Annal Glands

[Cat Hunter]

I just want to know how often in general Yorkies need their annal glands expressed. I don't want to do it to much but I don't want him to get an infection either. Is one per week too much?
Thanks for any advise

[crystalsmom]

Some groomers think once a month but most feel that is too often unless there is a problem. This link will give you the symptoms to look for and although it gives you an idea of how to do it, I would let your vet do it the first time so one doesn't do more harm than good.About a Dog's Anal Glands

[Cat Hunter]

Thank you! My dog lets me know when he wants them expressed! He either does the scooting along on his bum or he walks backwards toward me on the bed or where I am sitting, he wants me to do it I guess because it gives him relief. I just wonder about doing this once per week, seems like a lot.

[kjc]

I check them once a week, usually at bath time or if I see symptoms. If they are full, I express them. If they are not full, I leave them alone. A diet with higher fiber in it (or green beans, pumpkin) can help keep them healthy. Chronic anal gland problems have been associated with allergies in dogs.

[crystalsmom]

Kathy, I have also seen it grow into a chronic problem by doing too often. Of course if there is scooting etc, it should be done but not without checking to see if they are full like you do. The scooting could be irritation from something else.

[Cat Hunter]

Thank for your input. Mogwi goes to the vet more than most dogs because we travel internationally and he is always getting the vet health certificates which include an examination so I don't think he has any allergies or other things wrong

[RileyDC]

Riley will be 2 on Saturday and he has Never had his expressed. Is this normal for some??

[crystalsmom]

I don't know if it's normal but it was many years before Crystal had to have them expressed for the first time.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by RileyDC

Riley will be 2 on Saturday and he has Never had his expressed. Is this normal for some??

Mine are 6 and have never needed to done so I think all dogs are different on this

[RileyDC]

Pheeeeeeeeew!!
I was thinking: Is this something I am supposed to be having it done??
He's never had a problem or anything.....

I am actually running him by the vet tomorrow to take a look at his ears.
He had a reaction to food a few weeks back and his body and ears broke out in Hives!! =(

His body cleared up and his ears look much better, but still just a teeny bit red and irritated..... I want to run him by the vet so he can look deep down his ears and give an All Clear....

[Cat Hunter]

I have had a dog since I was ten. At this point I have owned 12 dogs in my life.My latest companion is a Yorkie, the first of this breed that I have known and the first to require annal sack expression, are yorkie just a bit more likely genetically to need this done?

[Cherie6446]

My Gina was 11 and never had her anal glands expressed. Zoey is 2 and has never had them expressed. I think I read somewhere that if the dog poops properly (not loose or constipated) then the glands just exprss themselves.

[Cat Hunter]

I have read that too but Mogwi poops regularly twice per day without fail and the poops are firm not hard but well formed and there should be enough pressure to release the glands according to what our vet told me and what I have read. He is in great health, just need this done more often than I thought. I will just be really careful .

[chachi]

I dont think how their poops are having anything to do with it just some dogs are just more prone to needing it done

[CouversMom]

Some dogs express their glands themselves when they poop. My male has to get his expressed a few times a year, but I think once a week is a bit much. I would just keep an eye on them and express them when they are full.