Not a very easy subject to talk about, dog anal glands play an important role in a canine’s health. What’s even more uncomfortable than merely talking about them is grooming them. It’s a necessary evil that if left ignored, can and will contribute to all sorts of unhealthy situations. Here’s a quick run-down on a low-down job.

Dog anal glands sit on each side of and right under a dog’s anus. They’re scent markers and they’re filled with a liquid that’s released whenever a dog defecates. Its remaining scent is what enables a dog to mark its territory.

If for some reason a dog cannot release this liquid, the glands will swell to the size of small marbles and cause extreme discomfort. Dogs will scoot their rear ends across the floor or lick his anus in an attempt to relieve the swelling and discomfort. Over time, untreated glands will get infected and bring about illness.

Either you or your groomer can help a case of swollen anal glands by expressing them. You have to be very careful performing this procedure because the odor will linger on whatever it comes in contact with for days. So you might want to express your dogs’ anal glands while bathing your pet. This will reduce the severity of the smell. And you might also want to wear a pair of gloves during the procedure since the smell can get under your fingernails and folds of your skin.

With your dog standing in its tub, lift its tail and arrange the thumb and forefinger of your free hand in a squeezing position around the outside of the dog’s anus. Gently squeeze the marble-sized glands in an upward fashion. If you see oozing or squirting fluid, you’re doing great job. But if your efforts don’t produce any fluids at all, continue to bathe the dog and then make an emergency appointment with the vet. Swollen anal glands that don’t express are impacted and require professional treatment right away.