Groomer: 'Shall I squeeze his anal gland?'

[ChipsDad]

OK OK - so today I got a surprise when the groomer asked if he needed his anal gland squeezed.

Can someone please explain what and why? or is this required because I have never heard of it?

Maybe my groomer was particularly fond of my little guy? hahaha just kidding!

CD

[Cheetah]

It's not required. Most dogs can express their own anal glands, and vets say it's best if they are able to do it themselves. If you see your dog rubbing its butt on the ground, there's a very good chance that his anal glands are full and he's emptying them lmao...

A dog's anal glands are used to squeeze scent on the poop they leave behind if I'm not mistaken. Sometimes they get blocked and aren't able to empty them, and a vet or groomer has to do it.

[MrsRottie]

OK OK - so today I got a surprise when the groomer asked if he needed his anal gland squeezed.
CD

ROTFLMAO :D Brilliant! I think I would have said 'only if you want to....' Yuck! Did they? And did you get a whiff of that horrendous fishy odour? LOL making me feel ill just thinking about it.

I think you're right - she must be over fond of Chip ;)

[skunkstripe]

Well I guess this is going to be a heck of a first post! I was planning to do the polite thing and introduce myself properly, but I couldn't resist!
Chipsdad, if your dog does NOT need his anal glands squeezed, that is wonderful! But if he does, well, you will know! Check out this page if you are really interested..
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_anal_sacs.html
Like Cheetah said, if your dog starts to act weird by dragging his butt all over the floor or licking his behind a LOT (acting like his butt itches) then there is a good chance his anal glands are blocked. If so, they are probably also infected and your dog will need antibiotics. It is truly gross, so although you could do it yourself, you probably would not want to.

[Jake2006]

I think my vet must be anally retentive 'cos he always asks if my dogs have impacted anal glands! Then again - I did have a poodle who had nerve damage to his rear end so he couldn't evacuate his anal glands. I think if it ain't broken - don't try to mend it!

One vet told me that some dogs anal glands can become blocked within 24 hours after eating - so the jury might be out on this one.

I guess vets need to be anally retentive to some extent to do their job - especially if they are surgeons.

(Glad we don't have anal glands!)

[lassie]

Yuck what a horrible job LOL

[EnchantedGypsy]

I would have your vet assess whether your dog's anal glands need to be expressed. My last Springer's anal glands filled quickly, he'd leave little brown fishy dots where he'd sit or lie down. The vet said they weren't bad enough to require surgery, but she expressed them for us. Vets know exactly how to do this, our vet used cotton to soak it up as it came out. Not to offend any groomers on the board, but the groomers I've seen try to express anal glands just poke their fingers all around the dog's rectum til they find the right spot to squeeze and let it fly everywhere:sicksmiley: That CAN'T be comfortable for the dog!

[lassie]

I agree,I 'd definately leave that unpleasant job to the vet.

[AnimalHouse]

I used to work for a groomer, and Yes, they do the dirty work.. But some groomers dont do it unless the dog is small, cause the smaller dog doesnt seem to have the muscles to do it themselves.. and yes it is VERY Stinky I used to have to do it.. Yukky... it is blk, and Stinky.. I would have to cover my nose with my shirt and do it.. YUUKKK.. But Doing it when not needed could cause probs as well.. so.. if u want it done, tell them to try, BUT if it doesnt happen, DONT MAKE IT.. and if it is needed, trust me, it will come out ! LOL!!!!!!

[ChipsDad]

Thanks for the info! this really helps me protect chip from devious vets!

:)