Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Preparing to Squeeze Your Dog's Anal Glands
• Part 2 of 2: Cleansing the Anal Glands Topically
• Tips

A dog's anal glands are two grape-shaped glands located just below the anus on either side. The pheromones they release carry important information about each other for dogs, including health status, age, and gender. This explains why dogs sniff each other's butts when they meet and don't let in the scent of any excrement during their morning walk. Sometimes fluid builds up in the anal gland, causing the dog to lick or bite the anus and wiggle its bottom on the floor after or before a bowel movement. This can happen with any breed, although small dogs are especially prone to sinus problems. Cleansing the anal glands is a fairly simple process that helps keep your dog healthy and comfortable. While your veterinarian can do this for you, it is also possible to save money on the trip to the veterinarian and do it yourself. However, remember: before trying this for the first time, check with your veterinarian, as improper or unnecessary squeezing can lead to health problems.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Preparing to Squeeze Your Dog's Anal Glands

1. 1 Look for specific signs of anal gland problems. If there is a problem with the anal glands, dogs may show certain symptoms that you should learn to recognize. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if you have never experienced this problem before: these signs can be symptoms of other internal problems, such as parasites, irritation from diarrhea, or food allergies, so letting your vet check your dog is helpful. This way, you can either rule out these problems or get the treatment you need. Typical signs of anal gland problems include:
   • Fidgeting
   • Excessive anal licking
   • Accidental release of anal glands at the wrong time (other than bowel movements) - you may notice a fishy smell on furniture or from the dog's anus
   • Redness in the anal area
   • Bleeding or discharge of pus around the anus (this is a sign that you should call your vet as soon as possible - don't try to squeeze out the anal glands)
2. 2 Have your vet show you how to squeeze your anal glands for the first time. If you've never done this before, ask your vet to demonstrate. He can do this with one gland, and then you can try to squeeze another in his presence.
3. 3 Get everything you need ready. Typically, three to four wet paper towels and a pair of latex gloves will suffice. If you want to wash your dog, also prepare some kind of dog shampoo or soap that you usually use, and lots of towels.
   • Latex gloves are preferred over household rubber gloves as they are thinner, more sensitive and allow you to more accurately feel the glands.
4. 4 Get yourself an assistant if you can. While you can do the procedure yourself (if your dog is agreeable), it is best to have someone help you to hold the dog during the process.
5. 5 Put on your old clothes. The pheromones secreted by the anal glands smell very bad. It is a good idea to wear old clothes that are easy to remove and wash.
6. 6 Introduce your dog to a small room. The bathroom often serves this purpose well, especially if you are giving your dog a bath. You just need to make sure that the dog cannot break free and run away during the procedure.
   • The dog should be on an easily washable surface.
   • Since the procedure can be very messy, combining squeezing with bathing can usually be a great idea.

Part 2 of 2: Cleansing the Anal Glands Topically

1. 1 Place the dog in front of you in a standing position. It should be facing you backwards. If you have a helper, then he should hold the dog with one hand by the neck, and with the other hold by the side, pressing it closer to him.
2. 2 Lift the dog's tail upward to expose the anus. You should be at the level of the dog's hindquarters in a comfortable position to support.
   • Although the procedure shouldn't take long (about five minutes), it will take a little more time and patience the first time. Make sure you are in a comfortable position.
   • The procedure will not hurt your dog, but if the glands are particularly swollen or tight, your pet may be more protective of his butt than usual. Be careful and pay attention to your pet's body language.
3. 3 Try not to scare your dog. Talk to her, stroke her and try to keep the environment as relaxed as possible. You yourself should also remain relaxed, this will help the whole procedure go smoothly.
4. 4 Find the anal glands. Place two fingers (thumb and forefinger) on either side of the anus. The anal glands are located under the skin, just below the anus, at approximately 4 and 8 o'clock on the watch face. If the glands are full, then when you push inward just below the anus, you will feel a slight bulge the size of a cherry.
   • The emptying of the glands is caused by pressing in the right place. If you do not feel the "cherries", then either you have not found the place where the glands are located, or they do not need to be emptied.
   • Sometimes it happens that only one gland is full. This could be a sign that the glands were functioning normally, but this one is infected or blocked. Call your veterinarian before trying to squeeze out the bag. A course of antibiotics may be needed.
5. 5 Press the glands up and inward towards the anus. Keeping your thumb and forefinger on the glands, gently push up and in towards the anus. You shouldn't squeeze for a long time, but rather with gentle impulses. Don't press too hard: no more than if you were pressing on your closed eye.
6. 6 Watch the dog's bottom as the liquid flows out. If you milk correctly, the liquid should flow out slowly, drop by drop.
   • If nothing comes out, try changing the position of your fingers.
   • The liquid smells strongly of fish and can be anything from a transparent, uniform consistency to a brownish granular substance.
   • If the discharge is bloody, especially pasty, do not continue. See your veterinarian as soon as possible, there may be a blockage or infection.
7. 7 If nothing comes out after a few tries, stop. Perhaps you should try doing it another day. Constant pressure can be painful and lead to bruising, which will only make the problem worse. Or the glands could be blocked and this requires veterinary intervention.
   • Do not force evacuation. Squeezing anal sacs in large dogs can be more difficult as they are located deeper inside. If that's the case, don't persist and hurt her.Seek veterinary care as the pouches may need to be emptied using an internal procedure (placing a gloved finger in the rectum, which is best done by a specialist!).
8. 8 Continue to squeeze out until the glands empty. You will know they are empty if the bags are barely felt and the liquid is no longer squeezed out.
9. 9 Dry the dog's bottom with a paper towel. Do this gently as the dog may experience discomfort associated with swollen glands.
10. 10 Give your dog a treat. Praise, pet, and reward your dog for their assistance.
11. 11 Wash the back of the dog. Dry the dog's bottom with a clean paper towel and bathe it thoroughly.
    • If at this stage the dog does not allow himself to be redeemed, at least be sure to clean and rinse his butt before letting go.
12. 12 Do not squeeze the glands more often than necessary. Frequent cleansing will do more harm than good and lead to irritation and loss of muscle tone in the gland (reducing the ability to function normally).
    • It is not necessary and you should not do this more than a few times a year. If your dog has persistent glandular problems, see your veterinarian.
    • Although dog hairdressers can do regular anal cleansing, this is not recommended unless it causes any problems.

Tips

• After completing the procedure, the dog will most likely become more energetic.
• If you have any questions about the procedure, please check with your veterinarian before trying.
• Increasing your dog's fiber levels (using canned pumpkin or bran) can help the dog unclog his anal glands during bowel movements, reducing the need to do it manually.