Hello everyone,sd1102 from ga

[sd1102]

I would like to introduce myself sd1102 from ga and say hello.I have a 6 month old male shihtzu. Since this is my first shihtzu, I am sure to have alot of questions for you.

[hazelrunpack]

Hi, sd1102.

I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice about your pup here--there are a lot of very knowledgable members.

Welcome to the board.

[Reality]

hi, welcome to the pet forum.

[jealma]

Welcome SD. I have a female shih tzu named Abby and she's 5 months old. Great to have you here. Looking forward to sharing lots.

[sd1102]

I have a 6 month old male shihtzu,He is always a bundle of energy and the last couple of days he was very lethargy and did not want to eat. So today I took him to the vet and he told me his anal glands were extremely full and he would express his glands, which he did. I would like to ask everyone a couple of questions just to understand this. I would like to know how the glands are expressed? I would also like to know if this is common for this breed, or is it just small dogs that have this problem, and it seems this would be something that occurs as they get older. Six months seems very young. Hope you can give me the answers I'm looking for and thanks.

[jealma]

I was under the impression that that was something that happened when they are older too, meaning a few years old and that that was generally done when they go to the groomer. I have actually read about these glands and it is expressed by pressing in two certain spots around the anul area, but it's advised to get your vet or groomer to show you how to do this because if not done proper you could do harm. I have not had this problem with Abby yet, but since it's already happened for you I will keep a better eye out for it.
Looking forwad to some pictures or your little boy. What is his name? What are his colours?

oh forgot,, no it's not all breeds, and not sure about just small dogs,, but it is a problem with shih tzus

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by jealma

but it's advised to get your vet or groomer to show you how to do this because if not done proper you could do harm.

That's exactly right. I would never try myself....

It doesn't matter the age , but if this occurs often in the future , there is an operation your vet can do , I guess it's to take them out (the glands) but only if this happens a lot , some dogs do get this problem.

By the way , welcome to pets.ca

[sd1102]

[GGQUOTE=jealma;593514]I was under the impression that that was something that happened when they are older too, meaning a few years old and that that was generally done when they go to the groomer. I have actually read about these glands and it is expressed by pressing in two certain spots around the anul area, but it's advised to get your vet or groomer to show you how to do this because if not done proper you could do harm. I have not had this problem with Abby yet, but since it's already happened for you I will keep a better eye out for it.
Looking forwad to some pictures or your little boy. What is his name? What are his colours?

oh forgot,, no it's not all breeds, and not sure about just small dogs,, but it is a problem with shih tzus[/QUOTE]

Thanks again everyone for all the info it was all very helpful. If there is anything that really stands out about t5his breed, that i should look out for or would just be useful info, then i welcome all the information i can get since this is the first time with this breed. Thanks again