Anal Gland Expression

Has your dog been scooting across the floor on their rear end lately? This could signify a problem with impacted anal glands that requires a visit to Cashua Veterinary Care in Florence, SC. Dr. Kate Atwood, Dr. Caroline Rummel, or one of our skilled veterinary technicians can complete this procedure within a few minutes.

What is the Purpose of a Dog’s Anal Glands?

Located just inside your dog’s anus are two glands that are each about the size of a pea. Every time your dog defecates, the anal glands leave a scent on the stool. Scents provide dogs and cats with a lot of information, such as marking territory, telling other animals their gender and age, and even whether they are generally healthy or unhealthy.

The anal glands also serve to lubricate your dog’s stool to allow it to pass more easily. However, sometimes the anal glands fail to do their job properly and end up becoming impacted. While you could attempt to express the anal glands at home, this is usually not a good idea.

Most people prefer to look up a veterinarian near me to do the job to avoid issues such as squeezing the wrong structure or rupturing the anal glands. If your dog continually scoots across the floor or bites at their hind end, please schedule an appointment for anal gland expression at Cashua Veterinary Care.

What Happens during Anal Gland Expression?

A veterinarian or technician helps to restrain your dog while another staff member removes the impacted stool with a petroleum or water-based lubricant. After putting on latex gloves, our veterinary staff places a finger approximately one inch into your dog’s rectum after lifting his or her tail.

After locating a pea-sized gland, the veterinarian or technician gently moves the contents towards the anal opening. You can feel confident that we never apply any more pressure than is necessary. Once the contents come out, our staff member checks to make sure both glands are empty and then cleans the anal area with a damp cloth.

Are Some Dogs More Prone to Anal Gland Problems than Others?

Dogs with chronic skin problems, such as seborrhea, those who do not consume enough fiber, and obese dogs tend to struggle with anal gland problems more than other dogs. Parasites and genetic factors can also play a role.

Schedule an Anal Gland Expression Appointment in Florence, SC

There is no need for your pet to be uncomfortable when this is such a simple procedure. Contact Cashua Veterinary Care to request an appointment with one of our team members. Although anal gland problems are more common in dogs, we also help cats.