I am going to try to bath our beagle, no problem. I have been told that his anal glands must be empty. How do I empty them?

Dogs have little tear-drop-shaped glands (one on each side of the anus). The function of the glands is to provide lubrication for the contents of the rectum and scent marking.

Most dogs never have any issues, but some dogs seem predisposed to anal gland impaction. You might notice a dog scooting across the carpet in an effort to relieve the discomfort of swollen or compacted glands.

Some people believe that only a vet should empty anal glands because if done incorrectly, there's a possibility of rupturing the gland and causing infection. Besides the fact that the smell could knock a buzzard off a s__t wagon.

You can express the glands externally (recommended for a 'novice') or internally (have your vet do it, or show you how).

If the dog does not have a problem, I would not recommend expressing (squeezing) the glands. Dogs hate it (wouldn't you?) and it's unnecessary in most cases.

Here's a great link for more information regarding anal glands:http://http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_anal_sacs.html





And some more illustrations to assist you:http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/3441/GIFS/Analglands.gif
http://www.squishedfrog.com/images/analsac.jpg
</IMG></IMG>

I never heard of the anal glands needing to be empty. I never bothered about it when I bathed a dog and my authoritative puppy raising manual doesn't mention it. I don't think instructions on emptying them will work well in text.

I would skip the glands and maybe the bath too. If you are feeding a good chow, brushing the dog regularly with a soft bristled brush, and the dog is healthy, odor shouldn't be a problem unless he manages to roll in stinky stuff.

If you insist on bathing him, rinse, rinse, rinse every last bit of shampoo out.

I never heard of the anal glands needing to be empty. I never bothered about it when I bathed a dog and my authoritative puppy raising manual doesn't mention it. I don't think instructions on emptying them will work well in text.

I would skip the glands and maybe the bath too. If you are feeding a good chow, brushing the dog regularly with a soft bristled brush, and the dog is healthy, odor shouldn't be a problem unless he manages to roll in stinky stuff.

If you insist on bathing him, rinse, rinse, rinse every last bit of shampoo out.

There are some breeds such as Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, etc. that tend to develop issues with their glands regardless of diet. Call it bad breeding or whatever... it happens.

I agree that bathing is not always a necessity and one should always rinse, rinse, rinse, if you do shampoo a dog or cat.

However, I also think that bathing is not something to be avoided if the animal starts to smell "doggy".

*Not to contradict labman, because I have found his advice to be very sound and acurate, but I'm a dog groomer, so we're bound to conflict on the bathing thing! (I really do think you're swell, labman, even though you don't want your dogs to smell all 'froo-froo'! HA!:p )

I am going to try to bath our beagle, no problem. I have been told that his anal glands must be empty. How do I empty them?
There is really no reason to empty them unless he is having problems, they express themselves when your dog has a normal bowel movement, we have raised poms, and I myself have had huskies, beagles, labs and labX's and have never had to "empty" any of their glands myself.

there is really no reason to empty them unless he is having problems, they express themselves when your dog has a normal bowel movement

I totally agree that they shouldn't be touched unless proven to be a problem. I guess I didn't 'express' myself very well in my original answer (yeah, it's corny, but c'mon, you smiled, right?). :rolleyes:

*L* OK, 10 points for you because I not only smiled, I laughed *L*

I have a Beagle and the vet told me it was practice to have Beagles' anal glands expressed. He had been scooting on the carpet and kind of sad, and I took him in and his glands were full, which made him uncomfortable. I'l love to be able to do it myself, but I don't think Buddy would let me. And I hear it is quite unpleasant an experience for owner and dog. We were told to do it every month... but I think we'll make it every three months and see how it goes. Before Buddy, we had three Doberman, who never had glands expressed and were fine. It must be a common problem for Beagles.

It's not a common problem in a particular breed.
However some dogs do get impacted or infected anal glands. That do need emptying.
It can be easy or difficult, depending on the dog, but I would highly recommend a groomer or vet to show you how to do it correctly before attempting it yourself.

A good diet fixes the issue as each time they poop they express a little of that fluid if their stools are firm enough.

However, this thread is from 2006 so I will be closing it.

Please remember to check the dates before posting.