Anal glands, also known as anal sacs, are a pair of pear-shaped glands located at about four o'clock and eight o'clock on both sides of the dog's anus, one on the left and one on the left, each with an opening. The anal glands are filled with anal gland fluid. If it accumulates for a long time, it will turn into black or dark brown liquid or mud, and the smell will be unpleasant.

Should the anal glands be squeezed?

If anal gland fluid accumulates for a long time, necessary cleaning must be carried out to prevent inflammation. When the anal glands are mildly blocked, the dog will grind its buttocks on the ground or lick its buttocks; in severe cases, the anal glands will be swollen and painful, making it difficult for the dog to defecate.

It is best to squeeze and clean the dog during the bath, because the anal gland fluid is very smelly, and bathing can remove the smell.

Steps to express anal glands in dogs:

1. Hold the root of the dog’s tail with your left hand and expose the anus;

2. Press the four and eight o'clock positions of the anus with the thumb and index finger of your right hand. If the anal glands are filled with anal gland fluid, you will feel two bulging bags.

3. Squeeze inward and then push toward the anus to expel anal gland fluid. Repeat squeezing until it is empty.

Note:

1. Do not use excessive force when squeezing to prevent anal gland damage and inflammation.

2. Long-term soft stools in dogs can easily cause anal gland fluid accumulation and obstruction, so the cleaning cycle of the anal glands should be relatively short.

3. Anal gland inflammation may not necessarily cause diarrhea in dogs. If your dog has symptoms of diarrhea, you should seek medical treatment in time and do not treat it yourself at home.