How to Express Dogs' Anal Glands

Checking your dogs anal glands during the regular grooming routine is important to making sure they are in optimal health. It is probably one of the least pleasant tasks for dog owners, although for years many people that had pets did not know that canine anal sacs existed.

How Dogs Anal Gland is Emptied

Dogs will empty these sacs while defecating. As the stool passes out of the anus, the pressure will generally empty the anal glands; however, because of the domestication of dogs, some of our canine friends have trouble clearing their glands. Impacted anal glands are most common in small dogs and is indicated by your dog scooting on the ground or licking and biting at his rear and you will probably notice an odor.

Why Expressing Dogs Anal Glands is Important

When emptying of the glands does not occur, they can become impacted and it is very uncomfortable and painful for your dog. They must be expressed or infection and abscess can follow if the impact isn't relieved. The normal size of the sacs is that of a kidney bean but when they are full the glands will enlarge and feel hard. Typically, the impacted glands will be very sensitive and your dog may react as if in pain when you touch near that area.

Where to Finds the Dogs Anal Glands

Anal sacs can be found on either side of the lower half and just inside your pet's anus. They are lined with cells that regularly secrete a very pungent discharge. If you look closely, you can probably see the tiny ducts through which a foul 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 comprehend) find it attractive. There is no noticeable smell to humans when your furry friend is washed routinely and your dogs anal glands are in good shape. Other canines on the other hand have no problem detecting the odor.

Expelling the Sacs

To avoid the expense of having the sacs expelled, you can do this yourself; however, some dog owners feel it is well worth having a veterinarian perform this service, at least on the first occasion.

To express the glands, wear a disposable latex glove. Holding a tissue, place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the anus and squeeze gingerly. Anal sack material should exude from the ducts without much pressure and you will likely feel the glands become smaller as you gently squeeze. If you are unsure about doing this or notice anything unusual, consult your veterinarian. It is best to have someone hold your pet still while you do this.

A Change of Diet

Your veterinarian may suggest a diet high in fiber if you find your dog is having a consistent problem with blocked anal glands. The added fiber will help to express the anal sacs when your pet eliminates.

If Infection Occurs

If the anal glands become infected the sacs will enlarge and bursts through the skin by the anus. This will produce a painful draining abscess and will require proper veterinarian treatment and most likely manually expressing of the glands until the abscess has gone.

Re-occurring Impacted Glands

If the impacted anal sacs become a chronic problem for your dog, they can be surgically removed. This can often result in a more enjoyable relationship for you and your best friend.

This is considered routine surgery but there are potential problems because of the many nerves in that area and fecal incontinence may develop 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 accumulates, the result could be an abscess and possibly a persistent 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 outcome.

By Donna Boras
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