"Stock prices have been quoted in fractions for two centuries, based on a system descended from Spanish pieces of eight. Each dollar was cut into eight bits worth 12.5 cents each."Charles A. Jaffe
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Kids and Pets, will it work?
How can my child benefit from having a pet? 1. Social skills and self-esteem. Feelings and positive experiences with their pet can help children feel good about their own. Loving a pet can also help kids to love and trust other people.2. Exercise. All ...
Pet Drug Patches
The use of transdermal patches within human medicine is very popular for people who may want to quit smoking, relieve pain and even to replace hormones. Can these drug patches work for our pets?Transdermal drugs for animals are very similar to those used ...
Three Steps to Reduce Holiday Stress for Your Kitty
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to nancy@cat-urine-odor-advisor.comThe annual holidays can be a ...
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In the movie The Fisher King there is a rather humorous scene in which Robin Williams' character is scooting himself along the ground by digging his heels in and dragging his bare bottom across the grass. In a jubilant voice he calls out, "Do you know why dogs do this? It feels GREAT!!"
Actually, that's not the only reason. Dogs will exhibit this behavior if the anus or hind quarters are itchy, but it can be a sign of an impacted anal gland which can be a problem for some dogs.
The anal glands are located on either side of a dog's anus and, in the wild, serve as a method of marking the dog's territory. When a dog defecates the glands are naturally compressed and secrete a dark, foul smelling liquid along with the bowel movement. When the sacs are functioning normally they empty whenever the animal has a bowel movement.
Sometimes, for various reasons, the dog's anal sacs may become blocked. When this happens a number of problems can develop. Some are benign as a foul smell but the can lead to serious problems like diarrhea and infection. To intervene before a blocked anal gland becomes an issue, the glands must be expressed.
Expression of the anal glands is a simple medical procedure that can be performed at home or by a veterinarian. Some people prefer to let the vet take care of this task because they find it to be an unattractive duty. To save the expense of a vet, however, it is perfectly acceptable to express the anal glands yourself.
Expressing the
Dog's Anal Glands:
Expressing the anal glands is a simple matter. You'll want to hold the tail up and pull it gently toward the dog's head. In the other hand hold a tissue or paper towel and place your thumb on the left side of the left gland and your forefinger on the right side of the right gland. Squeeze firmly but not roughly and the glands should empty a brown or yellowish liquid onto the tissue or towel. Impacted glands will not empty as easily and may require an internal draining technique. You can do the internal technique at home as well, but you'll need surgical gloves and a tube of KY jelly.
Internal anal gland expression requires that the sacs on either side of the anus be expressed individually and will require that you place your thumb on one side of the gland and your forefinger inside the dog's rectum in order to squeeze and express the gland. Impacted glands will be harder to drain and the fluid may be thick and pasty with a foul odor and a dark brown, grey, or black color.
Infected anal glands may produce a discharge of bloody pus and can be an indication of a more serious problem. The infection should be fought with antibiotics so a vet should be contacted immediately if the dog seems to have such an infection.
About the Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.doghealth411.com/ for more information on dog health, the care of dogs, and dog travel.
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Animal Reports: A Baby Boa? No Just a Milk SnakePatch.comContributed A Hemlock Lane family who found a snake at approximately 9:54 am on May 13 thought it was a baby Boa Constrictor, but an Animal Control officer identified it as an adult Milk Snake (See Photo). A resident had tried to feed the snake a mouse ... |
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