My 2 year old bitch seems to need her glands emptying every few weeks, for the pleasure of which the vet charges £15. Last time I asked him for a demo in the hope I could master the technique, but now I need some urgent help. 

Having inserted a well gloved finger ( ;) ), then what............ should I  feel ??

I have to say I've done many, many dogs anal glands and I've never inserted anything! Just a thumb and forefinger either side of the anal glands and put some gentle pressure upwards and slightly inwards.

Debs

I do as Soli has already said, it's not the best job in the world. lol Have some cotton wool handy.....

Every couple of weeks is quite often tho. Have you thought about a possible change in diet?!! Just a thought

Good Luck

LoisLane :-) :-) :-)

> Have you thought about a possible change in diet?!!

Good advice.   Excellent website demonstrating how the express glands herehttp://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_anal_sacs.html.  Hope that comes through as I'm rubbish at links!

Thank you for the replies. I have been adding bran fibre to her diet for some weeks now, but it doesn't seem to be making much of a difference yet.

I have actually managed to empty something from somewhere now, after watching an online video showing the technique. However I can still fell the sacs, is it normal to be able to feel them if the glands have been emptied or does it indicate that they are not completely emptied ?

ps i gave up with the finger in the bottom method a la vet and just did external emptying.

It might be worth trying adding half a teaspoon of bran to ur dogs food once a day to see if it helps. my cocker spaniel was going to the vets having his anal glands done every 4-6 weeks and my vet was discussing with me about having his removed as they were always infected and pussy. a friend suggested putting bran in his food and now i cant even remember the last time he had to have his done. apparently its something to do with the bran changing the consistency of the poop and making it easier for the glands to empty themselves naturally when they go to the loo. may not help you, but just a suggestion. by the way, its the type of bran you get in pet shops to feed horses, not the type we eat!! (sorry if that was obvious)

becky

edited to add, sorry, that reply wasnt there when i posted this and i see you have already tried the bran!!

> Thank you for the replies. I have been adding bran fibre to her diet for some weeks now, but it doesn't seem to be making much of a difference yet.

Are you giving ordinary bran soaked or just the bran dry ?

some vets insert a finger and others dont, seems to be a personal choice :)

I know what i'd personally choose!!!
Groomers will also empty anal glands as part of the package when grooming your dog

Have you tried weetabix each morning?  Supposed to help with anal gland problems.