Anonymous wrote:Our dog used to have problems with his anal glands and ended up getting an infection. We did some research and found out if the dog's stool is not hard enough it will not empty the glands as it passes. Also if the stool is really soft it can clog the glands. We ended up adding plain organic pumpkin to each of his feedings and it has made his stools harder and he poops less.

Sorry and I forgot to say, we haven't had a problem with his anal glands since starting him on the pumpkin.

Our dog used to have problems with his anal glands and ended up getting an infection. We did some research and found out if the dog's stool is not hard enough it will not empty the glands as it passes. Also if the stool is really soft it can clog the glands. We ended up adding plain organic pumpkin to each of his feedings and it has made his stools harder and he poops less.

A friend of mine does it herself. She also told me don't ever start doing it cuz you'll never be able to stop. Have no idea why.

I'm the OP. So if your dog needs his anal glands expressed after every grooming, but the groomer doesn't/won't do it, then do you bring him to the vet every time he's groomed? This is so annoying.

Groomer won't. Our vet does and charges $15 for the service. He offered to teach me how to do it but for that price I will gladly take him back!

When our females were elderly they developed anal gland problems. The Scoot. Different places do better or worse with the expression. I don't understand why a groomer would do it after a bath. Before is more logical.

We have the vet/vet tech do it. Current elderly dog takes pronin since had some urinary leakage. She's a new woman.

Anonymous wrote:what is this???

There are glands inside the dog or cat's butt. They sometimes get filled with fluid, and it's uncomfortable for the pet. Ever see that commercial with the dog scooting across the floor on it's butt? The glands are filled with the most foul smelling gunk you'll ever encounter.

what is this???

I swear, most of the pets forum posts that I see in Recent Topics just want me to stay pet-free.

I have no idea what you're talking about

I'm told that our groomer does it, but they don't do a very good job.....ask me how I Know...

Anonymous wrote:Gross. No, it's a medical procedure and should be done by a vet.

Not true. Many pet owners do it themselves. Groomers often offer this as part of their service.

Gross. No, it's a medical procedure and should be done by a vet.

Our groomer doesn't, but will if asked.

One groomer told me not to do it, because once you start you have to continue. ??

The last two times that I have brought my dog to the groomer, he has been in discomfort. The first time, I just happened to have to bring him to the vet anyway, and she immediately noticed that his anal glands needed to be expressed. This time, not only did his glands need to be expressed, but they gave him razor burn and nicked him in a couple of places. Now he has a cone on his head and is getting sprayed with antibiotic spray twice a day.

Anyway, does your groomer regularly express the anal glands after grooming? I would prefer not to do it myself. But I am getting a bit tired of having a routine vet visit after every grooming appointment.