dog anals

Question
How can I express my dog's anal glands myself instead of paying a vet to do it?

Answer
Hi Ann,
This is a very simple procedure, however it is quite smelly so be prepared! With your left hand , hold the dogs tail up. With your right hand,place your thumb on one side of your dogs anus and your first finger on the other. If you will go back a little and give some pressure you should be able to feel the sacs when they are full.  Gently squeeze  them. If nothing comes out, feel around and try again. The fuller they are, the easier they are to feel.  I express the anal glands on my dogs when I bathe them. I do it first thing, then rinse the area off, then lather them up.  As I said, it's quite smelly so giving a bath afterwards works out really well.  If you have any problems, feel free to write back.

God Bless,
Becky