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Whaddya pay for anal gland expression?


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So, my poor boy occasionally looks startled and scared of his own butt. Like, he spins around accusingly, snapping a bit at it. I know he needs his anal glands expressed. The vet did it last time I had him in for a Lyme test. But I called today, and they charge $25 for this service - which takes all of 4 seconds!

 

What do other people pay for this? I'm north of Boston, and I know prices vary by location, but this just seems really steep. Would a groomer do this without wanting a full groom (and full groom price)? I honestly don't have a lot of extra money right now. Reeeeeally don't relish learning this myself. Really.

 

Thanks in advance for your info!

 

Mary

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One of my girls used to get hers impacted about once a year. When I switched to raw food (for which I pay no more than for decent kibble--actually, slightly less), there is no more problem. Apparently the raw food causes the stool to be firm enough that expressing is not necessary. Just a thought,

 

Reeeeeally don't relish learning this myself. Really.

Which is, of course, why they can charge $25 for it!

 

A

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Mary, I charge 8 dollars to do it in my shop. Most groomers I know will do it, just need to call ahead and see when they arent to pressed for time and can get ya in and out.

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i do the dirty deed myself. Mick needs his done about once a month or more often if he's stressed. I asked the vet why so much, his poop is hard enough and large enough that he shouldn't need it done. Vets answer was some dogs just need more help than others. He also told me of a surgery that we could have. I reseached that and no way would I do that to him.

 

Has he been checked for worms? That could also be why he's looking at his bum like that.

 

So....it's not near as bad as you think. Once you get the hang of it and keep important things out of the way like your head or hair.

I'd spend the 25 bucks and ask the vet to teach you how. Otherwise I'd get someone as good as Darci as a groomer and have it done there. But I wouldn't go for just anyone. You can injure the dog if you do it wrong. And if impacted it really hurts.

Darci, do you require a bath for the dog after? The only time I've had my dogs groomed was when I worked at PetCo for a short while. They didn't do it unless I asked. They said something about large dogs not normaly needing this service. So I was left doing it myself after a wonderful bath by someone else. Kinda backwards.

 

Mick even has a command for this. "let me see you butt" and he comes to a stand betweenn my legs, bum sticking out away from me. I hold his tail up with one hand and the other to do the deed. The vet uses a tissue so it doesn't get all over, we just do it in the grass. I keep a diaper wipe handy incase I get it on his hair. If I get in mine....I go straight to the shower! Really...it's not bad, after you get the hang of it! I know it makes Mick feel better cause he comes right over if I ask.

 

one of the joys of having dogs :rolleyes:

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Kristen, I think it is up to the individual groomer. I do anals without requiring a bath, but thats just me. Some gals just dont want to mess with it, but I dont mind, its part of the job. Lots of owners do most of their own dog grooming for breeds that dont need regular bathing and brushing and clips, if I can get them into the shop and help them out, some times I end up with a new client, or they will refer a friend or relative to me. Its just good customer relations, helps out the owner and the dog, and it only takes a mineut. Anals is also part of the groom service if a dog is getting a full groom just like ears and nails unless an owner asks that it not be done. If I notice a dog has an impacted anal, I dont mess with it and refer the owners to their vet.

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