Anal Glands 101???

[Christine]

I posted a while back that Penny had been doing the "butt scootin' boogie". I took in a stool sample to check for worms and there were none. Things went back to normal, no more scootin' for quite a while (that I could see). The other night, I noticed some brown drops on the floor where she normally would do that, so I feel that she needs them expressed.

I did some reading, watched some videos to see if I could do it myself. Got the gloves, the KY, etc. She was very cooperative, but looked at me like I was crazy. Did not have any success, so I am going to take her in Monday. I was probably being too careful, but did not want to take any chances to cause problems.

Questions:

Does anyone else do their own expressing with good results? (Squeeze at 5 and 7 o'clock and push up under - use a warm compress pressed to the area - or the KY and index finger)

I am adding a teaspoon of flaxseed oil twice a day to her food. She is eating Purina Dog Chow Good Life Nutrition dry dog food. I am very strict about not feeding her table scraps, but not cooking her special food. I thought about adding pumpkin occasionally. Wondering if I should add wet food to help the situation or if there is a better food just for this.

She is uber-active when she is outside, I don't know how anything gets clogged or stuck anywhere! She is such a joyful and happy dog - she does not seem uncomfortable, but she does lick the area.

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

No, I have been sooo fortunate. Let us know how she goes, but wait til we finish eating our bean soup!

[Christine]

[CarolC]

Wait, I thought bean soup was supposed to be for New Year's, not Christmas. Christine, no help here either, sorry. Maybe you had no luck because she already took care of them (spots on floor)?

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

Hoppin John here. I'm thinking I should have soaked beans overnight, becuase they are TOUGH little bunnies. Lawsy, I see this goin the way of the SQUISH!

Christine, I'll send you some of my magic beans for Penny. That otter clear her up!

[GSD Guy]

One of our German Shepherds has had problems with his anal glands. The thing I noticed the most was the SMELL!!!! I tried to express him myself, but I was worried there might be an infection. Took him to the vet, they did the dirty deed, and I decided that was the best money I have ever spent! If it is the glands, the smell is a dead give-a-way. Our vet said extra fiber can help, but some dogs are just prone to blockage. Good luck!

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

I'm with you, GSD Guy. Some things I just don't want to learn...

Christine Penny's butt scootin boogie is a tee shirt available at Modern Dog:

[puremutt]

[Christine]

The funniest thing I have seen on this subject is the commerical with Toby doing that the owner screaming TOOOOOBEEEEE!!!!!

I think I am with you GSD guy...money well spent.

[kodiblue]

My pittie has the stinkiest butt ever and i only tried to express once. It squirted out and got on the wall, me and him. OMG!!! the smell stuck around for DAYS. Never again, let the vet do the dirty.

[puremutt]

LOL, great way to start the day