Should the groomer express your dogs anal glands?

Does the dog groomer express glands? When groomers express anal glands, it is usually done externally, as it’s illegal for groomers to cross the barrier entering the dogs rectum. When the veterinarian expresses the anal glands, they do it internally. The videos linked below will give you a better understanding of the function of the anal glands, and the groomers role. You will see by watching all 3, that even in the veterinary community there are slight differences in opinion.

As a general rule, we at Grande Style Dog Grooming do not routinely express anal glands because that can actually cause more problems for the dog. We recommend only emptying anal glands when they actually need it, not as a preventative measure.  

Beware of companies who offer monthly memberships and offer this service during grooming, as these services often employ entry level workers who perform the anal gland expression. This is best performed by a veterinarian. 

Does the dog groomer express glands? When groomers express anal glands, it is usually done externally, as it’s illegal for groomers to cross the barrier entering the dogs rectum. When the veterinarian expresses the anal glands, they do it internally. The videos linked below will give you a better understanding of the function of the anal glands, and the groomers role. You will see by watching all 3, that even in the veterinary community there are slight differences in opinion.

As a general rule, we at Grande Style Dog Grooming do not routinely express anal glands because that can actually cause more problems for the dog. We recommend only emptying anal glands when they actually need it, not as a preventative measure.  

Beware of companies who offer monthly memberships and offer this service during grooming, as these services often employ entry level workers who perform the anal gland expression. This is best performed by a veterinarian.

External expression involves applying pressure to the outside of the anal area with a cloth, but this method is less effective and carries a higher risk of rupture. Internal expression involves a veterinarian inserting a gloved finger into the anus to manually squeeze the sacs from the inside, providing a more complete and effective emptying.   

External Anal Gland Expression  

How it's done: A soft cloth or napkin is placed over the anus, and gentle pressure is applied to squeeze the anal glands from the outside.   

Pros:  

Can be performed by some pet owners or groomers.   

Cons:  

Often results in an incomplete emptying of the sacs.   

Higher risk of anal gland rupture or other injury.   

Does not allow for a thorough assessment of the glands.   

Internal Anal Gland Expression  

How it's done:  

The person performing the expression wears a glove and inserts their lubricated index finger into the pet's anus to locate and squeeze each sac between their finger and thumb.   

Pros:  

More effective at completely emptying the glands, especially when secretions are thick or impacted.   

Allows a veterinary professional to assess the gland for thickening or abnormal growths.   

Cons:  

Requires medical expertise to perform correctly and safely.   

Can be an uncomfortable procedure, requiring distraction or sedation from a vet.   

When to See a Vet:

If your pet is scooting, licking their bottom excessively, or has a strong odor, it's essential to have a veterinarian assess them. They can determine if the anal glands need expression and perform it safely and effectively. Self-expression is not recommended, as it can cause injury or worsen existing problems. 

Allergies are a common cause of anal gland issues in dogs because inflammation from allergies can cause the anal glands to become swollen, impacted, and infected. Allergies can lead to increased licking of the anal area, which can introduce bacteria, and may result in digestive issues like diarrhea or loose stools that prevent the glands from emptying properly. Treating the underlying allergies with diet or medication can often resolve the anal gland problems. es, allergies are a common cause of anal gland issues in dogs because inflammation from allergies can cause the anal glands to become swollen, impacted, and infected. Allergies can lead to increased licking of the anal area, which can introduce bacteria, and may result in digestive issues like diarrhea or loose stools that prevent the glands from emptying properly. Treating the underlying allergies with diet or medication can often resolve the anal gland problems. 

How Allergies Lead to Anal Gland Problems

•  Inflammation:Allergies cause chronic inflammation throughout the body, including the skin and the delicate lining of the anal glands, leading to swelling and irritation. 
•  Increased Licking:Dogs with allergies often lick or chew their skin, including the anal region, which can introduce bacteria and worsen irritation. 
•  Digestive Issues:Allergies, especially food allergies, can lead to loose stools or diarrhea, which hinders the normal emptying process of the anal glands during defecation. 
•  Hot Spots:Allergies can also cause skin inflammation or hot spots, and because the anal glands are part of the skin apparatus, these issues can contribute to anal gland problems. 

Signs of Anal Gland Problems 

•  Scooting or dragging their bottom on the floor 
•  Excessive licking or chewing at the rear end 
•  Foul odor 
•  Pain, discomfort, or swelling in the anal area 

What to Do

1. Consult with your veterinarian: A veterinarian can properly diagnose the cause of the anal gland issues and rule out other potential underlying health conditions. 
2. Allergy treatment: Your vet may suggest diet trials with novel proteins or hypoallergenic foods to address food allergies. 
3. Medications: Allergy medications or supplements can help manage environmental allergies and reduce skin inflammation. 
4. Dietary changes:Your vet might recommend a higher fiber diet to help firm up stools. 

5. Probiotics: Supplements containing probiotics and prebiotics can support gut health and improve stool consistency, which is beneficial for anal gland function. 

Did you know that some Countries prohibit anal gland expression of any kind, except under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian! In the United Kingdom, it is illegal for groomers to express a dog's anal glands, as it is considered an act of veterinary surgery. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) states that deciding if a gland requires expression or if it is infected involves a diagnosis, which must be performed by a qualified vet or a veterinary nurse under a vet's supervision. Other countries, such as Canada, also have regulations that discourage or prevent groomers from performing this procedure. 

Laws in the United Kingdom

      • The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 dictates that certain procedures, including anal gland expression, can only be performed by veterinary professionals.

•  The British Dog Groomers' Association (BDGA) advises its members not to offer this service and to refer it to a vet.
•  Violation of this act can result in legal action against a groomer for practicing veterinary medicine without a license. 

Guidelines in Canada

Guidelines in Canada

•  The legality of groomers expressing anal glands is determined at the provincial level.
•  Some Canadian provinces have regulations from veterinary organizations that mandate the procedure be performed only by vets.
•  The Professional Pet Groomers Association of Manitoba provides resources to help groomers understand and follow their provincial regulations. 

Risks of groomers performing the procedure

Groomers are typically only trained to perform an external expression, which carries several risks: 

•  Incomplete emptying: The external method often fails to completely empty the glands, leading to repeated issues and potential infection.
•  Rupture and infection: The delicate glands can be ruptured by improper technique, leading to severe pain and infection.
•  Scar tissue: Repeated external expression can cause trauma and scar tissue formation, making future natural expression difficult and creating a dependency on manual intervention.
•  Missing a diagnosis: Because groomers cannot assess the glands internally or diagnose issues, they may miss signs of infection, impaction, or tumors, which require veterinary attention. 
• https://youtu.be/TiZQ_-6gWwM?si=nkaExgQq9Yrtim0Q