Helly, anal Gland question

[mustluvdogs1]

A new client wants her Lhasa s' anals done. I do not like to do it cuz then the dog doesn't smell as clean. I told her it is a vet thing, but since he has been lo these 6 yrs...ok. Witch Hazel helps w/ odor. does not burn buttie.She said, only males need it done. I have never heard that it was gender specific have you? I never have done Halle, neartly 2, and so far she does not seem to need it. My males rarely get it done from me...no scoots.My Missy had a very painful abcess, I must have caused when I didn't know not to start her.

[PoodlePal]

I do anals on the smaller dogs and any large dogs that are older. I express the glands before the bath. After the bath there is no odor.

[carla]

I do them in the tub, then bathe, no odor.I only do small easily expressable anals!!!

[Helly]

No, its not gender specific. Just as many females as males can need it done. One thing that does seem to be a factor is docked tails, though.

If you don't want to do anal gland expression, don't. Just say its not a service you offer. Its your business, your decision.

[Pixie]

[QUOTE=Helly;28719 One thing that does seem to be a factor is docked tails, though.
[/QUOTE]

What is the factor with docked tails? Besides the fact they are harder for me to do, nothing to get a good hold on. lol

The glands that I express are always before the bath then you don't need to worry about the ordor.

[Gracy Rose]

I would be concerned using witch hazel around the rectum, it is a severe drying agent and can cause itching as the area dries.


We do all dogs that need it, I feel the glands if they feel "pouchy" we squeeze if not, we don't.

[blupiiglet]

Not gender-specific...

but I do find that unsterilized males tend to have larger anal glands than "snipped" males or females. Definately do them in the bath and give the area a good scrub with shampoo and rinse well. If you find a lingering odour when the dog is clean and dry, just sprinkle with baby powder over the area and pat the excess powder off. Works wonders and owners love the "fresh baby" smell!!!

[Helly]

What is the factor with docked tails? Besides the fact they are harder for me to do, nothing to get a good hold on. lol

The glands that I express are always before the bath then you don't need to worry about the ordor.

Docking the tail has an affect on the muscle and nerve supply in the area. The muscles around the rectum, which aid in natural expression, can be weaker in dogs with docked tails. Especially those that are docked really short.

It's sort of the same thing as spayed females having a problem with urinary incontenance later in life. Not only because of the hormones, but the surgery can weaken the pelvic muscles, and there can be trauma to the nerve supply in the area.