Apparently my dog has anal glands?!!

[PacificDogwod]

Well, I knew he had anal glands, I was just hoping he could keep that fact discretely to himself rather than allow them to become all swollen and red and needing to be licked (by him, not me!!

You will need a peg for your nose from what I have heard.

Well, I may be finding that out shortly. Grim.

Do girl dogs get these problems?

All dogs have anal glands. They need to be emptied by the vet as they can become impacted/infected. If not treated they can be removed as a last resort but it's a horrible op for your dog to go through. Anal glands are the worst smell ever !!!!!

Er, why is no one concerned about Mr Dogwods 'experience'???

What are these glands for?

Sounds horrible.

Oh god the smell! Good luck with that!

Be prepared for the smell!

They need licking?!

Oh god, we had to have my dogs anal glands removed.

Wait for the disgusting smell to start! I really feel for your dog (and you).

We had to take our dog to have them squeezed every few months when he got old. Good god the smell...

The smell is honking. We called it clockwork dog when our dog was trying to relieve his discomfort. He used to leave a nice trail on the carpet.
My boy had to get his removed eventually.

One of my memories from childhood was going on holiday to Wiltshire and helping an older friend taking a dog to the vet (Labrador, female) who had anal glands that needed to be emptied. It smelled, yes, don't think dog was overjoyed at the prospect of having them emptied either but probably relieved.

Please tell me it's a boy-dog problem
(looks at lovely female pup in corner)

redannie yes I think it varies from dog to dog, my childhood lab never had to have hers emptied neither did her predecessor an afghan hound and my neighbours mini pin not had hers done either.

Chocochou sadly not a boy dog problem!

The lab I knew had it had been swimming many times in nearby river (Bradford on Avon) never knew if that was reason why they got blocked or not??

Choco maybe you can prevent them being blocked tho, no idea how? Diet?

Somehow last night I ended up watching a video about how to empty dogs anal glands. I don't have a dog but damn that was weirdly satisfying. Do other animals have these glands?

Poor MrDogwood hope he can get sorted quickly and stop klickimg his own arse soon.

*licking

FFS

Leadpipe I fear Sporners Corner (yes have been there) would be interested in this topic...

Aren't the groomers supposed to empty them when the dog is groomed?

Vet drains them and then gives you a stern warning about only giving proper dry food.
Of course I ignored this advice and gave her bakers complete.
Ended up back at vet again to get another telling off.

Thank F for that, cats anal glands are usually squeezed out when they poop apparently... eyes cat suspiciously

Wonder if this is what dogs are supposed to do too? Empty when full and by pooping?

Most dogs drag their bums on the ground. Most owners assume they have worms.

We have our (female) Westie clipped every few months, and they do it, then.

They don't get paid enough, IMO!