dogs anal glands

[wooo12]

my dog has the anal gland thing. im just wondering roughly how often they need to be 'seen to' because he doesn't scoot so i can't always tell and is it known to be uncomfortable?

[shaneystar2]

Take him to the vet .Some dogs have problems with the anal glands they cause discomfort which causes the dog to rub its rear-end on the ground or floor .The vet will express the contents .I would get it done because they can become impacted and develop an abcess which can be painful and very unpleasant for them.
The groomer does my dog when he goes for his wash and brush up every couple of months.

[wooo12]

ye i have already taken him to the vets. just wandering how often it occurs. or is there no real pattern?

[shaneystar2]

They reckon your dog's anal glands need to be expressed as often as needed. Some dogs never need the anal glands expressed while some need it done every couple of weeks.
On the average, dogs under 15 lbs need the anal glands expressed about every couple of months. Some never need it done at all. They do say smaller dogs need it done more often.
Our previous pooch a Norfolk Terrier used to scoot and I used to take him to the vets to have them emptied or the groomer did them,but our current dog Shaney who is a huge great GS/Lab cross hardly ever needs it done .The groomer always checks as a matter of course and does them if necessary..
They reckon a high fibre diet can help avoid the problem .
Hope your pooch is feeling more comfy now !

PS. I do know someone who does her dog herself ..she must have an iron stomach !!

[wooo12]

thanks shaneystar!! an iron stomach indeed!! euurghhh.