How often to have anal glands expressed?

Finally! Something I know about!! I used to be a groomer, so I expressed anal glands by the hundreds! I even taught how in my Sheltie club. Learning saves money and time.

I express my dogs' glands every time I bathe them. Place your middle finger and thumb on either side of the anus. Push back in toward the dog and you can often feel the round glands (but not always). Push in and squeeze. It squirts and smells to high heaven, so don't look closely as you squeeze.

 

oh my... what a video! I have never had to do Gavin's glands and he has never scooted. we have been grain free for over 10 years. I hope to never have to do the anal glands...just sayin'

 

I read an interesting article by Dr.Karen Becker just a few days ago regarding anal glands (I was beginning to think Piper had a problem, turned out he was just a tad constipated lol) and a lot of it has to do with diet. When a dog has a firm bowel movement just the process of passing it helps to keep their anal glands clear (it's actually their way of scenting their poop so other dogs smell it)...if your dog has looser or soft poop then they don't work to keep the glands from filling.
She also mentioned that doing them too often can actually bruise the anal glands thus causing more problems down the line (some groomers do them on a monthly basis).
I would try to add some fibre to the diet if the poop isn't firm to ensure they keep them clean.
Years ago my mom had a Cocker and he ate THE WORST diet (I was a teenager and didn't know any better then), and he was always having them done...now I know why lol.

 

Noooooo...you couldn't pay me enough to do that!