Express anal sacs?

QUESTION: My dog is scooting on his butt across the floor, and a friend told me it's because his anal sacs are too full. What is he talking about?

ANSWER:

He's talking about your dog's anal sacs, which are located on either side of the anus and accumulate secretions from nearby anal glands.

Some dogs' glands must be expressed manually or the sacs become infected or impacted. If your dog scoots on his behind, he needs to have them expressed.

Groomers can handle the unpleasant task of expressing your dog's anal sacs (although make sure you specifically request it). You can also learn how to do it yourself. Place your thumb and forefinger on either side of each gland--they'll feel like small bumps--and gently squeeze. If a foul-smelling brown fluid is released, you've done it correctly.