When Grooming does the anal glands have to be squeezed?

[lolee71]

I had a poodle a few years back and I took her to a groomer. The groomer told me that poodles had to have their anal glands sqeezed because if you didn't the poop would become compacted and could hurt her. I just got a new poodle puppy last night and was thinking of thrying to keep her groomed my self but do not know anything about squeezing the anal glands or even know if I can bring myself to do it. Is it true that you have to do this with poodles and if so how do you do it?

[jude09]

hello I'm moving this topic into a more suitable place,

I hope you don't mind.

[MaryAnn]

YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! All small breed dogs need to have their Anal Glands expressed on a regular basis. You can have a Vet Tech at your Vet's office show you how. or have your groomer express the Anal glandsif they are used to doing it. You can still groom your own dog and then take him/her to the vet and have a Tech do it. There'll be slight fee, but worth it.

[Hersh'sMom]

This is not something that is only done on small dogs or poodles. It should be attempted on any dog that is being groomed. As stated above, your vet can show you how. It's really not that hard, just messy and stinky. They do generally charge a fee but it's usually nominal plus if you should decide doing it is not for you, it may be worth it. There are alot of groomers out there that will not express the glands.
If they do get compacted, it can cause your dog alot of problems and the glands can become infected. Signs that there could be a problem is scooting their bottom.

Robin S., NCMG
NDGAA National Certified Master Groomer

[MaryAnn]

Thanks Hersh'sMom.... I did not know that large dogs such as Great Danes, etc...needed their Anal Glands expressed as well. That's good to know.

Everyone should be sure to ask their groomer if this is included. I have friends who take their dog to Pet Stores for grooming and they don't do it UNLESS you ask.

Thanks Robin.

[poidoglover]

Most dogs that I have had have to get the anal gland expressed. It really isn't that hard to do. Being a nurse myself, it was no big deal. There is a video on it above that shows you where they are located. If you look at the anus as a clock at 5 and 7 o'clock there is usually a pea sized or larger round sac. If you want to do it yourself, just get a glove, put some lubricant on it ( I use vitamin E oil), ask someone to hold the dogs front. Then I grab the tail with one hand and use my index finger on the inside and the thumb on the outside and just squeeze. Clean them up with a wet one, then bathe. I usually need to do this about once a month on my two dogs. One of the dogs just lets me do it without help, but the other requires a helper. Hope this helps.

[Sue Mc.]

Glad you guys had this topic going on the Forum! I don't think my pup has ever had his anal glands 'expressed' except by my breeder. My friend (Janie) who bred my Yorkie, Taffy, mentioned some months ago that she could show me how to do this. I had better take Taffy to her and find out exactly how she does it! He doesn't seem to be bothered by them--yet! Thanks for the idea! - Sue Mc.

[cmx89]

I disagree with expressing anal glands unless their is a problem. If it is done once, just one time i t will have to be done. I have had several Poodles over the years only one of mine needed it. The others were just fine. I DO NOT recomend starting this unless their is a problem and you see the Dog Scooting along. Then Yes but to me not before why make trouble that does not exist before it may ever be needed.

[MaryAnn]

I'm sorry cmx89. I disagree. A dog's anal glands need to be expressed at least on a monthly basis. Think of it at "Preventive".

Those of you that are unsure....check with your Vet for "Peace of Mind" if nothing else.

[susie]

I agree with cmx89. I have a standard poodle, my vet told me unless you are having a problem it is not advisable to expel the anal glands. And the key word , is , is there a problem. He also told me if your dog has a well formed stool and is going at a regular time everyday the anal glands should expel themselves. If the stool is too soft the anal glands will not expel. So if a dog is prone to it, a vet or groomer can expel them, but if not just let nature take its course.