How often should my dog's anal sacsanal sacsThe anal glands or anal sacs are small glands near the anus in many mammals, including dogs and cats. They are paired sacs on either side of the anus between the external and internal sphincter muscles. Sebaceous glands within the lining secrete a liquid that is used for identification of members within a species. be expressed? This can vary between dogs. Some dogs never require manual expression of their anal sacs, while other dogs require expression every 3-4 weeks.
Once your dog starts to have issues with anal glandanal glandThe anal glands or anal sacs are small glands near the anus in many mammals, including dogs and cats. They are paired sacs on either side of the anus between the external and internal sphincter muscles. Sebaceous glands within the lining secrete a liquid that is used for identification of members within a species. infections, impaction, or abscessation, it is usually best to have their glands expressed every 3-4 weeks to prevent the issue from happening again. Your dog's anal glands can be expressed by your veterinarian, a veterinary technician, or even some dog groomers.
Some dogs need their anal glands manually expressed on a regular basis, like once or twice a year, or even as often as every month in specific situations.
Once your dog starts to have issues with anal gland infections, impaction, or abscessation, it is usually best to have their glands expressed every 3-4 weeks to prevent the issue from happening again. Your dog's anal glands can be expressed by your veterinarian, a veterinary technician, or even some dog groomers.
How To Express Anal Glands Naturally
Manually expressing a dog's anal glandsanal glandsThe anal glands or anal sacs are small glands near the anus in many mammals, including dogs and cats. They are paired sacs on either side of the anus between the external and internal sphincter muscles. Sebaceous glands within the lining secrete a liquid that is used for identification of members within a species. typically involves inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to locate the gland and gently squeeze it to empty its contents. If impacted anal glands become a recurrent problem, manual expression might need to be done on a regular basis.
It is much easier to express your dog's anal glands if you have someone to help you gently restrain your dog as the expression is often uncomfortable (though not painful unless there is an infection or obstruction) and your dog may feel some pressure while you are pushing on the glands.
Normally, your dog's anal glands are naturally expressed in small amounts each time she defecates. Sometimes, however, the anal sacs are not emptied completely of fluid, and the fluid becomes dry and causes impaction. Impacted anal sacs cannot express properly, which is very painful for your dog.
Expressing dog anal glands A normal bowel movement is usually all your dog needs to sufficiently express and empty their anal sacs. Additionally, most groomers perform anal gland expression as part of their traditional grooming routines, but it's always a good idea to ask if it's included.
Your vet can manually express the glands – a smelly process Your vet or a groomer can teach you how to do it, if you're up to the challenge. But most owners prefer to pay to have it done.
Add fiber to your pup's diet. Fiber aids in stool formulation and regularity—which helps anal glandsanal glandsThe anal glands or anal sacs are small glands near the anus in many mammals, including dogs and cats. They are paired sacs on either side of the anus between the external and internal sphincter muscles. Sebaceous glands within the lining secrete a liquid that is used for identification of members within a species. empty naturally. Fiber can be added to the diet via high fiber dog foods or dietary supplements. Increase water intake with canned food or a pet water fountain, to aid with bowel regularity.
Signs that your dog needs an expression, has impacted glands, or anal gland infection include:
Groomers express anal glands differently from veterinarians. Groomers typically perform external anal gland expression, meaning that they put pressure on the outside of the glands to push the fluid out. This method may partially empty the glands, but some fluid can remain.