Okay, it's more "fun" than fun, but: does anyone have tips on how to express the anal glands of a small brown* Dachshund? Someone, who shall remain un-named, has a very smelly bottom right now and I don't feel comfortable taking him to PetSmart to get it done...
Which also reminds me - is it safe to trim his nails even though he's in CRATE PRISON? I don't want to hurt his back, so I don't think I can lie him on it, as I used to do; but can I pick up one paw at a time and trim them that way? Should I get help?
Thanks, everyone! I know there are far more delightful things to discuss, but I thought if anyone's going to know this, it would be somebody (or somebodies) here...
Cheers!
Scootersmom
*brown optional
Oh poor Scooter!! The indignity of it all!
Tristan has always had a problem expressing himself LOL so the vet showed me how to do it externally (phew). I usually do it when he is in the shower as it can spray a little but if you have some toilet roll or wet wipes in hand you can do it tidily. Hold his tail up out of the way with your left hand (assuming you are right handed) and put your thumb and first finger either side of his erm poop shute. If Scooter is storing up some liquid there you will feel it like there is a small grape between your finger and thumb. You need to press in a little to help ease it all out but essentially it is like gently squeezing a grape (I have tissue or wipes kind of in the palm of my hand to catch what is expressed). You might need to do a few gentle squeezes to get it all expressed, then a little wipe of the bottom, a thorough hand wash and a nice treat for the little guy and you are done. Tristan never makes a fuss having it done so it doesn't seem to be uncomfortable which is great as he hated having it done by the V.E.T. as you could imagine!!
I hope that helps xxxx
Thank you so much, Gail! That's going to be super-helpful!
One quick question - when you say "wet wipes", can you just use any sort of baby wipes that you get in the store? Or do you need special pet-friendly ones?
I use baby wipes as I imagine they are pretty kind to skin and sometimes bottom wipes (moist toilet wipes) which are also designed to be used in sensitive areas - both are really cheap. I don't use regular hand wipes as I feel they might be a bit harsh with the detergent on them for helping with sticky fingers and they tend to make my hands feel dried out when I use them.
You can always google it will show you pictures of how it is done just do it gently I use paper towels while Patches is in the sink right before a bath also be careful it really stinks you do not want to get it on you.
Quote from: Gail on February 23, 2010, 03:59:36 PM
I use baby wipes as I imagine they are pretty kind to skin and sometimes bottom wipes (moist toilet wipes) which are also designed to be used in sensitive areas - both are really cheap. I don't use regular hand wipes as I feel they might be a bit harsh with the detergent on them for helping with sticky fingers and they tend to make my hands feel dried out when I use them.
Excellent - thank you again!
I tried last night with paper towels, to no avail. SO STRANGE, since the smell is very strong and he's licking almost constantly down there. I will try once more today, with the baby wipes, and if I have no luck I guess it's back to the V-E-T. *sigh*
I'd take him to the groomer, but I'm afraid they wouldn't be careful enough of his bad back...
Quote from: papbouv on February 23, 2010, 06:33:00 PM
You can always google it will show you pictures of how it is done just do it gently I use paper towels while Patches is in the sink right before a bath also be careful it really stinks you do not want to get it on you.
Thank you! I'll Google it when I get home, definitely. Some pictures would be helpful!
Quote from: papbouv on February 23, 2010, 06:33:00 PMYou can always google it will show you pictures of how it is done just do it gently I use paper towels while Patches is in the sink right before a bath also be careful it really stinks you do not want to get it on you.
AHEM . . . :book1:
I'm sorry, but posting photos of some poor pupper having his anus "manhandled" on the Internet is just wrong on SO many levels! :nono:
Have you all lost any sense or propiety? Is nothing sacred anymore? :angel12:
Get a grip Beau, nobody's butt is SACRED!!! Give me a treat and you can squeeze MY butt! :pottytrain2:
Thank you, Merlin, for reminding me why I'm glad we're not related! :pray:
Quote from: scootersmom on February 24, 2010, 09:12:41 AM
I tried last night with paper towels, to no avail. SO STRANGE, since the smell is very strong and he's licking almost constantly down there. I will try once more today, with the baby wipes, and if I have no luck I guess it's back to the V-E-T. *sigh*
I never got the hang of this, either, and I'm a pretty hands on kinda gal. I could definetly feel WHAT I was supposed to do, but couldn't. It's just one of those things that you can't really get enough practice time in, eh? Maybe a warm compress will help a novice? Or have the vet show ya. And, hellllloooo, YA NEED GLOVES!!!!!!!!!!!! :toothy12:
I agree with you Leslie, gloves are a MUST!!! I have never been able to figure it out either. Good luck helping scooter feel and smell better, I would be scared of taking him to a groomer as well.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2090&aid=510 an article from Foster & Smith
If you tried & did not get anything out time for the vet they might be infected if infected really need a vet to do it.
Quote from: Leslie on February 24, 2010, 12:45:49 PM
I never got the hang of this, either, and I'm a pretty hands on kinda gal. I could definetly feel WHAT I was supposed to do, but couldn't. It's just one of those things that you can't really get enough practice time in, eh? Maybe a warm compress will help a novice? Or have the vet show ya. And, hellllloooo, YA NEED GLOVES!!!!!!!!!!!! :toothy12:
Me either...I have tried with all of mine several times and have never gotten the hang of it to get anything out...... Maybe having the vet do it so they don't hurt his back?