Dr. Walt's happy tails: November 2003

Dear Dr. Walt: I have a chocolate lab, and I was told "not" to have his anal glands done when I have him groomed, and that these glands in large breeds release on there own. Is this true?

The anal glands, found at the 2 and 10 o'clock positions around the anus, produce and secrete a particularly odorous liquid that dogs excrete with their stool to mark territory. For most dogs, these glands empty on their own with no need for assistance. For others, regular expression is important to avoid gland impaction and infection. Whether an individual dog needs assistance or not, only time will tell; regardless, have the glands examined at each convenient opportunity to be able to better decide in which camp your dog falls.

Back by popular demand!

It seems that there has been a rash of 'skunkings' as of late. I have had numerous e-mails from pet owners requesting the recipe to help remove this most annoying of odours from their pets.

Baking soda – 65 mL (1/4 cup)
Hydrogen peroxide – 1 liter (1 quart)
Liquid soap – 5 mL (1 teaspoon).

Mix the ingredients together, work into your pet's coat, and rinse off.

Some other pointers should your pet get ‘skunked'
1. Bathe your dog thoroughly with a regular dog shampoo first.
2. Try and avoid getting any product used in your pet's eyes. Bathe carefully in this area and cover the eyes with your hand when you rinse.
3. Never wear your best clothes to do the bathing, wear rubber gloves, and avoid, if possible, bathing your pet in the house – believe me when I tell you that this smell is hard to eliminate from anything it comes in contact with!
4. Ensure that your yard isn't attracting skunks with easy access to garbage.
5. Ensure you have your pets current on their rabies vaccine.

About Dr. Walt Ingwersen
Dr. Walt Ingwersen is Chief Veterinary Officer at PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. He is a 1982 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College. Board certified in Internal Medicine, he has the distinction of being the first Canadian editor of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, a position he currently holds.

Involved in many aspects of the national and international veterinary community, "Dr. Walt" is the recipient of the President's Award for outstanding contribution to the veterinary profession awarded by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). He is also Chief Veterinary Officer and Chairman of the Veterinary Advisory Board at PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. – Canada's leading provider of insurance for dogs and cats.