Can someone tell me why dogs have their anal glands done, this might sound a silly question , but b4 joining this site i'd never heard of it,  thanks

Because some dogs glands, whatever the diet, don't empty properly, and become uncomfortable. The usual sign of trouble is the dog either 'scooting' or nibbling and licking at the area. Some dogs however show no symptoms of discomfort at all. One of my own bitches developed an anal abscess literally overnight because one gland had become impacted. Luckily this was cured with oral antibiotics and application of antibiotic cream directly into the abcess (not nice!). I now check them all once a month as a matter of routine.

Basically when a dog passes soft stools it does not empty the anal gland that are situated either side of the anal ring and are part of the dogs scent marking system. If these glands do not empty each time the dog passes a faeces then there can be a built up of the secretion which can cause infection or impaction of the glands.

Now that's what I call synchronisation JG

Synchronised bottoms!! :D

thanks thats great, reason i asked was rosie my westie who is nearly 6 months is going for her first visit to groomers on fri morn, the owner mentioned these glands , i felt a fool , because i didnt know about it .... thanks again

bev

I know what you mean! I felt a complete idiot when the vet mentioned this to me the first time as I'd never heard of it before. Now, however, we are the anal gland experts! Poor Sparky has to have his cleared regularly, though I must admit a spoonful of bio yoghurt and a spoonful of bran in his food does seem to have helped.

Some dogs do seem to have a recurring problem, particularly some smaller dogs. Others never have any trouble at all.