Tips about your dog

All dogs have anal glands. They are located on either side of the anus. Behind the anal gland isa sac that secretes a strongly smelling substance. The dog uses is anal glands to mark itsterritory every time it excretes.The scent that the dog deposits conveys information about the sex of the dog and its health.This is important for other dogs since they are territorial animals. That is why dogs smell oneanother's anal glands and deposits of feces. They are checking for a male competitor or afemale on heat.When they function well a dog's anal glands are no problem. But they can become blocked andthat can lead to problems. A responsible dog owner should now how to express their dog's analglands to move the blockage and prevent problems.You may notice your dog dragging its rear end across the grass. This means that they are itchyand can be a symptom of blocked anal glands.If you do not know how to express the dog's anal glands then consult your veterinarian who willdo it for you. It is a good idea to take the opportunity of learning to do this yourself because itwill save future vet's bills and is comparatively easy.What you need to do is to hold the dog's tail up pointing towards its head. Then take a papertowel and press the left side of the left gland with your thumb and your forefinger on the rightside of the right gland. Squeeze firmly and gently. The glands should issue a brownish yellowsubstance.If the glands have become seriously impacted the method described above may not work. Youwill then need to put on some surgical gloves. Lubricate them with KY jelly and remove theblockage manually.You must insert your forefinger into the dog's rectum and squeeze each gland in turn. This mayprove harder than simple expression and the substance that comes out will be darker in colorand foul smelling.If your dog's anal glands become impacted they can get infected. You will notice bloody puswhen you try to express them. In that case you need to treat the dog with antibiotics. It is betterto keep the anal glands clear then you will avoid that scenario altogether.Expressing your dog's anal glands may seem an unpleasant chore but it is important inmaintaining your dog's general health. The itching that results from a blocked anal gland can bevery uncomfortable for the dog. If the blockage gives rise to an infection that can have importanthealth implications.Infections can generally be treated easily with antibiotics but it is best to avoid antibiotics ifpossible. The overuse of antibiotics is leading to many resistant strains of bacteria. Antibioticsshould be used only when necessary.A simple expression of the anal glands will prevent complications and save you some heavyveterinary bills in the future. It is the work of a few minutes once you know how.