Anal Glands

[SSShayne]

My pug needs these taken care of monthly. My groomer only charges me $6.......but Id like to do it myself. I had them show me, but when it came down to doing it - i just couldnt get anything to come out. Ive looked on Youtube and had my vet assist. friend email me how . . . . still nothing.

Anyone have any tips? Or maybe i should just pay the $6......?

[Tinker's mom]

Have you tried adding a teaspoon of pumpkin(plain not pie mix)to his food to see if it will firm the stools enough to empty the glands without help?

[Pugpillow]

Here's the enormously helpful and now famous step by step instruction on how to do it, posted by a former PugVillager 9 years ago.

Maryjo's (in)Famous anal Gland Thesis...

[SSShayne]

Yes - have tried the pumpkin and did not notice a difference.

thx for the link- tho i was hoping for External instructions - not sure i want to mess around with squeezing gland INternally.......

[CSollers]

Quite often diet can help control anal gland issues. Feeding raw helps tighten up your Pugs poop. Psyllium husks added to his diet can help also.

[Pugpillow]

Yes - have tried the pumpkin and did not notice a difference.

thx for the link- tho i was hoping for External instructions - not sure i want to mess around with squeezing gland INternally.......

The process is essentially the same for external except you can do without the vaseline and instead of inserting your finger, hold it on the opposite side of the anus from your thumb so they are at about 5 oclock and 7 oclock (some dogs might be more like 3 and 9). The important thing is to push from far enough back (behind the gland) in a forward motion so the "juice" squirts forward and out. It is easiest if the dog is standing on its back feet, like in a laundry tub, and you lift the tail up.

[Lola's Mum]

I have absolutely no experience with this - but I have read the posts on here and to me, I would MUCH rather pay $6 for someone else to do it, than do it myself...the process sounds terrifying and gross...lol

[sugarskullz]

I actually did Ozzy's for the first time myself after watching the Vet do it. Surprisingly, it was a lot easier and not as gross as I assumed it would be.
I put on medical latex gloves and I had my hubby hold his front shoulders and I lifted his tail up and across his back , held a kleenex over the butt as I squeezed, and other than the smell, 'easy peasy'!! No mess, no fuss!
It took all of 2 minutes and I have done it now about 3 times for him.

[SSShayne]

The process is essentially the same for external except you can do without the vaseline and instead of inserting your finger, hold it on the opposite side of the anus from your thumb so they are at about 5 oclock and 7 oclock (some dogs might be more like 3 and 9). The important thing is to push from far enough back (behind the gland) in a forward motion so the "juice" squirts forward and out. It is easiest if the dog is standing on its back feet, like in a laundry tub, and you lift the tail up.

Great! I think you described it well......and a little better than what i have been told about the "forward motion". Thanks.....ill try again and see if it works. I took him to the groomer this time......but he's usually do about 4 weeks later. Will let u know if im successful!

[MopsMeister]

I'm with Lola's Mom. 6 is a bargain considering how unpleasant a task it is. I too have viewed the YouTube videos, etc but all that happens when I try is that my pug turns around and gives me a..."What the %$# do you think you are doing?" look. Unfortunately my Vet charges $20 to perform this magical ceremony.