How to Clean a Female Dog's Glands

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How to Clean a Female Dog's Glands

Easy

2 - 5 Minutes

2 Months

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Introduction

All dogs have glands located just inside their anus. Referred to as anal or rectal glands, they are designed to add a liquid to your dog's poop. This liquid does the same thing as the urine, which is to mark her territory. In fact, the scent released by these glands is considerably stronger and more effective. The only problem is that these glands can become impacted, which requires you to massage them until the blockage is cleared out and the buildup of fluid inside is released. It might take you a few extra minutes to do this while you are learning, but once you have mastered the skill, it will take you less than five minutes.

Dog's Perspective

Your dog probably doesn't even know she has anal glands. But what she does know, is that when they become impacted or infected, they can itch, burn, or simply be very painful. The easiest way to diagnose this condition is when your dog starts dragging her bum across the carpet, trying to scratch it and get at least some measure of relief. It is your job to recognize the signs and then help her by massaging the glands until they drain.

The Four Hands Are Better Than Two Method

Most Recommended

2 Votes

Towel

Step

Pick your partner

There is no way your dog is going to like having your index finger inserted into her rectum. You can be sure she is not going to stand still for it. For this job, you need a family member or good friend with no sense of smell (yes, the liquid in these glands stinks) to help hold her in place while you get to work.

Step

A gland in the hand

With the dog's back end facing you, don a pair of examination gloves. Use one hand to lift her tail out of the way. Apply a little lube to her anus and gently insert an index finger inside. Move your finger around until you find the glands (one side is at the 5 o'clock position, the other is at the 7 o'clock position).

Step

Do the rub

Using your index finger and its corresponding thumb, massage the gland on one side gently to work the blockage out of the passage through which the fluid should normally flow. It might take a couple of minutes, be careful your index finger isn't blocking the outlet, but you will be rewarded with a spray of fluid once successful. Try not to get any on you as it reeks.

Step

Repeat for the other side

Repeat the above steps for the other side. Keep massaging until both glands feel deflated and empty.

Step

Wash her bum

Using a warm soapy washcloth, gently scrub your pup's rear end clean and trim back any excessively long hair. Clean up the mess and you are all done for now! Give her a treat and let her go on her way.

The Going to Get Messy Method

Effective

0 Votes

Towel

Step

Your oldest, grubbiest clothes

Keep in mind that when each of the impacted glands finally does release, the liquid can come out under pressure. You could easily find yourself being caught in the crossfire. This liquid is extremely odoriferous (it stinks). Be sure you are wearing old clothes you really don't care about.

Step

Grab some extra hands

Since you will be inserting a finger into your dog's rectum, something you can count on her to hate, you will need an extra pair of hands to help keep her still. Make sure they are dressed appropriately for the job as well.

Step

Where to work

Since this is going to be messy work, the best place to express a dog's anal glands is in the bathtub where you can simply rinse it all down the drain. Alternatively, you can lay some potty pads on the floor or use a quantity of paper towels to catch the fluid.

Step

Time to get to work

Put on a pair of examination gloves and with one hand, lift the tail out of the way. Lubricate the index finger of your other hand and gently insert it into the dog's rectum. Since her glands are full, they should be easy to find. They are located at approximately the 5 and 7 o'clock positions.

Step

Massage the glands

Using your index finger and thumb, gently start to massage the glands on one side. Never use more pressure than you could stand if you were squeezing your eyeball. Keep working until the blockage is cleared and the gland empties itself. Repeat for the other side.

Step

About that mess

When you have achieved success, her glands should appear deflated and soft to the touch. The only thing left to do is wash her bum and clean out the tub.

Caution & Considerations

If at any time you see blood on your index finger or coming out of her rectum, stop what you are doing, and take your dog to the vet immediately.
Never try to do this without a helper. If your dog jumps or struggles while your finger is inside her rectum, she could become seriously injured.
Never apply excessive pressure to the glands as this could seriously injure her.
Always wear gloves to protect yourself from infection.
Safety glasses are also a good idea, the liquid can spray out under pressure and you do not want to get it in your eyes.
If after a few minutes of massaging nothing happens, take your dog to the vet.to safely removing the blockage and clear the glands out.

Conclusion

While impacted glands tend to affect smaller dogs more frequently, this problem can affect bigger dogs as well. You should be checking the glands regularly--the perfect time to do so is while you are giving her a bath. Take all the time she needs, be very gentle, and be free with treats as a reward for putting up with what you are doing.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question

wonder

Chihuahua

2 Years

0 found helpful

Question

0 found helpful

wonder

Chihuahua

2 Years

I read the artic on how to clean my dogs glands but I dont think she is big enough for me to stick my finger up her bum with put hurting her pretty badly as she's super tiny even for a chihuahua. is there another way I could do this?

3 years, 3 months ago

Wonder's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Hello, I think this is best answered by a veterinarian. Call Wonder's vet and I am sure they would be happy to check her glands and show you how to safely take care of them. In the meantime, we have the option to ask a vet. You can do so here: https://wagwalking.com/wag-health. All the best to little Wonder!

3 years, 3 months ago