Importance of Pet Anal Gland Expression: When, Why, and What to Expect from a Service
As a pet owner, you may have heard of pet anal gland expression, which is a process that involves manually emptying the anal glands of your pet. Anal glands are located on either side of your pet's anus and are responsible for secreting a strong-smelling substance that is used to mark territory and communicate with other animals. However, sometimes these glands can become impacted or infected, leading to discomfort, pain, and even infection.
Pet anal gland expression services are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners, particularly those who have dogs or cats that frequently suffer from anal gland problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of pet anal gland expression, when it should be done, and what to expect from a pet anal gland expression service.
Why is Pet Anal Gland Expression Important?
Pet anal gland expression is important because it can help prevent your pet from experiencing discomfort, pain, and infection. When the anal glands become impacted or infected, they can cause a range of problems for your pet, including:
1. Scooting or dragging their bottom on the ground
2. Licking or biting at their anus
3. Foul-smelling discharge from their anus
4. Inflammation or swelling around the anus
5. Infection or abscess formation
In some cases, impacted or infected anal glands can even lead to more serious health problems, such as sepsis or systemic infection.
When Should Pet Anal Gland Expression Be Done?
Pet anal gland expression should be done when your pet's anal glands become impacted or infected. However, not all pets require anal gland expression, and some pets may never need it at all. Signs that your pet may need their anal glands expressed include:
1. Scooting or dragging their bottom on the ground
2. Licking or biting at their anus
3. Foul-smelling discharge from their anus
4. Inflammation or swelling around the anus
5. Persistent discomfort or pain
If you notice any of these signs, you should take your pet to a veterinarian or a pet anal gland expression service as soon as possible.
What to Expect from Pet Anal Gland Expression Services
If you take your pet to a pet anal gland expression service, the process typically involves the following steps:
1. Examination: The service provider will examine your pet's anal glands to determine whether they need to be expressed.
2. Expression: If the glands need to be expressed, the service provider will manually empty them using their fingers or a specialized tool.
3. Cleaning: After the glands have been expressed, the service provider will clean the area around your pet's anus to prevent infection.
4. Post-care instructions: The service provider will give you instructions on how to care for your pet after the procedure, including what to feed them and how to prevent the glands from becoming impacted in the future.
Pet anal gland expression services are usually quick and relatively inexpensive, but they can be uncomfortable for your pet. If your pet is particularly sensitive or anxious, you may want to consider sedation or anesthesia to make the process more comfortable for them.
Conclusion
Pet anal gland expression is an important aspect of pet care that can help prevent discomfort, pain, and infection in your pet. If you notice any signs that your pet's anal glands may be impacted or infected, you should take them to a veterinarian or pet anal gland expression service as soon as possible. These services are typically quick and relatively inexpensive, and can help keep your pet healthy and comfortable.