I watched the vet do it to Samantha the first time and now I just do it. Fortunately, for our small babies the smell is not really too bad. Big dogs are awful! I found this description on the web. It is more or less what I do except I just use a kleenex and throw it in the toilet.
Prepare a warm moist washcloth.
Locate your dog's anal glands by raising his tail and using your other hand to feel for two lumps at approximately five and seven o'clock on either side of his anal opening.
Holding the cloth over his anal opening to prevent an unpleasant squirt, begin applying firm but gentle pressure to the sacs. This should cause some of the fluid to be expelled through the rectal opening, thereby emptying the glands. Wipe your dog's behind clean, and the job should be finished.
If you notice blood or pus in your dog's anal gland secretions, it is likely a sign of infection, and you should contact your vet for an appointment and treatment.
Vivian |