I took my 2 labs to get washed, groomed, etc. and they also "expressed their anal glands". Can anyone tell me how they do that and why it's important?

I took my 2 labs to get washed, groomed, etc. and they also "expressed their anal glands". Can anyone tell me how they do that and why it's important?

The anal glands are a pair of sacks between the internal and external anal sphincters located at the mucocutaneous juction of the anus in carnivores. They are lined with large sebaceous and apocrine glands. The secretions smell bad and are expelled in small quantities with defecation, as a form of territorial marking , or fear. The sacs are subject to hypersecretion, ductal blockage, impaction and abscess formation which may lead to the necessity of surgical removal. When you see your dog "scooting" it usually means the glands need to be expression.

You mean I can get paid to do this?

[QUOTE=toofache32] "expressed their anal glands". Can anyone tell me how they do that/QUOTE]
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/analsac.htm

There you go.

Heh - a vet I knew always showed owners how to do it themselves, but they usually just looked at him like he was nuts. One man told him, "Sorry, but my dog and I could never look at each other the same way again."

Also, if there real full, be careful where you aim them! :eek:

Thanks for the replies. Maybe that explains why my wife "scoots" as well.

haha. I see my Mom's dog doing that "scoot" all the time. She also actually helps him secrete his glands as well...ick. I have a question. My cat scoots also....is it the same thing in cats as well??

haha. I see my Mom's dog doing that "scoot" all the time. She also actually helps him secrete his glands as well...ick. I have a question. My cat scoots also....is it the same thing in cats as well??
yes but you stay external everytime you express a cats anal glands