Expression Matters In The End
Just talking about a dog’s anal glands is too much to handle for many pet owners. But knowing what they are and how a professional groomer can help manage them is important.
Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash
Anal glands are two small oval-shaped sacs (like grapes) on either side of a dog’s anus. The purpose of the glands is to produce a fluid with a strong odor to mark territory. The odor is sometimes fishy and very strong. Most dogs have no problem expressing their own glands when having a bowel movement. Some dogs, however, have trouble emptying the glands due to soft stool, obesity or genetics. And that’s where the groomer comes in.
At the Tailored Tail, this service is part of every package for small to medium dogs, and by request for larger dogs. The groomers make sure the glands are emptied to avoid infections, improve the dog’s comfort and eliminate the terrible smell.
“It may seem like an unpleasant activity for the dog owner—and many will suffer with the smell in their house rather than do it themselves,” said Elizabeth Toc, co-owner of the Tailored Tail. “We are trained and have expertise to express the glands safely and easily externally.”
Breeds most at risk for impacted or inflamed glands are typically smaller dogs, like toy breeds like the Chihuahua and Shih Tzu and dogs who are not exercised or are overweight. According to dogaspet.com, these are the 6 Signs Of Anal Gland Disease:
Bum scooting or dragging
A dog who quickly jerks its head back, looking in the direction of their bum
Discomfort when passing stool
A swollen anus or, more accurately, we may see some swelling on either side of the anus
Excessive licking of the back end accompanied by bad breath
A fishy smell
When Toc sees that anal gland expression is needed, she puts on gloves and tenderly squeezes the outside of the glands—usually during the dog’s bath.
“Of course if there is a more serious reason why the anal glands are uncomfortable for your dog, owners should take them to a vet as soon as possible,” Toc said.