally, if your dogs anal glands tissue was not entirely removed, they have the potential to continue secreting fluid. When this builds up, the effect could be an abscess and perhaps a continual draining tract from the sac to the skin. If this occurs the veterinarian will need to go back and remove the sac tissue to have a successful result.
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