My Westie is now almost 6 months old and had to go to the vets recently for an ear infection, while we were there the vet found that his anal glands needed draining (this I was told was why he had been scraping his bum on the ground).  He is now doing it again and he is a bit on the smelly side so I guess its the anal gland problem again.  I read on one of your messages some while ago that you can empty their glands yourself (not a very pleasant experience for either the dog or the owner) but anyway I just wondered if anyone knew how to do it because if my boys going to keep getting this problem I'm going to be back and forward to the vets like a yo yo. Would appreciate your comments XX

Take dog outside, put on rubber gloves (just for this purpose), using thumb and forefinger of one hand whilst restraining dog with other place at 8 and 4 on the anus and squeeze up and in.  You will be rewarded by a spray of foul smelling liquid.

If your dog has an ear infection and full anal glands I might think about reviewing his diet in order to prevent both problems.

"and squeeze up and in."

Tohme.......You forgot 'stand well back'. :)   Seriously, a big pad of cottonwool will help too.

Then go upstairs to bathroom and have very long shower and destroy clothes :D :D :D

Please, please never let me have to do this

You can try it yourself as Tohme described but if you have difficulty it's best to get the vet to show you how as doing it wrong can bruise and may cause other problems. Once you get skilful though it's loads better than having to pay the vet!. :)

Kath.

Thank you everyone for your helpful advise, I think I'll take him back to the vet and get him to show me, I don't want to hurt my dog with my clumsy novice actions.  By the way regarding his diet, you mentioned that it might need changing to avoid this problem happening again.  I feed him on cooked chicken with carrots, brown rice and either broccoli or spinach, I was told that this was best as he is a Westie and they are very prone to skin and ear infections, am I doing it wrong, should I be feeding him on something else?? Would appreciate your comments XXX