Greg Thurman Webboard User Reg: 12-07-2003
Posts: 21
Loc: South East Kansas
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Ok, I know this will get a lot of laughs, But can anyone explain to me about anal sacs on a dog and any cleaning requirements that may be needed.
I was hoping a search of the archives would answer my question...no such luck.
Thanks
Greg
God gave you 2 eyes, 2 ears and 1 mouth. You should look and listen twice as much before you speak.
I once had an American Eskimo that required me to sqeeze her anal sac every so often to relieve the buildup of fluid. As I understand it, this is something that builds up over time and these particular dogs have no way to release the buildup. I usually did it around bath time, because when she had buildup, it was very foul smelling and yellowish, almost runny secretion. I know not all dogs require it, I guess it depends on the breed.
You can learn to express the anal sacs yourself, but will probably need a vet or groomer to show you how to do it - you can hurt your dog if you don't know what you're doing.
Short and simple - the anal glands are just inside the dog's anus, and used primarily for scent marking - hence the foul smell. Dogs fed a better diet usually express these glands on their own with each bowel movement. Diets which lead to softer stools don't cause enough pressure in the rectum to express the glands, so sometimes they become "plugged", and require manual expression. It is easy enough to do, but as I've said, with guidance at first. And - yes - bath time is a good time, because it can be very messy. I've seen some dogs squirt a steam pretty far - only funny when you're not on the receiveing end!!
Greg Thurman Webboard User Reg: 12-07-2003
Posts: 21
Loc: South East Kansas
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Thanks for the info!
One other question I have on that subject. When the dog drags his butt across the floor, Is the dog trying to express the sacs himself? If he is unable to do so through regular bowl movement. Is this an indication the glands may need attention?
Thank you
Greg
God gave you 2 eyes, 2 ears and 1 mouth. You should look and listen twice as much before you speak.
Dragging his butt across the floor (or "scooting") COULD indicate anal sacs which need expressing, but it can also be a sign of internal parasites.... OR - it could just be an itchy butt! If you have a vet visit coming up soon, explain that you've seen the scooting. Anal sac expression and a check for parasites are routine examinations. If he is scooting a lot (several times a day), or licking/chewing at his butt, I'd have a vet check it out.
Greg Thurman Webboard User Reg: 12-07-2003
Posts: 21
Loc: South East Kansas
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Great info !!!
Thanks Kathy and John. The dog I have concerns with, I will ask my vet next time I go in.
I think he probably just has the itchy butt syndrome since I don’t see him "scooting" that often. I don’t think it would be worms; I deworm them on a regular basis.
Thanks again for your input!
Greg
God gave you 2 eyes, 2 ears and 1 mouth. You should look and listen twice as much before you speak.
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