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Originally Posted by mrsedwardslpn  Please excuse my ignorance but what does expressing an anal gland do? I haven't heart of that procedure |
Anal glands are 2 small openings located inside the dog's anus. They're scent glands and dogs express a small amount when they have a bowel movement. Think of it like a doggie calling card, lets other dogs know who's been there.
Sometimes for whatever reason, the usually thin substance becomes thick (I've seen some come out with the thickness of toothpaste when it should be more watery)and the dog isn't able to express them themselves. If that happens, they can rupture. Vets will usually express them internally but they can also be expressed externally. Some groomers will do it for you too if you ask. And it's a smell you'll never forget, it has a horrible dead fish smell. That's probably WAY more than you ever wanted to know about anal glands.
