Do puppies need to have their anal glands expressed?

Yes, puppies need to have their anal glands expressed. The secretions from the anal glands help lubricate the anus during defecation, and their unique smell is also a special way for dogs to exchange information among each other. Anal glands need to be cleaned regularly. Dogs will also self-groom by rubbing against objects to express the glands, avoiding infection risks. Owners need to help their dogs express their anal glands, otherwise, blocked anal glands can lead to infections around the anus, causing skin ulcers, inflammation, and bleeding.

What are the benefits of expressing a dog's anal glands?

Expressing a dog's anal glands involves manually helping the dog clean out the anal glands. The secretions from the anal glands are expelled along with the feces during defecation. However, if a dog has persistent diarrhea or soft stools for a long time, the colon may not be stimulated by pressure during defecation, causing the anal gland secretions to accumulate, leading to discomfort or rupture of the glands. In this case, manual expression is necessary.

How to express a dog's anal glands:

First, lift the dog's tail up to expose the anus, then use your thumb and index finger to slowly push inward at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions on the dog's anus. It is best to cover the anus with a tissue or cotton pad to avoid splashing the secretions. Finally, rinse the dog's bottom with warm water. Be sure to handle the expression from inside to outside and start with light pressure, avoiding causing redness and swelling to the dog's anus.

The dangers of not expressing a dog's anal glands:

If an owner does not express their dog's anal glands regularly, it can lead to excessive secretion of anal gland fluid, causing inflammation of the anal glands. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and a foul smell from the anus. Therefore, for the sake of the dog's health, it is recommended that owners express their dog's anal glands once a month. If the dog shows signs of inflamed anal glands, the owner should take the dog to the vet for appropriate treatment.