How to Clean a Male Dog's Glands

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How to Clean a Male Dog's Glands

Easy

2 - 5 Minutes

2 Months

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Introduction

Every male dog has rectal glands. They surround his anus and are there to secrete a scented liquid in his poop. This scent is used to mark his territory just like his pee, however, the scent is far stronger. These glands are very important and can become clogged from time to time. When this happens, the glands may become infected or impacted. One of the first signs of this problem is your dog starts dragging his butt across the floor because it itches, or he may start chewing at the area. Once you learn how to clean his glands, you should be able to do the job in less than five minutes to prevent or correct problems and irritation.

Dog's Perspective

The last thing your dog probably thinks about is his anal glands. That is, until they start to burn and itch. Then, that is all he can think about. If they become impacted it may make it hard for your poor ol' pal to poop. Unfortunately, if his glands do become impacted, he has to count on you (or his vet) to help clean them out.

The Old Clothes Method

Effective

0 Votes

Towel

Step

Leave your good clothes in the closet

Cleaning out a dog's rectal glands is going to be a messy business, no matter how you look at it. Be sure you wear old clothes and a pair of rubber gloves; while you are massaging his glands some of the liquid may shoot out.

Step

You need an extra pair of hands

Your dog is going to be pretty unhappy with what you are about to do with your fingers. Make sure you have an extra pair of hands on board to hang on to him. He isn't going to appreciate what you are doing for him until it is over.

Step

The best place to work

Since this is going to be a smelly, messy business, the best place to do the job is in your bathtub. This way you can simply wash the mess down the drain. You can do it while giving a bath and get two jobs done for the price of one. If you can't use the tub, lay several potty pads on the floor to catch the mess.

Step

Now for the fun part

Lift your dog's tail and hold it out of the way with one hand, (rubber gloves on, please). Lube the index finger of the other hand. His anal glands can be found at approximately the 5 and 7 o'clock position, but to be honest, if they are impacted and full, you will have no problem finding them. Take your index finger and thumb, gently squeeze the glands together until they begin to drain. If squeezing doesn't work, you may have to massage the glands until they release. Be gentle. Think of it this way, use no more pressure than you could stand on your eyeball.

Step

Clean up the mess time

When the glands are nice and soft, meaning they have been emptied, your job is done. Now it's time to clean up the mess. Use a warm soapy washcloth to thoroughly clean the area around his anus. All done, one happy dog.

The Good to Have Family Method

Effective

0 Votes

Towel

Step

You're going to need help

There is no way your dog is going to just stand there calmly while you insert a finger in his rectum. Be sure you have at least one family member or friend on hand to help hold him in place. Be sure your assistant can handle strong odors, as this is going to smell bad.

Step

Find those glands

With your dog standing with his best features facing you, don a pair of exam gloves and lift his tail up and out of the way. Lube your index finger, insert it into his rectum, and slowly feel for his glands, they should be in the 5 and 7 o'clock positions, with his tail as the 12 o'clock position. Be very gentle, try not to make it any worse for him than it already is.

Step

Time for a massage

Using the same index finger and its corresponding thumb, massage each of the glands individually until they release the buildup of fluid. Keep in mind the actual points at which the fluid will be released through are just inside his anus, so be sure you don't block them with your finger.

Step

Repeat for the other side

Repeat this process for the glands on the other side. If the massaging hand is getting tired or the positioning is awkward, you can switch, just be sure to use plenty of lubricant.

Step

You made a mess

Cleaning out a dog's anal glands can be a very messy business by the time you are done. Use a nice soapy cloth to clean up any mess. Finish up by trimming back the hair in this area to a hygienic length.

Caution & Considerations

If you see blood at any time coming from your dog's rectum, stop what you are doing and take him straight to his vet or the nearest animal hospital emergency center.
Never try to do this on your own, not only is it nearly impossible, but you could badly injure your dog.
Be sure to wear gloves for this, if you have any scratches, they could easily become infected if you aren't wearing gloves.
Be extremely gentle, if it feels like you need to apply more than gentle pressure, stop. Take your dog to the vet to have the glands cleaned out.
Safety glasses are recommended, as the liquid coming out of his glands can spray in your direction.
If the glands are full but you cannot get them to empty out, take your dog to see his vet.

Conclusion

While larger breeds may occasionally suffer from impacted glands, the problem tends to present far more frequently in smaller breeds. You can save your dog from a lot of discomfort by keeping an eye on his glands when you are bathing him or grooming him. Be gentle, take your time, and do everything you can to make your pup as comfortable as possible.

How to Clean a Male Dog's Glands

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Old Clothes Method

The Good to Have Family Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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