If you noticed a strange fishy smell coming from your dog and investigated the cause of it, you may find yourself wondering how to express dog anal glands and why you need to do it. You’re not alone in this endeavor, and you always have the option to take your dog to the vet and there are times when that is necessary over you doing it yourself.
What are Anal Glands and Why Do Dogs have Them?
Dogs, unlike humans, use scent as a primary form of communication. When dogs defecate, their anal glands are squeezed and as a result, a liquidy substance smelling fishy is released. This scent lets other dogs know that this is your dog’s territory. They are also the reason you will find your dog sniffing other dogs’ butts so often, as the anal glands serve as a signature scent for your dog that other dogs can use to identify them with and remember who they are.
When do Dog Anal Glands Need to be Expressed?
Sometimes, something may be preventing your dog’s anal glands from being expressed naturally by the muscles contracting from your dog pooping. This can be an issue if your dog is constipated, as they aren’t pooping, or if your dog has diarrhea, as the muscles aren’t contracting enough. Instances like this can lead to the glands becoming too full and cause infections, the glands becoming impacted, or even cause the glands to rupture.
Signs Your Dog is having Issues
You may notice certain behavior from your dog when they’re having issues with their anal glands. The most prominent sign you’ll immediately recognize is your dog scooting across the floor.
Other signs include:
-Excessive licking of the rectum
-Fishy/Foul Smell
-Swollen/Irritated Anus
-Difficulty Pooping
-Biting/Itching the Base of Their Tail
-Bodily Fluids where They have Sat
-Blood in Their Stool
How to Express Dog Anal Glands Externally
This is the safest, easiest, and least intrusive way for you to express their anal glands.
What You Will Need
-Gloves (highly recommended)
-Paper Towels or Gauze
-Optional 2nd Person
The Process
Once you have your dog standing and secured (a second person can help) you can start to express your dog’s anal glands externally. The anal glands are located just below the anus where 5 and 7 are positioned on a clock. Place your thumb and forefinger in at the respective positions and gently feel for the glands. You should be able to feel a small bump under the skin when in the correct place. Once you have successfully located both glands, be ready with a paper towel, as the glands will excrete an oily liquid the consistency of runny toothpaste and will be a muddy color. From there, gently push inward and you should have no trouble expressing the glands. If you notice anything odd, visit with your vet.
How to Express Dog Anal Glands Internally
This is a more intrusive way to express their anal glands, and you should only do this with instructions from your vet, as you may damage tissue.
What You Will Need
-Gloves (highly recommended)
-Paper Towels or Gauze
-Dog-safe Lubricant
-Optional 2nd Person (recommended)
The Process
Once you have your dog standing and secured (a second person can help) you can start to express your dog’s anal glands internally. The anal glands are located just below the anus where 5 and 7 are positioned on a clock. While wearing gloves, apply a dog-safe lubricant to your forefinger. Gently insert the tip of your forefinger into your dog’s anus and feel at the correct positions to locate the anal glands. Once you have found a gland, gently press it between your thumb (outside of the dog) and your forefinger (inside of the dog) to release, or “milk”, your dog’s anal glands one at a time. Be prepared with the paper towel to catch the excretion as it happens.
If you notice anything odd about your dog’s anal gland excretion, place the paper towel or gauze in a sealable bag and make an appointment with your vet. If you are worried about expressing your dog’s anal glands, you should always take them to the vet instead.
The process on how to express dog anal glands is a simple, yet smelly process requiring you to get up close and personal with your dog’s business. When in doubt, always take them to the vet.
