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How to know when to clean a dogs anal glands?
My chihuahua gets the horrible smell every once in a while and I know that's when she needs it, but I didn't know what it was until now. So she's never had it done, and doesn't smell bad at the moment, but I don't know if I should do it now or wait for the smell to come back. They feel full I think (don't have anything to compare it to) I don't know if they should be like little balloons, or if they should feel empty. And dont just tell me to take her to the vet. Please help with the situation, thanks!
4 Answers
- ?Lv 78 years agoFavorite Answer
Both vets & groomers can do this for you. (Your vet can do it or check them, on a regular visit.) I am unsure if you want to tackle it (at all) as it is very smelly (and if you are not careful) IT can squirt out unexpectedly. If they are NOT bothering her (causing scooting or licking) I would wait. Dogs prone to food allergies or those without enough FIBER in their diet (I like to add green leafy, pureed veggies) are more prone to develop problems as the Anal Glands should be virtually empty, if working as per normal (emptying with most bowel movements). See marvista vet link (below) for help if you want to attempt to empty them - yourself.
Source(s): Anal Glands: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/anal_sacs.html - jasn_rainbowLv 58 years ago
Cleaning is important and in that case smell and a visual check tells you all you need to know. Sometimes the glands swell because of the dogs diet is not adequate enough to make their stool solid enough for the anal glands to "express" themselves. That's what happens when stool passes out of the dog and whatever comes out is not solid enough to cause the anal glands to contract and release. Some animals are not able to keep themselves clean in those areas and it causes problems for them in that way. If you were to take your dog to the vet they would probably suggest a diet change and or some kind of medication and they would "express" those glands by hand using the thumb and forefinger and squeezing gently until the glands are no longer inflate. Assuming of course that is the problem. Look it up online. The are illustrations that show you how to do it. I have before but it's not one of my favorite things to do. Most people do not have the stomach for it but it helps the animal. I like to do as much as I know how to do before I take them to a vet. But it all depends on the nature of the illness and the situation. Swollen anal glands.Look it up. Good luck!
- BJLv 78 years ago
The anal glands are done as part of a regular grooming. Other than that you are best to leave them alone. They are designed by nature to empty with every bowel movement. Some dogs will never have a problem while others need to be emptied every so often. If your dog ever starts to scoot the butt across the floor or licks excessively down there then they may need emptying. Occasionally they may get clogged and need help. If you don't see symptoms then best to leave them be.
