Manual Expression of the Anal Glands
For some dogs the glands can be expressed externally, for others the glands may need to be expressed by way of a rectal examination. If the glands are relatively easily expressed, not infected, and if you are up to the job, have your veterinarian teach you how to perform this procedure at home. It is a relatively simple procedure and once you have a supply of rubber gloves, not all that uncomfortable for you.
Residual Effects After Anal Gland Expression
Expression a dog's anal sacs can lead to some residual irritation especially if the gland was impacted. Impaction occurs when the liquid secretion sits in the gland for a long time, and dries out, becoming pasty in texture. This irritates the dog's anal gland, often leading to scooting, or rubbing the anus along a carpet. Once the gland is swollen and irritated the increased digital pressure needed to express the gland can bother the dog both during and after the event. This sort of irritation usually disappears in a few days.
Lingering irritation can be associated with anal gland infection. Impacted glands are prone to infection and this can be the source of residual pain. If the dog continues to lick the area, a follow-up appointment should be scheduled so that the veterinarian can check for infection, or a recurrence of anal impaction. If the dog's glands are quite irritated, the veterinarian may choose to infuse the gland with a soothing medication to help settle things back down. If infection is developing, antibiotic therapy may be required.
Diet Changes
As these glands are normally emptied during the act of having a bowel movement, you may find a diet change for your dog can help alleviate the problem. Increasing the fiber content to produce a bulkier stool may result in fecal material that is more effective at emptying these glands during defecation.
For glands that becomes chronically infected, sometimes the only other alternative is to have the glands surgically removed. However, control through non-surgical means should be the first choice.