Oil Gland

[Old Man River]

Recently, the Vet has told me that it is important to squeeze out the excess oil from my dog's oil glands. I have never heard about this before, but then I watch the Vet do it and see large amounts of oil coming out. How important is it to get rid of this excess oil?

[doggie888888]

Do you mean the anal glands? If this is indeed what you are referring to, then as far as I know it does get blocked once in a while or often depending on the dog. So far, none of my dogs ever needed this done as they have never been blocked. I think sometimes after a period of prolonged soft/loose stools, this blockage might occur. Often, it clears itself when stools return to normal firmness but if not, manual intervention is required. Perhaps other more knowledgeable pet owners out there may shed more light, as this is the extent of what I know. Good luck!

[Big Guns]

Yes its called the anal gland not the oil gland. I had a border collie in England who had this problem and she smelled like a fish wagon. I thought she had a smelly pussy but it was the anal glands. My bull terrier in Thailand has the same proble and it happens a lot. The only solution other than squeezing them is to get an operation for ther dog and getting them removed.

[isanbirder]

A common symptom of impacted anal glands is called scooting. The dog adopts a sitting position, tail extended, and scoots along the ground, or may rotate on one spot. In my experience, this generally clears itself. If not, you can get a vet to squeeze them out, or do it yourself (there must be a diagram somewhere on the web).

[bina]

anal glands; used mostly when dog is shit scared; then release the anal glands... thats how u can tell he/she was scared shitless..

to decompact them u need sergical or any other good smooth gloves; a covering on yourself, and someone to hold the dog.. insert a lubed finger and ....

have a vet show u the first time or so, then try it yourself only if needed. some dogs get maggots in and around their bum and maggots love going in to the anal glands that have been impacted and infected....

smells like rotten sardines for sure; and doesnt come off very easily.. drps of oil of lavender or rosemary in the room help cover the smell ...

bina

israel

[Old Man River]

OK, I didn't understand the Thai pronunciation by the Vet. I know the gland I am referring to produces oil and is in the anal area.

Before last month, I have never had a Vet do anything with this area of my dogs so it is new to both me and my dogs, who by the way aren't particularly keen on the Vet putting her hands in this area. Still, I don't want to do it so I will leave it up to the Vet.