Dogs have a pair of anal glands located on either side of their anus. These glands produce a foul-smelling, oily substance that helps them mark their territory and communicate with other dogs. However, sometimes these glands become impacted, causing discomfort and even pain for your furry friend. This article will guide you through the process of getting your dog’s anal glands expressed, including who can perform the procedure and where you can go for help.
In short, you can get your dog’s anal glands expressed by a veterinarian, a veterinary technician, or a professional groomer. It’s important to consult with your vet or groomer first to ensure they have the experience and knowledge to perform this procedure safely and effectively.
What are Anal Glands and Why Do They Need Expression?
Anal glands are small, pea-sized sacs located just inside your dog’s anus. They produce a strong-smelling liquid that serves several purposes, including:
- Scent marking: The liquid is deposited on surfaces, leaving a distinct scent that other dogs can recognize.
- Communication: The scent can convey information about the dog’s health, age, and social status.
- Defense: When a dog feels threatened, they can release the liquid as a defense mechanism, creating a foul odor that may deter attackers.
However, sometimes these glands become impacted, meaning the liquid inside can’t be released properly. This can cause several problems, including:
- Scooting: Your dog might drag their bottom along the ground, trying to relieve the pressure in their anal glands.
- Pain and discomfort: The impacted glands can cause pain and discomfort when sitting, defecating, or even walking.
- Infection: Impacted glands can become infected, leading to abscesses and other complications.
- Unpleasant odor: The impacted glands can release an unpleasant odor, which can be noticeable to both you and your dog.
When Should You Get Your Dog’s Anal Glands Expressed?
While some dogs never need their anal glands expressed, others may require it regularly. Here are some signs that your dog may need their anal glands expressed:
- Scooting: As mentioned before, this is a clear sign of impacted anal glands.
- Excessive licking or biting around the anus: Your dog may be trying to relieve the discomfort by licking or biting the area.
- Blood or pus in the feces: This could indicate an infection or abscess.
- Strong, unpleasant odor: This is a common symptom of impacted anal glands.
- Difficulty defecating: Impacted glands can sometimes cause difficulty defecating.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Where Can You Get Your Dog’s Anal Glands Expressed?
There are several places you can go to get your dog’s anal glands expressed:
Veterinarian
This is the best option if you’re unsure about the procedure or have concerns about your dog’s health. Veterinarians are trained professionals who can safely and effectively express your dog’s anal glands. They can also diagnose and treat any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the problem.
Veterinary Technician
Some veterinary clinics have trained veterinary technicians who can also perform anal gland expression. This can be a more affordable option than seeing a veterinarian, but it’s important to make sure the technician is properly qualified and experienced.
Professional Groomer
Some professional groomers are also trained to express anal glands. However, it’s crucial to choose a groomer who has experience and expertise in this procedure. Ensure they have proper hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent infections. Always ask about their experience and qualifications before allowing them to express your dog’s anal glands.
Tips for Choosing a Professional
When choosing a professional to express your dog’s anal glands, keep the following tips in mind:
- Look for experience and qualifications: Inquire about the professional’s experience and qualifications in performing anal gland expression. Ask about their training and any certifications they may have.
- Ask about their methods: Find out what methods they use to express the glands, including the tools and techniques they employ.
- Check for sanitation and hygiene practices: Ensure the professional follows proper hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent infections. Ask about their cleaning procedures and the tools they use.
- Read reviews and testimonials: Check online reviews and testimonials from other pet owners to get a sense of the professional’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
- Trust your gut: If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to seek a different professional.
How the Procedure Works
Anal gland expression is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure, usually completed in less than five minutes.
Here’s a general overview:
- Preparation: Your dog will be restrained gently, and the area around their anus will be cleaned.
- Expression: The professional will use their fingers or specialized tools to apply gentle pressure to the anal glands, forcing the liquid out.
- Cleaning: The area will be cleaned again after the procedure.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most dogs tolerate anal gland expression well, but some may experience mild discomfort or irritation. You should monitor your dog for the following signs after the procedure:
- Scooting: If your dog continues to scoot after the procedure, it may indicate that the glands weren’t completely emptied or that they’re still impacted.
- Blood or pus: If you notice blood or pus in the feces or around the anus, it may indicate an infection or abscess.
- Increased licking or biting: Your dog may lick or bite the area around the anus if it’s still uncomfortable.
If you notice any of these signs after the procedure, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Home Care and Prevention
While anal gland expression is often necessary, there are some things you can do at home to help prevent impacted glands:
- Maintain a healthy diet: A high-fiber diet can help to regulate bowel movements and reduce the risk of impacted glands.
- Regular exercise: Regular exercise can also help to stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- Proper grooming: Regularly brushing your dog’s coat and bathing them can help to prevent matting and buildup around the anus.
- Monitor for signs of impaction: Be aware of the signs of impacted anal glands and contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the symptoms.
Conclusion
Anal gland expression is a routine procedure that can provide relief for dogs suffering from impacted glands. While you can have the procedure done by a veterinarian, a veterinary technician, or a professional groomer, it’s crucial to choose someone experienced and qualified to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort. With proper care and attention, you can help keep your dog’s anal glands healthy and prevent any future problems.
FAQ
1. What are anal glands?
Anal glands are small, sac-like structures located on either side of the anus in dogs. They produce a strong-smelling, oily secretion that helps mark territory and identify individual dogs.
Normally, the glands are emptied during defecation. However, sometimes the glands can become impacted or infected, leading to discomfort and potential health problems.
2. Why do dogs need their anal glands expressed?
Dogs need their anal glands expressed when they are impacted or infected. This can happen for several reasons, including dietary changes, lack of exercise, and certain medical conditions.
Impacted anal glands can cause discomfort, pain, and even infection. Signs that your dog might need their anal glands expressed include scooting, licking their rear end, and a strong, foul odor.
3. When should I take my dog to the vet for anal gland expression?
If you notice any of the signs of impacted anal glands, it’s important to take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
The veterinarian can examine your dog and determine the best course of action, which may include manually expressing the glands, prescribing medication, or performing surgery.
4. How often should my dog’s anal glands be expressed?
The frequency of anal gland expression varies depending on the individual dog. Some dogs may need their glands expressed monthly, while others may only need it every few months.
Your veterinarian can help you determine how often your dog needs anal gland expression based on their breed, age, and medical history.
5. What are the risks of expressing my dog’s anal glands myself?
Expressing your dog’s anal glands yourself can be dangerous if not done correctly.
If you are unsure about the process, it is best to have your veterinarian or a qualified groomer express them.
6. Can I use home remedies to express my dog’s anal glands?
There are many home remedies that claim to express anal glands, but they are not recommended.
Using these methods can cause damage to the glands and may make the condition worse. It is always best to consult a professional for help with anal gland expression.
7. What are some tips to prevent impacted anal glands?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent impacted anal glands in your dog:
- Feed your dog a high-quality diet.
- Make sure your dog gets enough exercise.
- Keep your dog’s weight under control.
Following these tips can help your dog maintain healthy anal glands and reduce the risk of complications.