Anal Gland Care

Dogs have two anal glands. These sac-like structures are located just under the skin on each side of the rectum. Normally, the glands secrete a watery, brownish fluid that empties into the rectum during defecation. Occasionally, the fluid is not expelled completely and the sacs become clogged. The pressure causes irritation, which the dog tries to relieve by scooting across the floor on his hindquarters, or by constantly licking and biting at the base of the tail.

Though the signs can vary from dog to dog, common signs of impacted anal glands are:

scooting on the rear endlicking the area around the anal glandsreluctance in defecating, resembling constipationdiscomfort when the area is touched

Impaction seems to be more common in Toy Poodles and other small breeds, than larger dogs. A regular check of the anal glands and expressing them if full, should be a part of the poodles grooming routine.

When the anal glands become clogged, they must be emptied by squeezing them to discharge the fluid inside. Expressing the anal glands is not a pleasant job, but it must be done to prevent further infection and serious medical problems.

The best time to take care of the anal glands is right before you bathe your poodle.

If you are not going to bathe your Poodle and there is a pungent odor after you expressed the glands, moisten a cloth with warm water and a little shampoo, and then clean and rinse the skin and hair; otherwise the odor will remain.

Stand your Poodle on a firm surface, and hold up the tail with one hand. The anal glands are located at the 5 o’clock and 7 o’clock position, you will feel the glands as small firm nodules.Cover the anus with a paper towel or wipe, as the accumulation may spurt out when the glands are emptied. Hold the wipe in your free hand and place it over the anal opening.Place your thumb on one side of the anus and your index finger on the other, underneath and slightly behind the glands, then squeeze in an upward and outward motion.

The anal gland secretion can be any color from yellow to brown, ranging from watery to paste like, with a foul odor. The presence of pus or blood indicates that an infection is present. Infected anal glands require antibiotic treatment from your veterinarian.

If you can feel an accumulation and cannot expel it, you should call your veterinarian; because the glands can become abscessed and rupture.

Tagged as: anal glands, poodle grooming

View the original article here