Can I express my dog's anal glands at home & prevent frequent filling?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is a supplement called Glandex and one called No Scoot that many of my clients love for anal gland problems. In some cases it can decrease how often they need to be expressed. I would discuss with her veterinarian if either of these may be compatible with her diet.

This is not unusual when dogs get very excited. You can wash his bottom with soap and rinse well. Make sure to get the underside of his tail. There is a product called Glandex that many dogs respond well to. I it helps to express the glands when he has a bowel movement. It is a supplement that you feed them and you can find pretty easily. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sofie. I recommend that she has her anal glands regularly expressed by her veterinarian. This way they can be closely monitored for any sign of a recurring infection or impaction. Initially she should have them expressed by her veterinarian every 3-4 weeks. I hope this information helps!

If she has impacted or infected anal glands then they need to expressed. This is something you can learn to do at home, but it is probably best to have your veterinarian or their staff teach you the first time. In the meantime you can use warm compresses on Gracie's bottom to try to ease a little discomfort. Some of these small breed dogs need their anal glands expressed every 4-6 weeks on a regular schedule. Adding some fiber to her diet may also help her to express them a little more naturally.

Hello. I am sorry to hear about Oliver's problem. How quickly the anal sacs refill truly depends on the dog. Some dogs need their anal sacs expressed every month, others once a year. If your dog has been having problems with anal sacs, your vet may want to recheck them a month or two after having them expressed. They can then make a recommendation on how soon to come again based on how full they are at the recheck appointment. often we will recommend a diet higher in fiber for dogs with this problem or add fiber to the diet in the form of canned pumpkin or psyllium. I would ask your vet which they recommend for your dog as every pet is unique and they know your dog best!

Yes, that is considered expressing the anal sacs. I would only do them as needed. If you notice that Lolli is sniffing around her anus or scooting her bottom, then they may need to be expressed again. Best of luck.

Every pet is different and some pets may need their glands expressed every few weeks. Most however will be less frequent. This can be a problem in any dog but it is more common in small dogs. There is a supplement called glandex which many pets respond well to. You may also try feeding him a higher fiber diet. Lastly, sometimes frequent anal gland issues can be a sign of allergies. You may talk with your veterinarian about ways to diagnose an allergy and if this seems to be indicated. Surgery is also an option to remove the anal glands. Please feel free to post any additional questions.