Do they really milk a dog's glands?

[Velvetee]

My partner's mother has three Staffies. My partner takes them to the vets and claims they sometimes have to have their glands emptied and the vet does this by inserting fingers into the dog's anus and squeezing the fluid out of the gland in there.

Apparently the fluid which is squeeze smells foul. Does this really happen or is he having me on?

[shaneystar2]

This is true ! Their anal glands can become impacted .This is what happens when you see a dog "scoot " in other words rubbing it's bottom along the ground . It's a routine thing and some dog parlours do it too.
http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Dog_Anal_Gland s

[La Diva]

It really happens- and its not just Staffies who have to have their anal glands emptied!

The first sign is when you see a dog "wiping its bottom" along the grass/road/carpet - then you should take it to the vet to have the glands emptied.

[Velvetee]

oooh I had a read of that page Shaney, it doesn't sound like an enviable task. I wonder what happens to the wash cloth once the gland deposit is squeezed onto it?

Maybe dogs should be fed more natural foods instead of dog foods.

[shaneystar2]

Lol..it can depend on what you feed them I suppose .
I know when I had Shaney and he went to the groomers every three months they did it as a matter of course to prevent any build up. Hopefully they throw any cloths and paper towels away ....eeugh :)

[lankeela]

Feeding bones and hard biscuits help as the poo then pushes on the anal glands as it passes out and helps to empty them naturally. Some dogs have deep seated anal glands which have to be emptied by hand. You don't actually put your fingers inside the dog's anus, you sort of squeeze and pinch the skin on the outside together and the liquid then squirts out. Not pleasant, but one of the things you have to do for your dog (or rather your vet or groomer does).

[lankeela]

Now lets go interactive!

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/anal_sacs.html

[shaneystar2]

Thanks lankeela ..that was really interesting whilst I was drinking my hot choccie and eating a buttered bun :))