Anal Gland Expressions
Anal Glands?!? Not a task that many are willing to attempt at home. Trust us, it's not as bad as it sounds! With the right tools, this is an easy feat that will provide instant relief for your pet.
Why Do Pets Have Anal Glands?
A part of the anatomy that is not always familiar to pet owners are the anal glands (also referred to as anal sacs). They are present with both cats and dogs, however when discussing routine expression and the majority of concerns that may arise with these glands, we are often talking with our canine patients/clients. For cats, since they are self groomers, manual expression is often not needed. The anal glands are used primarily as a scent marker between animals to be able to identify who/what else has traveled through their yard (or house). Currently, for our domesticated pets, they show no known medical significance. Unfortunately the glands can become 'impacted' (meaning fluid so thick or so full of material that they are unable to express on their own) which is why it is important we discuss how to alleviate this irritation as efficiently as possible.
Have you noticed your pet scooting it's hind end more? Or licking frequently between their legs? These are both common indicators that they are in need of having their anal glands expressed.
The Basics
Necessities Before 'the Squeeze'
Anatomy of the Anus
Prior to any procedure on the body, it is important to know what structures you are working with. The anal glands are not visible externally and we should therefore notate where you will be expressing from when palpating externally or internally. They are located just inside the anus on either side (at approximately '4 o'clock and 8 o'clock') on most pets.
​The Right Tool(s) for the Job
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Gloves: Besides working close to/within the anus, the material that is expressed from the anal gland has an EXTREMELY distinct odor. It also tends to linger on surfaces, if not well cleaned. Wash your hands/forearms after this procedure and wash any clothes if they get anal gland material on them.
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Lubricant: For the comfort of your pet, if expressing internally, be sure to have an acceptable 'pet-friendly' lubricant on hand (see the link for our recommendation of what we use in clinic).
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Paper Towels/Tissue/Gauze: It is helpful to have disposable materials to be able to bag everything after expression and remove promptly versus having towels to clean. We commonly use both paper towels and gauze in clinic.
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*Optional* Odor Eliminator Spray/Wipe -or- waterless shampoo: For any debris that is present around the anus and to help clean up without having to take a bath we would recommend an odor eliminator spray, wipe or waterless shampoo. Be sure that any product selected is safe to use on skin (if using an eliminator spray/wipe), as there are also products created for surface/environmental use.
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Additionally, it is important to be in a space that is easy to clean (such as a bathroom or outside *weather permitting*) and to have 2 people present (one to manage the pet and the other to complete the expression).
How to
Invest in a good candle - this will be stinky
The Process
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Pick a location: As we have advised already, this process will present a significant odor. Choosing a bathroom/tile floor space will be ideal. It would also be able to be completed in the garage or outside depending on the weather. Be cautious with any procedure you are completing at home and make sure to keep both yourself and your pet safe.
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Complete the expression: See 'The Expression' for full instructions. Be aware that many pets will experience discomfort during the expression (feeling relief once the gland is emptied), especially when squeezing on a sensitive/full gland. Please complete this procedure with 2 people to keep yourself and your pet safe. For this process you do have the option of completing the expression externally or internally. Externally is often the preferred method at home, however internal expression will allow a more complete removal of the material from within the gland.
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Positive one-on-one time after the expression: Creating a positive environment for any task you would like to complete regularly with your pet is important. Taking them for a walk, playing with a toy, or providing an exciting puzzle toy or treat afterwards will help to re-enforce the all around upbeat and comforting environment we hope to create. ​
External and Internal Expression Demonstration
​​Keep us in the loop! We want to know what is working for your pets (as well as what isn't). Every pet is different and we would be happy to talk through additional options, or even schedule a demonstration in clinic if you would be interested.
The Expression - External
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Find a friend and acquire materials: Two people are almost always necessary for this process. There are very few pets that will be compliant and stand still while manipulating around their anus. See the above section ('The Basics') for recommended materials for the job.​
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Squeeze thumb and forefinger on each side of the anus: Use the thumb and forefinger to support/manipulate the anal sacs, guiding the material up and in towards the opening of the anus to express slowly/gently. Holding a gauze in the hand that is expressing by the anus can be helpful in collecting initial material that is expressed.
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Wipe discharge/excess material from around anus: Once the expression is completed it is still beneficial to wipe the area with a clean gauze to prevent lingering odors. This would also be the time to use the optional odor eliminators to help neutralize the scent in that area.
The Expression - Internal
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Find a friend and acquire materials: Two people are almost always necessary for this process. There are very few pets that will be compliant and stand still while manipulating in their rectum/around their anus. See the above section ('The Basics') for recommended materials for the job.​
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Insert your forefinger into the rectum: After applying gloves to both hands and a quarter sized amount of lube onto your forefinger, insert the lubed finger into the anus. All processes should be completed gently and without force to prevent any injury.
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Express the anal sacs: Use your thumb (externally) and forefinger (internally) to support/manipulate one of the anal sacs in a soft pinch, guiding the material up and in towards the opening of the anus to express slowly/gently. Holding a gauze in the hand that is expressing by the anus can be helpful in collecting initial material that is expressed. At times there may be a plug or thicker material present that will be difficult to express. Do not squeeze harder, as this has the potential to cause a rupture to the gland. Instead massage the sac between your two fingers, continuing to attempt expression intermittently until the gland releases the material to express. Repeat same process for both glands.
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Wipe discharge/excess material from around anus: Once the expression is completed it is still beneficial to wipe the area with a clean gauze to prevent lingering odors. This would also be the time to use the optional odor eliminators to help neutralize the scent in that area.
Needing your pet's anal glands expressed but not comfortable doing it at home?
Reach out and schedule an appointment at the clinic!
Grooming: 608-767-1400