DO IT YOURSELF DOG GROOMING – EXPRESSING ANAL GLANDS
Well, the step by step instructions are outlined below for you to follow:
Proceed as if you were giving your dog a bath and ensure that the area around the bath is covered in towels. When you are expressing the anal glands, the contents may squirt out unexpectedly so it is better to prepare well and avoid any excess mess.
When you get your dog in the tub, you need to first find the glands, but this can be a difficult task because they are often impossible to see. They can be found to either side of the anus, specifically at 5 o clock and 7 o clock on your dog’s backside.
You should gently rub the area of skin under which the glands are present to get an idea of their size and shape. They are effectively the size and shape of a kidney bean, maybe a little larger if they are full or infected. Place your thumb and forefinger beneath the skin under the actual openings.
Gently but firmly use your grip to squeeze in an upward motion, pressing in a little at the same time. You have to make sure that you get the gland below your fingertips in order to move the contents, forcing it all to the surface so it can move out of the opening. Using a grip that has just the right amount of pressure will help you to achieve this without causing any discomfort or distress to your dog at all. Never stand directly behind your dog when doing this or else you will be in the line of fire. You may actually want to place a damp cloth over the anus to prevent spray completely.
The greenish brown fluid should take a few squeezes to express in full. You should repeat step 4 over and over until no more fluid is emerging at all.
When all fluid has been removed, wash your dog’s anal area thoroughly with warm water and dog shampoo to ensure that all remaining fluids have been removed and the area is once again completely hygienic. Leaving the oily fluids in the area can attract bacteria and cause an infection. Similarly, the secretions also tend to get everywhere including furniture, bedding and clothing so make sure that every single trace of it is removed.
Following the steps above is easy enough but you may be a little reluctant to perform it on your dog. This is understandable because most owners are reluctant the first time.
However, here is a little tip for you to get you started. It is easier to express the anal glands when your dog is relaxed or at least expecting some form of grooming if that is not possible.
As such, the bath is not only the perfect place to do it as a result of the mess but also as a result of the expectation of grooming.
When you have expressed the anal glands a few times, your dog will not only expect it but will also see it as a routine part of the bath, thus making it easier for you!
