Introduction
Having experienced the potentially far-reaching consequences of expressing my dog’s anal glands, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. Keeping parallel to your pooch and out of the way of the ‘spray zone’ is crucial to avoid getting doused. Protecting your living room from this aromatic task is also advisable, unless you want to remember the event every time you sit down on the sofa. And, if you’re wearing gloves, use your hands to shield the spray somewhat.
Curiosity about the stench can be satisfied by referencing another post that vividly describes it (imagine a stink visual!). I recently noticed my dog’s backside had a pungent smell, strong enough to make its presence known even while sitting nearby. Coupled with my elderly grandmother’s habit of slipping treats to the dog, it became clear that it was time for an anal gland intervention.
Here are my steps and precautions for Expressing Anal Glands
Preparation Phase
- Protective Measures: First, ensure to wear a mask and gloves, and if necessary, also wear goggles to prevent secretions from splashing onto your body.
- Position Choice: Choose a position that is easy to operate, preferably outdoors or in an area that is easy to clean, and avoid performing the procedure in areas that are difficult to clean, such as the living room.
Operation Process
- Stabilize the Dog: Gently hold the dog’s tail with your left hand and lift it up, exposing the location of the anal glands. At the same time, use your other fingers to hold the dog’s back to keep it stable.
- Palpation: Use your right index finger and thumb to lightly press at the position of the dog’s anal glands (approximately at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions on a clock) to check for any hard lumps or swelling. If the dog reacts strongly, it may be a sign of inflammation, and it is recommended to seek veterinary help.
- Squeeze: Place your right index finger and thumb at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions, exert force diagonally upwards while gently pressing down. After squeezing out the secretions, wipe them clean with a wet wipe.
Cleaning and Follow-up
- Warm Water Rinse: Even after wiping with a wet wipe, it is recommended to rinse the dog’s anus with warm water to ensure cleanliness.
- Observe the Dog: After expressing the anal glands, observe the dog’s reaction to ensure it is not experiencing discomfort or abnormal behavior.
Then, my hard-earned advice:
Following this guide, I inexplicably chose the living room to express the glands. The pungent odor that ensued was enough to evacuate my family from the area and left me fighting tears in a toxic atmosphere of my own making. A lesson learned the hard way — never express your dog’s anal glands in the living room (or any communal living space for that matter).
Willie