Dachshunds are a unique breed of dog known for their long bodies and short legs. However, they have many quirks, one of which is their need for their glands to be expressed.
While some people may view this as a gross or unnecessary task, it is actually an important part of keeping your dachshund healthy and comfortable.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why dachshunds need their glands expressed, how to do it, and how often it should be done.
What Are Anal Glands?
Anal glands are small, sac-like structures located just inside a dog’s anus. The glands are made up of sebaceous (oily) and apocrine (sweat-like) glands, which produce a foul-smelling secretion. This secretion is used by dogs to mark their territory and communicate with other dogs.
Dachshunds are particularly prone to problems with their anal glands. This is due to their long, narrow bodies, which can make it difficult for the glands to empty properly. When the glands become full, they can become impacted, infected, or even rupture.
Impacted anal glands can be very painful for dogs and often require veterinary treatment. If you think your dog may be suffering from impacted anal glands, please see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Why Do Dachshunds Need Their Glands Expressed?
Unfortunately, Dachshunds are prone to anal gland issues. This means that the glands can become blocked, infected, or even abscessed. When this happens, the dog will often scoot its bottom along the ground to relieve the pressure. This can be a very uncomfortable experience for the dog and can often lead to secondary infections.
The good news is that there are things that can be done to help relieve the pressure on the anal glands. One of these things is expressing the glands. This is a simple procedure that can be done at home or by your veterinarian.
How to prevent your Dachshund from needing their glands expressed?
Preventing your Dachshund from needing their glands expressed regularly requires a holistic approach to their digestive health. Here are some strategies you might consider:
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Feeding your Dachshund a balanced diet rich in fiber can help ensure that their digestive system is working optimally. High-fiber foods contribute to firmer stools, which can naturally help express the anal glands during regular bowel movements.
- Consider Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut environment. They aid in digestion, potentially helping to maintain firmer stools that could naturally express the anal glands. Talk with your vet about introducing a canine probiotic supplement to your Dachshund’s diet.
- Regular Exercise: Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining overall health, including digestive health. Regular movement can help stimulate normal digestive activity and bowel function, which can aid in natural gland expression.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Overweight dogs are often more prone to anal gland issues. By ensuring your Dachshund maintains a healthy weight, you can help reduce the risk of these problems.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular check-ups can help detect any potential issues early, including those related to the anal glands. Your vet can also provide guidance on diet and exercise, tailored to your Dachshund’s specific needs.
Improve Your Dachshund’s Digestive Health Today
Remember, every Dachshund is unique, and what works best may differ from one dog to another. Always consult with your vet before making significant changes to your pet’s diet or exercise routine. By taking these steps, you can help improve your Dachshund’s digestive health and reduce the need for routine gland expressions.
How do you know if a dog needs glands expressed?
There are a few ways to tell if your dog needs his anal glands expressed. If your dog is scooting his butt along the ground, licking his anus excessively, or has a bad smell coming from his rear end, then he probably needs his glands expressed.
How Is the Procedure Done?
Expressing the anal glands is simply a matter of manually emptying the glands of the liquid they contain. This can be done by using a gloved finger to apply gentle pressure to the gland until the liquid is expressed. This will cause the liquid to be released.
You can then wipe away the excess with a tissue or cloth. Once the liquid is expressed, the dog will likely feel relief from the pressure.
While expressing the anal glands is not a cure for the underlying problem, it can be a helpful way to provide relief for your dachshund. If your dog is having anal gland issues, talk to your veterinarian about the best course of treatment.
How Often Do Dachshunds Need Their Glands Expressed?
If your dachshund is scooting their butt along the floor, it is a good indicator that its anal glands need to be expressed. This can be done at home, but it is best to have it done by a professional.
Most dachshunds will need their glands expressed every one to two months. However, if your dachshund is having frequent accidents or seems to be in pain, it is important to take them to the vet to have their glands expressed more frequently.
Can I Express My Dachshund’s Anal Glands Myself?
Yes, you can express your dachshund’s anal glands yourself. The process is not difficult but requires some care and attention. You will need to purchase a small expressing kit from your local pet store, which will include everything you need to safely and effectively express your dachshund’s anal glands.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Expressing a Dachshund’s Glands?
There are no major risks associated with expressing a dachshund’s glands. However, it is important to be gentle and not to put too much pressure on the area as this can be painful for the dog. If you are unsure of how to properly express the glands, it is best to leave it to the professionals and take your dachshund to the vet.
What happens if my dachshund can’t express their anal sac?
If your dachshund is unable to express their anal sacs, a number of problems can occur. The Sacs may become impacted, infected, or abscessed. This can be quite painful for your dog, and may lead to other health problems if left untreated.
Impacted anal sacs can usually be treated by your veterinarian, who will manually express the sacs.
However, your dog may need antibiotics or surgery if the sacs become infected or abscessed. To avoid these problems, having your dachshund’s anal sacs expressed regularly is important.
Summary
Dachshunds are a unique breed of dog that requires anal gland expression every one to two months. The procedure is relatively simple and can be done at home or at the vet.
There are no major risks associated with the procedure, but it is important to be gentle and not to put too much pressure on the area as this can be painful for the dog. Also, if you’re not confident or don’t know the way around your puppy’s body, we recommend you consult your veterinarian to make the best decision for your pet.
