 |
Please Note: The BeanTown Dogs website provides information and listings of dog breeds, clubs and associations, rescue organizations, health and nutrition, breeders,
trainers, groomers, boarding kennels, and other pet services and products. However, we do not recommend, endorse, or support any one of these listings over another. The links
provided on the site are for information purposes only and should not be viewed as a recommendation or endorsement. Accuracy of information is the sole responsibility of the
owner of the listing and we cannot be held responsible for any misrepresentation. We reserve the right to refuse any listing at our sole discretion. The BeanTown Dogs website is
not affiliated or associated with any organization or business - It is a completely independent project. - Archie and Mum
| SEARCH ~ ADVERTISE ~ PRIVACY ~ LEGAL ~ CONTACT US Copyright Perkins & Company 2006-2008 All Rights Reserved. All content, including graphics, on BeanTown Dogs Website is Copyright Perkins & Company, unless otherwise noted, and may not be copied or reproduced without prior written permission. |
| The Importance of the Dog's Anal Gland |
Sniff Around for Dog Events!
Promote Your Events On Beantown Dogs.
Paw here to find out how.
Promote Your Events On Beantown Dogs.
Paw here to find out how.
In the movie The Fisher King there is a rather humorous scene in which
Robin Williams’ character is scooting himself along the ground by
digging his heels in and dragging his bare bottom across the grass. In a
jubilant voice he calls out, “Do you know why dogs do this? It feels
GREAT!!”
Actually, that’s not the only reason. Dogs will exhibit this behavior if the
anus or hind quarters are itchy, but it can be a sign of an impacted anal
gland which can be a problem for some dogs.
The anal glands are located on either side of a dog’s anus and, in the
wild, serve as a method of marking the dog’s territory. When a dog
defecates the glands are naturally compressed and secrete a dark, foul
smelling liquid along with the bowel movement. When the sacs are
functioning normally they empty whenever the animal has a bowel
movement.
Sometimes, for various reasons, the dog’s anal sacs may become
blocked. When this happens a number of problems can develop. Some
are benign as a foul smell but the can lead to serious problems like
diarrhea and infection. To intervene before a blocked anal gland
becomes an issue, the glands must be expressed.
Expression of the anal glands is a simple medical procedure that can be
performed at home or by a veterinarian. Some people prefer to let the vet
take care of this task because they find it to be an unattractive duty. To
save the expense of a vet, however, it is perfectly acceptable to express
the anal glands yourself.
Expressing the Dog’s Anal Glands
Expressing the anal glands is a simple matter. You’ll want to hold the tail
up and pull it gently toward the dog’s head. In the other hand hold a
tissue or paper towel and place your thumb on the left side of the left
gland and your forefinger on the right side of the right gland. Squeeze
firmly but not roughly and the glands should empty a brown or
yellowish liquid onto the tissue or towel. Impacted glands will not empty
as easily and may require an internal draining technique. You can do the
internal technique at home as well, but you’ll need surgical gloves and a
tube of KY jelly.
Internal anal gland expression requires that the sacs on either side of
the anus be expressed individually and will require that you place your
thumb on one side of the gland and your forefinger inside the dog’s
rectum in order to squeeze and express the gland. Impacted glands will
be harder to drain and the fluid may be thick and pasty with a foul odor
and a dark brown, grey, or black color.
Infected anal glands may produce a discharge of bloody pus and can be
an indication of a more serious problem. The infection should be fought
with antibiotics so a vet should be contacted immediately if the dog
seems to have such an infection.
Robin Williams’ character is scooting himself along the ground by
digging his heels in and dragging his bare bottom across the grass. In a
jubilant voice he calls out, “Do you know why dogs do this? It feels
GREAT!!”
Actually, that’s not the only reason. Dogs will exhibit this behavior if the
anus or hind quarters are itchy, but it can be a sign of an impacted anal
gland which can be a problem for some dogs.
The anal glands are located on either side of a dog’s anus and, in the
wild, serve as a method of marking the dog’s territory. When a dog
defecates the glands are naturally compressed and secrete a dark, foul
smelling liquid along with the bowel movement. When the sacs are
functioning normally they empty whenever the animal has a bowel
movement.
Sometimes, for various reasons, the dog’s anal sacs may become
blocked. When this happens a number of problems can develop. Some
are benign as a foul smell but the can lead to serious problems like
diarrhea and infection. To intervene before a blocked anal gland
becomes an issue, the glands must be expressed.
Expression of the anal glands is a simple medical procedure that can be
performed at home or by a veterinarian. Some people prefer to let the vet
take care of this task because they find it to be an unattractive duty. To
save the expense of a vet, however, it is perfectly acceptable to express
the anal glands yourself.
Expressing the Dog’s Anal Glands
Expressing the anal glands is a simple matter. You’ll want to hold the tail
up and pull it gently toward the dog’s head. In the other hand hold a
tissue or paper towel and place your thumb on the left side of the left
gland and your forefinger on the right side of the right gland. Squeeze
firmly but not roughly and the glands should empty a brown or
yellowish liquid onto the tissue or towel. Impacted glands will not empty
as easily and may require an internal draining technique. You can do the
internal technique at home as well, but you’ll need surgical gloves and a
tube of KY jelly.
Internal anal gland expression requires that the sacs on either side of
the anus be expressed individually and will require that you place your
thumb on one side of the gland and your forefinger inside the dog’s
rectum in order to squeeze and express the gland. Impacted glands will
be harder to drain and the fluid may be thick and pasty with a foul odor
and a dark brown, grey, or black color.
Infected anal glands may produce a discharge of bloody pus and can be
an indication of a more serious problem. The infection should be fought
with antibiotics so a vet should be contacted immediately if the dog
seems to have such an infection.
Click to go: Articles > The Importance of the Dog's Anal Gland