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HowdyThere asked in PetsDogs · 1 decade ago

Dog grooming question on anal glands..?

I have a small cairn terrier. I know the groomers 'pop' his anal glands when I take him in. This is a gross question, but, how do I do this at home when I bathe him? What is the purpose of this?

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Go here...they have DIAGRAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    http://www.myprincessdaisy.com/AnalGlands.htm

    It is gross, and I would just have the groomer do it, but it can be done at home.

    The purpose is to get the stuff out of the gland so it does not become impacted or infected. Small dogs have much more of a problem with this than larger dogs.

    Good luck!!!!!!

  • forker
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    Dog Grooming Anal Glands

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    If you've never done it before, it really is best to have a professional (vet or groomer) do it for you. If done incorrectly, you can cause some serious damage and traumatize the dog! Why don't you call around some of the local groomers, and ask if you can bring the dog in today? I can't imagine they would charge too much for it, they usually do it as part of a regular grooming session (for no extra charge) if it needs to be done. Might cost you $20 or so, if its just the glands that need attention and not a full-out groom. Surely you can come up with that money to make your dog more comfortable!

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    This Site Might Help You.

    RE:

    Dog grooming question on anal glands..?

    I have a small cairn terrier. I know the groomers 'pop' his anal glands when I take him in. This is a gross question, but, how do I do this at home when I bathe him? What is the purpose of this?

    Source(s): dog grooming question anal glands: https://tr.im/Q3sTn
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  • 1 decade ago

    Expressing the anal glands is a very important part of your dogs care. Now let me share with you, I have been in the vets office when he expressed the anal glands, and I have never and I mean never smelled anything that stunk as bad as this. I suppose if you were taught how to do the procedure there would be no reason why you couldn't do it at home. But you would have to become familiar with the anatomy inside the rectal area, in order to accomplish the procedure correctly. As for the purpose, the anal glands gather and collect bacteria, sort of a filtering system. They require expressing in order to be empty and continue filtering toxins.

  • 1 decade ago

    Anal glands are a producer of a nasty smelling fluid ment for marking there poo, and can also be released as a fear response or self-defense. ewww

    It normally excretes as the dog does the doo! In a case of NOT normal , the dog will sometimes scoot across the ground like it is some toilet paper.

    If you see this alot, say more than 1/2weeks then maybe she is having a problem. Take her to a vet ..Sometimes these fluids can become gel like or even thicker and can fill to the point of rupture. You do NOT want that!!! Bad infections and serious surgrey!

    My advice watch for the tell tale signs of scooting and excessive interest in licking there rear, O' don't forget about the smell...You will know when you smell it! If that occurs take her in to the vet.

    If you don't see this ...let nature take its course!

    Good Luck , Jenny

  • Mainly they just do it so the dog doesn't soil itself before you come to pick it up. The warm water they use to bathe the dog is relaxing an can prompt them to poop. Your dogs anal gland only needs your attention if you notice a problem like excessive licking and dragging it on the floor. Other wise each time you take your dog for a check up ask the vet to check it out. Males sometimes get anal gland infections( which you could cause if you try messing around with it.) a vet will clean out the gland and pack it with and antibiotic that disappears on its own.

  • 1 decade ago

    You can actually express the anal glands yourself by feeling around right outside the dog's anus and applying a little pressure. You should be able to feel the glands like two little bumps. It won't hurt your dog to do this, you don't HAVE to go inside him to do it, but DON'T let your face get in the way when they are released or you will get a mouthful of rotten stink.

    Source(s): vet assistant training classes
  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tinyurl.im/8gyaZ

    If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.

    It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.

  • 1 decade ago

    Some dogs it's not really an issue for - however others (particularly little dogs I have noticed) tend to need their anal glands expressed regularly to prevent them from becoming impacted, or even ruptured.

    Have your vet show you how to do it, this way you won't do any inadvertant damage.

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