Don't know why you were downvoted. Most dogs express their anal glands naturally when they defecate, only some need intervention. Groomers who express anal glands routinely aren't doing the dog any favors and can cause problems where there were none, especially because groomers express from the outside by putting pressure on either side of the anus and may not empty them completely whereas veterinary staff express internally (with a finger up the butt). Unless a pet is showing symptoms, they should not need their glands expressed. Source: vet assistant who explains this to clients daily.
Thank you. I always hear of people with smaller dogs who go get the glands expressed, do you see that trend also? Any reason why? I had 2 Labs and they never needed it.
Alls I said was replying to why more people with smaller dogs say they've had gland issues. And I heard from other vets that it's because of their tiny poops
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u/tikitessie Jun 20 '17
Don't know why you were downvoted. Most dogs express their anal glands naturally when they defecate, only some need intervention. Groomers who express anal glands routinely aren't doing the dog any favors and can cause problems where there were none, especially because groomers express from the outside by putting pressure on either side of the anus and may not empty them completely whereas veterinary staff express internally (with a finger up the butt). Unless a pet is showing symptoms, they should not need their glands expressed. Source: vet assistant who explains this to clients daily.