How to Massage a Dog's Glands

Home
Grooming
How to Massage a Dog's Glands

Easy

2 - 5 Minutes

2 Months

Need regular grooming services?

Browse Wellness Plan Options Browse Wellness Plan Options

Introduction

Most dogs will do the "Butt Scootin' Doggy" dance from time to time. Like their human counterparts, they get itches too. But, when your pup starts dragging his butt across the carpet frequently, along with licking and chewing the area, this is an indication of a what could become a more serious issue. This could be a sign that his anal glands are impacted, and it is time for you to massage them and help clear them out. These glands add a scented liquid to your dog's poop and marks his territory every time he poops.

Dog's Perspective

Your dog has no idea these glands even exist, all he knows is that when they become overfull they become painful. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to locate the glands on both sides of his rectum and then massage them until the blockage is cleared and they are completely emptied out.

The Gonna Get Messy Method

Effective

0 Votes

Towel

Step

Old clothes

Massaging and cleaning a dog's anal glands is going to be messy. Located inside of his rectum, the liquid produced in these glands is quite smelly and messy. You should always wear old clothes you don't mind burning when you are done (just kidding). You will also need a pair of examination gloves, and if you are sensitive to smells, a set of nose plugs.

Step

Add in one helper

Since you will be working inside and around your poor pup's rectum, you must have a helper to hold him still or you could end up injuring him. Be sure your assistant is appropriately dressed and knows what to expect.

Step

Potty pads

Lay a series of potty pads on the floor in the room you plan to work in. Their job is to catch the liquid as it comes out of the glands. Using one finger and thumb, locate each gland inside the rectum. Gently massage the gland until the blockage is worked out of the passage and the backup of liquid sprays out. Keep going squeezing gently until each gland is smooth and empty.

Step

And the other side

Do the same thing to the gland on the other side of his anus. Keep the pressure at approximately the same amount you would use to press on the nozzle of a spray paint can.

Step

Wash, rinse, and trim

Wash the area with warm soapy water and then rinse thoroughly. Using a sharp pair of thinning shears, trim the hair around her rectum and genitals for better hygiene. Give your pup a nice treat and let him go on his way.

The Plenty of Help Method

Effective

0 Votes

Towel

Step

Find a brave assistant

You will need an extra pair of hands to help your dog still while you are squeezing his anal glands. It's only natural to be skittish, as no one would like to have a finger stuck inside their rectum and their glands massaged. Be sure both you and your helper are wearing old clothes you really don't care about.

Step

Location, location, location

Put on a pair of rubber examination gloves, use one hand to hold the dog's tail up and out of the way. The other hand will need to have the index finger lubed so you can gently insert it into the dog's rectum. Using your index finger and thumb, explore the areas at 5 and 7 o'clock to locate where each of the glands is.

Step

Squeeze

Now that you know where the glands are, it should be easy to tell if they are overfull. The goal of massaging the glands is to gently clear any blockages from the outlet channel that are preventing the liquid from being able to properly flow. Keep a towel handy to catch the fluid and be prepared for it to shoot out. If the fluid is brown, all is well. If it is green in color, it's time to take your dog to the vet.

Step

Repeat

Move over to the other side of the rectum and repeat the process. Switch to the other hand if necessary, to make sure you get the job done right.

Step

No mess left behind

Use a nice warm soapy washcloth to clean the area around his rectum, trim back any unnecessary hair, and you are all done!

Caution & Considerations

If there are any signs of blood or pus coming from the dog's rectum, take him to see his vet immediately as these can be signs of a serious medical problem.
Be sure to properly lubricate your gloved hand to avoid causing injury.
Always protect yourself with gloves and safety glasses.
Keep the pressure on the glands light, too much pressure can damage them.
If you cannot get the glands to drain, or if you notice any other problems, be sure to take your dog to see his vet.

Conclusion

Massaging a dog's anal glands may not be the most pleasant task, yet is it a vital one. Keep in mind that while not all dogs suffer from the problem of clogged glands, check frequently for impacted or infected glands. Take care of them at your earliest opportunity to ensure your dog's continued good health.

How to Massage a Dog's Glands

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Gonna Get Messy Method

The Plenty of Help Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

More Dog Grooming Guides