Hi! I'm new here. I've a ten year old Toy Poodle bitch who experiences blocked anal glands every year or so. It's not easy to get to the vet due to my own health difficulty.
Would someone please give me thorough directions on how to empty them? How far do I enter her anus? Which finger? After wearing a plastic glove inserting (which finger?) (how deep?) and KY jelly visualising a clock face 4 & 7 and then gently squeeze up after covering exit with gauze? Is this correct and how can I be sure I'm inside enough and can't harm her please?
Thanks for your educational messages all!☝️

Unless they do need draining for some reason, leave them alone!   I can drain mine, but I never go inside - just push at just below the anus on both sides.   If they are working ok, there should be no need to be draining them.   If they need to be done, a vet should do this unless you are experienced. and he needs to be involved to see what comes out and whether it needs treating.  These glands are never meant to be empty, letting a small amount of the 'fluid' in them with the passing of each normal stool.   During periods of diarrhoea or looseness, they may become clogged/infected however, in which case they would be packed with antibiotics.

As they will refill, you need to look at the dog's diet, so his stools are normal especially if they are continually being impacted.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube, but probably better to get your vet to teach you.

You're not a vet.  Get someone to take her to the vet for you.

A bit harsh but thank you anyway.

Thanks....I agree. My vet did show me a few years ago because Emma tends to need help to expell it as she gets swollen. As it happens fairly rarely I forget or lose confidence. I'll check out YouTube... good advice. Of course if she's infected or has even a mild temp I'd be down the vets like a shot! Thanks for taking the time to answer me.

Thanks for your advice. As there's no infection or increased temp my vet says it's quite safe to alleviate her discomfort. Even though on an excellent diet she sometimes needs a little help. It's happened so rarely I lose confidence but to alleviate her discomfort I'll check YouTube as has been suggested and gently help her. It may be something to do with her breed I guess?

All dogs have slightly different anatomy and some have deeper-set glands than others, and don't empty naturally as easily as 'the average'. For these dogs, leaving them to evacuate them without help is an unkindness and should never be recommended. Good luck with your girl!