Why does my dog cry during anal gland expression? Can I give him pain meds?

Question

My 7 yr. old chug has to have anal glands drained periodically, they take him in a back room away from me and he cries horribly from the pain. Is this method of procedure normal? I read on your site that they are typically sedated because of the pain involved. I'm concerned for him. Also, while waiting for an appointment ( vet depends on the answer to above question) can I give him Tylenol or Ibuprofen to ease his discomfort? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 3 months old | 14 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Hi there. Expressing the anal glands is not overly painful unless they are badly infected, and does not normally require sedation. But it can definitely be uncomfortable, so it's not unusual for pets to vocalize when it's done - just like for other minor procedures like vaccinations, nail trims, or blood draws. No, it is not safe to give any over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen to dogs. If this is a common problem for your dog, you could ask your veterinarian about having some type of pain medication on hand at home for these situations.

Why does my dog cry during anal gland expression? Can I give him pain meds?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?

My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?

Share