Having a pet dog can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also require a lot of maintenance and care. One of the more unusual tasks that a pet owner must be aware of is the need to squeeze their dog’s glands. Knowing when your dog needs their glands squeezed can be tricky, so it’s important to understand the signs of when it’s necessary. Knowing how to identify when your dog needs their glands squeezed can help you provide better care for your pet and keep them healthy and happy.
What are Anal Glands?
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Anal glands are small sacs located on either side of a dog’s anus. They contain a strong-smelling, oily liquid which helps to identify a dog’s scent. When a dog is relaxed, the glands empty when they go to the toilet but sometimes they can become blocked or impacted, meaning they don’t empty. This can be uncomfortable and lead to infection.
Signs That Your Dog Needs His Glands Squeezed
If your dog needs his glands squeezed, there are usually some tell-tale signs. If you notice any of the following, it’s likely that your pup needs to visit the vet for a check-up:
Uncomfortable Posture
If you notice your pup is constantly shifting his weight or sitting in an uncomfortable position, this could be a sign that his anal glands need to be emptied. Dogs with impacted anal glands often find it difficult to sit comfortably, which can be a sign that something is wrong.
Scooting
Scooting is a common sign that your pup’s anal glands need to be emptied. If you notice your pup dragging his bottom along the floor, this is a sign that he needs his glands checked. Scooting is usually a sign of irritation or discomfort and can indicate that your pup needs some help.
Licking or Biting the Anal Area
If your pup is constantly licking or biting at the area around his anus, it could be a sign that his anal glands need to be emptied. Dogs often lick and bite their bottoms in an attempt to relieve the discomfort caused by impacted anal glands.
Foul Smell
If you notice a foul smell coming from your pup’s anal area, it’s likely that his anal glands need to be emptied. The smell is caused by the build-up of fluid in the glands, which can lead to infection if left untreated.
Swelling, Redness or Discharge
If you notice any swelling, redness or discharge around your pup’s anus, it’s likely that his anal glands need to be emptied. Infection can occur if the glands become blocked, so it’s important to get them checked out as soon as possible.
How to Squeeze Your Dog’s Glands
Squeezing your dog’s glands is a simple procedure, but it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Your vet will be able to empty the glands safely and effectively, ensuring that your pup is comfortable and free from any infection.
What to Do After Squeezing Your Dog’s Glands
Once your pup’s glands have been squeezed, it’s important to keep an eye on him for any signs of infection. If you notice any redness, swelling or discharge, take him back to the vet for a check-up.
It’s also important to feed your pup a high-fibre diet to help keep his anal glands in good condition. This will help to prevent blockages from occurring in the future.
Finally, make sure to keep an eye out for any signs that your pup’s glands need to be emptied. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, take him to the vet for a check-up.
## Common Myths about Dog Gland Expression
1. Myth: Squeezing your dog’s glands is necessary for their health.
Fact: Squeezing your dog’s glands is not necessary for their health and can sometimes cause more harm than good. It is not generally recommended to manually express your dog’s glands unless advised to do so by a veterinarian.
2. Myth: All dogs need their glands expressed regularly.
Fact: Regularly expressing your dog’s glands is generally not necessary. Some breeds of dogs may have a genetic predisposition to anal gland issues, in which case a veterinarian may recommend expressing the glands more often.
3. Myth: Squeezing your dog’s glands is a simple and painless procedure.
Fact: Squeezing your dog’s glands can be difficult and uncomfortable for your dog, even if done correctly. If done incorrectly, it can cause significant pain and damage. If you are considering manually expressing your dog’s glands, consult with your veterinarian first.
4. Myth: You can tell if your dog needs his glands squeezed by the smell.
Fact: While a strong odour may be indicative of anal gland problems, it is not a reliable way to tell if your dog needs his glands expressed. If you are concerned that your dog may have anal gland problems, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need his glands squeezed?
Answer: Your vet will be able to determine whether your dog needs their anal glands squeezed. If your dog is scooting, licking their rear excessively, or having a foul smell coming from their rear, those are all signs that they may need their glands squeezed.
How often should my dog’s glands be squeezed?
Answer: The frequency of expressing your dog’s anal glands will depend on the individual pet, but typically it is recommended to have them expressed every 6-8 weeks.
Conclusion
Anal glands are small sacs located around a dog’s anus that contain a strong-smelling, oily liquid. They usually empty when a dog goes to the toilet but can become blocked or impacted, leading to discomfort and infection. Signs that your dog needs his anal glands squeezed include uncomfortable posture, scooting, licking or biting the anal area, foul smell and swelling, redness or discharge. It’s best to leave squeezing glands to the professionals, and afterward feed a high-fibre diet to help prevent blockages. Keep an eye out for signs that your pup needs his glands squeezed.
