Question:
my dog has just started to drag his behind on the carpet. I have read some of your other questions and answers regarding this, and i dont want to sound completely ignorant but what is "expressing the anal glands" Why do dogs do this and is it normal? It does not sound like something that i would enjoy doing for him, and why after years of having him is he just displaying this behavior now? All responses and oppinions would be appreciated.

Answer:
My older dog developed a smell which was not too pleasant. After a visit to the vet I was told it was his anal glands. They are located at about 10 and 2 o'clock inside the anus. Usually when a dog goes to the bathroom (poops) the glands release this "smell". It works the same as you leaving your business card around the neighbourhood. (Hope you don't think of anal glands everytime you see someone's business card now!!). The muscle in the anus can weaken with age which can allow leakage. Also, a blocked gland is uncomfortable for the dog therefore, the butt dragging or as we called it the "boot scooting boogy". Puppy is trying to solve his problem the only way he knows how. When someone talks about expressing the glands it simply means gently massaging the glands in order to release the liquid. I would not do this myself and relied on my vet to perform this delicate manouveur. If you don't know what you are doing it can be painful for the dog and god forbid cause damage.
Hope this helps...

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I appreciate the information, and I will take him for a visit to the vet to get this procedure done. do you know how often this has to be done, or is it strictly on a symptom basis? Thanks again.

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I had a cocker spaniel 7 years ago who needed hers drained frequently. The vet had showed me how to do it and i was very interested in doing it myself ( save vet visit costs) but once they "drained" I almost VOMITED... I left it to the pros from then on!

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My 2 yr old dog back in april started to get very interested in her bum. Like 2 weeks of licking it.. With more and more frequency to the point where you had to physically remove her head and make her stop.
It was blocked glands, they were expressed and they contained sludge.. Like face mask consistency.
Someone like a groomer can express them externally by squeezing. My vet did it internally so she could see what the fluid looked like to try to find a cause to them not expressing.

Neither is something I'd want to do.. And I've been paro ever since anytime she touches her bum that she's got a problem, but all these months later, nothing.

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Joey seems to need his done about every 3-4 months - Its a real quick procedure at the vets office.

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Some dogs need them emptied regularly, while others don't. They can also itch and fill up because of allergies.

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Expressing anal glands is very easy.....first u should go to the vet and make sure that you take a stool sample just to make sure the dog doesnt have ANY parasites. Than if that is negative the vet tech or vet can and should show you how to express them They are AT 7 and 4 o'clock not at 10 and 2. REMEMBER THAT. your vet will show you. i have to express my dogs anal glands weekly during the summer because of allergies. You will need lubricting WATER SOLUABLE JELLY (ky or generic brand) LATEX FREE gloves (just in case your dog might have a latex allegy) and some tolit paper and i also use what i call foo oo spray for aftrewards. Its very very simple, I PROMISE YOU. but if you or else someone else quailfied doesnt do it they can become infected. My dog cannot get rid of it himself, thats why they drag there butt. To try and get them to express. Anyways everytime i have done this to my dog (i have 8 and he is the only 1 i have to do this too) it has never stunk. Some dogs they do. Its like a fart. Sometimes they stink and sometimes they dont. Make sure your very tells you how to look at it. Color is very important. Your vet will (well should) express one for you and than have you do the other one. It really is easy.
Sincerly,
Trudi C

Answer:
Kimbo, our dog (yellow lab) started experiencing the butt dragging when she was about 3 years old. The vet confirmed her anal glands were full. He cleaned them out as all vets can and will do, but something good to keep in mind is that trained, reputable groomers will do this for you, as well. Since the procedure is messy and smelly, it's helpful to have it done when a nice warm bath will follow. We groom our dog at home a couple days a week, but every 6-8 weeks, we take her in for a grooming and they clean her out. Good luck.

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groomers do express anal glands from the outside...NOT THE INSIDE....however that is really not the best way to do this...the proper way is how the vet does which is inside...expressing them from the outside can irritate the glands, and can cause them to get worse...its always best to do it the right way the first time, that you way its done right and not hap hazzard...i give this advice which comes directly from my veternarian who informed me that when our dog gets groomed every month not to let them do that to him...
sincerly,
Trudi and Cheyenne

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