To express a dog's anal glands, the process involves gently squeezing or milking the glands located on either side of the dog's anus, roughly at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. The steps generally include:
- Wearing disposable gloves and applying lubricant like Vaseline on the index finger.
- Gently lifting the dog's tail and inserting the lubricated finger into the anus.
- Using the thumb on the outside of the anus, press between the thumb and index finger to gently squeeze the gland, moving from the front (cranial) to the back (caudal) side to express the fluid.
- Collect the expressed fluid with a gauze or paper towel.
- Clean the area afterward with warm soapy water.
This is usually done with the dog standing and restrained gently to avoid discomfort. The secretions are a normal, smelly fluid, but if thick, colored, or painful, veterinary consultation is advised. Owners often prefer having this done by vets or groomers, but it can be performed safely at home with proper technique and care.
