When you decided that you wanted to look into a career as a professional pet grooming dog gland expression probably wasn’t your reason for doing so. Although it may not be a benefit for the groomer, anal gland exposure is extremely beneficial to pets that visit you at the salon. Understanding the reasoning and importance behind expressing anal glands for dogs allows us to be more knowledgeable as groomers and be more accepting of the process.
Why Do Pets have Anal Glands?
Anal glands are used in the wild to mark territory or warn predators, much like the stink of a skunk. It is released when dogs have bowel movements in the wild. It gives their stool their very own scent for other animals to identify. For many pets, the release of the anal glands isn’t done properly on their own as a result of domestication. This can result in a number of medical conditions like loose bowels, allergies, or infection that can be aggravating and debilitating for a pet. Some pets learn to release their own glands by scooting on the floor or licking themselves, but many need the help of a groomer or vet to remain properly maintenance. Dog gland expression helps to keep pets regular as many pets have problems expressing their own glands frequently themselves.
How is it Done?
First and foremost, to prevent the risk of the spread of disease, dog gland expression should be done with the right safety equipment. Many grooming professionals choose to wear gloves, a mask, and even goggles as a precaution during the procedure. A gloved finger is lubricated to prevent the unnecessary discomfort of the pet and 
inserted enough to feel the glands. The glands are located southwest and southeast of the rectum and are massaged until the fluid is expressed. There are additional methods to excreting the glands, but this method is deemed the safest for both the pet and the professional groomer.
Expressing Anal Glands to Prevent Anal Sac Disease
A very common disease in dogs, anal sac disease happens with gland excretion isn’t done frequently enough. This is because the fluids stored in the sacs are a breeding ground for bacteria and infection, so the longer it stays inside a pet the higher the pet’s chance for medical problems as a result. First, the glands get irritated by inflammation and start to swell. Dogs at this stage of anal sac disease will have trouble passing bowel movements and may smell putrid with a fishy aroma. Next, the dog will experience pus, blood, or fecal liquid running from the infected area. At this point, the dog is in need of medical attention. It is important to recognize a dog that has anal sac disease so that it is properly recorded before anal gland exposure is performed and you, as a groomer, are not held liable for a dog’s medical ailments. If a dog that comes to you for grooming has anal sac disease, let the owner know that the dog needs immediate veterinary attention to address the painful area and provide the pet relief.
Still Want to Learn to Groom Pets?
If expressing anal glands for pet dogs hasn’t turned you off from becoming a pet groomer, then this career is right for you! There are always pros and cons to every job, but the number one focus as a groomer is always the health of a pet. Anal gland exposure helps to keep serviced pets balanced, healthy, and happy; so it is part of that sole focus of being a groomer. Get certified as a professional pet groomer by the leading pet grooming educators in the country, and the only pet grooming school that offers federal financial aid! Merryfield Academy, located in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, can set you on your path to becoming a successful pet groomer starting today! Give us a call to learn more about our classes, facility, and instructors at (954) 771-4030.
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