How old is your dog? If your dog isn't old then you need to change the diet or find out what is physically wrong that is causing this problem. Anal glands filling up is normal. Each time the dog goes #2, they will be expressed. Beware groomers who tell you they are expressing the anal glands. A healthy dog, with a good diet, will not get compacted glands. Having them expressed when not needed causes them to not function properly, then, you will always need to do it. Your dog will let you know if it is needed. They will scoot across the floor, often. Sometimes the dog just needs to scratch an itch. They will also lick and chew at their backside. If your pet doesn't display these signs, don't try to fix them. They are easy to express, if full. Best done during bath time, due to smell. Hold tail up with left hand. Place thumb and index finger on either side of the anus, then go down about half an inch, directly below the anus. Gently squeeze inward and upward at the same time. The gland feels like a small ball under the skin. As you push in and up, fluid will squirt out the anus. Do this a couple times then wash the fur well. I have been a groomer for close to 20 years now and have never lost a dog to anal expressing. You will do just fine.
