Expressing anal sacs.

Question
QUESTION: I just read the answer on the site about this subject. I just need some clarification. The index finger goes into the dog's anus and (I would assume) the thumb is used to squeeze the gland from the outside, and against the index finger. Is that correct or not. If not, how is it properly done?

ANSWER: YOU DO NOT INSERT YOUR FINGERS INTO THE ANAL AREA...you press to EITHER SIDE OF THE ANUS with a thumb and forefinger using the middle finger if you need to along with the forefinger.

Remember too that dogs who are over weight or are not getting enough exercise or drinking enough water are MORE likely to have this problem!

I would suggest that you have it done at least once, by the Vet so that you can SEE exactly how to do it and how much PRESSURE you will need to apply to do it correctly...it is a nasty, stinky job, for anyone to do, but it's best in my opinion to KNOW what you are doing before you try it at home.

In most cases, the dog is already in discomfort and may struggle, try to nip, or even scream when you try it at home. They may at the Vet's as well, but it is usually easier because the Vet has someone properly containing, HOLDING, the dog for everyone's safety!


I believe this is the best way But like I mentioned earlier have the VET do it once so you can see how it is properly done.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Her anal glands have been expressed three times recently at the vet. The first time, he had his vet-tech remove the dog from the room. The next two times, I was the one holding her head. Obviously not a good vantage point for watching how it's done. The dog had a course of Baytril because she was infected. I can't take her to the vet till after payday.
I wanted to do this as a stop-gap measure since she has begun dragging herself on the carpet again. She is a five year old spayed female Beagle. She weighs 26lbs. My vet says her weight is O.K. but don't let her get any heavier.
I read an article online that said the reason anal gland problems are increasing is because dog's eating habits have changed,(no meat,no bones,etc.) Consequently, their stools aren't hard enough to expell the matter in the sacs. A friend who owns a boarding facility suggested I feed her canned pumpkin to harden her stools. I haven't done it because it sounds suspect,(ie wolves don't eat pumpkin in the wild and it's not added to modern dog foood. I'm getting so much conflicting and doubtful information! You, however sound like a voice of reason. What do you think about the "pumpkin cure"?

Answer
Its true pumpkin will help harden the sacs, about 2 tablespoons per meal for a couple days, but won't fix the problem that is causing it to be too soft. If you're feeding your dog a food that has corn as its first ingredient,or soy in the top 5 ingredients, then you're feeding him things that just goes right through him. Dogs can't digest grains. That's probably why his stools are so soft. If you decide to change his current dog food, get a meat-based dog food. They're more expensive, but you feed your dog less of it than of the grain-based food. Some other things that have been used to soften a stool are cutting up pieces of baby carrots and putting it in her food. For a dog that is 26 pounds approximately 1-2 carrots a day in portions of food. There are many things that can harden it crackers work, and so does rice, yogurt, toast, and scrambled eggs. I know it sounds odd, but is has been proven that it will work. I would recommend the pumpkin cure for a short time. Her wait can depend on her body build if she is a 13 inch or a 15 inch, but I would not let it get anymore. I hope this helps you out, and please don't hesitate to ask anything else you need. I hope for the best.