was at the vet today for rabies jab with 4 month old puppy.
Much to my surprise the vet found his anal glands full.
I had expected that at his age and with him being on a completely raw diet and stools being very firm the glands would empty themselves when necessary..Of course they may have had that job earmarked for tomorrow but the vet suggested I added some fiber to his diet to bulk up the stools.
From reading previous posts this does not seem to be recommended.
would anyone care to comment on the age it has happened ,any steps I should take ,pumpkin?,
background,he gets chicken wings with muscle meat as a basis with tripe or liver etc a couple of times a week.He pooped 3 times today.How often do anal glands empty themselves,is it a continuous process,a little every day
all advice welcome
I would try feeding some pumpkin. Not only is it loaded with good vitamins it also has good fiber too.
While the bones in the diet do help empty the glands naturally, feeding a good tablespoon of pumpkin wouldn't hurt, and might actually help. JMO, FWIW.
Thanks for the replies.I want to try and make sure it does not develop into a problem as I assume that they have to be emptied,somehow,through out the dogs life.Don't feel the poohs for softness but they all look well formed when picked up,and generally rattle on the shovel .Will try the pumpkin route {JS}.The vet suggested AllBran !I told him the dog was not that old.Just love all the pictures of posters dogs
Joyce,are you referring to canned pumpkin or fresh?How often would you suggest it should be fed?
Its not the easiest thing to buy here but available over the web of course
Ok so I have been meaning to post about this issue as well. If I need to start a new thread let me know.
My guy is going on 3 years old is on a grain free kibble diet and is currently on meds for his second infection. Vet suggested adding fiber and getting them expressed every 3-4 months.
Tracy Collins Webboard User Reg: 10-09-2008
Posts: 1917
Loc: St. Louis, Missouri
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Quote: Michael_Wise
I wouldn't give this any special thought unless it turns into a chronic problem. Anal glands happen.
I agree with this notion. I have four raw-fed dogs that all eat exactly the same thing at every meal. Of these, one still requires having her anal glands expressed at every bath (about every 8 weeks or so). One dog had to have them done once. The other two, never.
Unless they are impacted or infected, anal glands are a grooming issue, not a health issue. It's easy to do yourself, if you need to. Do it when you give the dog a bath.
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