How to Empty a Dog's Anal Glands

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How to Empty a Dog's Anal Glands

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2 - 4 Minutes

2 Months

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Introduction

So, your pup has suddenly started dragging his rear across the carpet, something you've never seen him do before. If he only does it once or twice, the cause may be nothing more than an itch. But, on the other hand, if he starts doing the butt scootin' boogie on a frequent basis, you may be in for a treat. This and other signs, like constantly chewing on his rear end or tail, are indications the time has come for you to empty your pup's anal glands.

These glands or sacs contain a fluid that carries your pup's scent and is mixed with his poop as your dog eliminates. While this should happen when your dog poops, there are times when these glands fail to release and become overfull of the liquid. When this happens, you may need to help your dog by manually releasing some of the fluid.

Dog's Perspective

From your dog's point of view, the only time he thinks about his anal glands is when they are full and not doing their job, have become impacted, or infected. In all of these cases, your dog is likely to experience some form of discomfort ranging in severity from a minor itch to severe pain. The best way for you to notice this is when he starts dragging his bum across the floor.

The Old Clothes Method

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Step

All change

Start out by changing into some old clothes. Be sure to choose ones that you don't mind getting dirty and stinky. Don a pair of examination gloves and if you have a very sensitive nose, insert plugs to help keep out the smell.

Step

Grab a family member

Grab a family member or good friend (very good friend) and have them help to hold your pup in place if he starts to squirm when you put your hands near his rear end.

Step

Create an absorbent pad

Create an absorbent pad out of several layers of paper towels. This will be needed to catch the liquid you will be expelling from your pup's anal glands.

Step

Lift and drain

Lift your pup's tail and locate his anal glands. If they are full of liquid, they will be easy to find because the liquid causes them to bulge. With fingers over each gland and the absorbent pad under your pup's anus, gently squeeze the glands towards each other. This should encourage the release of excess fluid. Most vets will tell you not to use any more pressure than you would use to press the nozzle on a spray can.

Step

Repeat, wash, and rinse

Continue gently pressing on each gland until they are empty. Using warm soapy water, wash your dog's bum, rinse thoroughly, and you are done. Toss the paper towels and gloves away, wash your hands thoroughly.

The Brave Assistant Method

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Start with a brave volunteer

You will find emptying your pup's anal glands will be much easier if you have an extra pair of hands to help hold him still during the process. Even if pressing on his anal glands isn't painful, he still isn't going to like you having your hands back there.

Step

Stand and locate

Stand or, if necessary, kneel behind your pup. He needs to be standing on all four feet and gently held in place by your helper. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, lubricate the index finger, and with your left hand lift your pup's tail up. Insert your right index finger gently into your dog's anus. Then bring the index finger and thumb together and carefully check both sides of his anus for the glands. They are located at approximately 5 and 7 o'clock.

Step

The big squeeze

Once you have located your pup's anal glands, use your index finger and thumb to gently squeeze them. Use a milking type of motion, the goal is to literally "milk" the fluid from the gland. Bear in mind that the opening where the fluid is secreted from is just on the inside of the anus. Try not to let your fingers block it. Use a wad of paper towels to catch the fluid as it flows out. Be sure to hold the towels up just in case the fluid squirts out under pressure. Look at the color of the fluid--brown is normal. If it is green, then your pup may have a problem and needs to be seen by his vet. This part takes practice so take your time and don't give up.

Step

Repeat on the other side

Once you have finished emptying the gland on the left side, simply switch over and do the one on the right side. If you need to, you can switch hands if it makes it easier for you.

Step

The final clean-up

After you have finished emptying your pup's anal glands, use a warm soapy washcloth to gently wash the entire area. Since the fluid often has a strong odor, be sure to clean this area thoroughly to keep the smell from lingering on for days.

Caution & Considerations

If you should see any signs of blood or pus in the area of your dog's anus or he seems to be overly uncomfortable, do not try and empty his glands at home. Take him in to see his vet as soon as possible.
Never attempt to empty your dog's anal glands by yourself--you never know if he might react aggressively to having your finger inserted into his anus.
Be sure to use gloves to protect your health and that of your puppy.
Never use more pressure than you might be able to apply to your own closed eye.
Keep your face out of the way as you squeeze, the fluid can come out under pressure and splash on your face, eyes, and mouth.
If your pup shows any signs of discomfort in this area and the glands are not producing fluid, they may be impacted and require a visit to the vet for proper care.

Conclusion

While this task does require a gentle touch, plenty of patience, and in many cases a strong ability to resist foul odors, anyone can learn to do it. Not all dogs suffer from this condition and even in those it does occur, it does not occur frequently. During bath time is the perfect time to take care of this problem as you can rinse any leftover mess down the drain. If you are hesitant to perform this task or if your dog shows signs of injury or infection, make a call to your trusted vet.