[jodell74]

Hello all.

My cockapoo has been experiencing issues with her anal glands for the last few years since we switched dog foods and we've had to get them expressed every two weeks for quite some time now.

I read several threads where it was recommended to switch dog foods. However, our dog is on a special food, Royal Canin SO to help control her bladder stones so that is not an option. The vet also cautioned us on adding too much other food in addition to the RC SO as it will throw off her urine's PH balance.

Pumpkin and adding fiber supplements to the diet was one suggestion but I couldn't find any recommendations of amounts to feed based upon body weight.

Can anyone provide any specifics or any other advice?

Thanks!

 

[roxiefoxie08]

Read these articles hope they help


http://raisinghealthydogs.com/discover-the-health-benefits-of-canned-pumpkin-for-dogs

http://www.ehow.com/way_5183888_natural-remedies-bladder-stones-dogs.html

 

[Brieana]

Has your vet discussed just removing the anal glands, altogether? They're for scent marking and not really that important for modern dogs.
My 14 year old chihuahua was always having problems with hers because she didn't drink enough water and she was constipated all the time. Now that she's eating raw, her poops are all nicely formed and just hard enough to express her glands. I know because when I check them, I don't feel anything anymore. But I was seriously considering getting them removed. We had an impaction scare last summer. Took her to the vet and it turned out I was just too scared to squeeze hard enough.

 

[Bordermom]

I would also go with the raw diet, it will solve both issues nicely if done right. If you can find a vet in your area who does support the raw diet, or other experienced person.

 

[Abbylynn]

I agree with the above. My Leeo had this issue his whole life. I finally had to make a standing 6 week appointment at the vets to have them expressed ... as his glands were not in the normal position and I could not get them to express on my own. He ended up with a nasty skin infection from them being impacted.

 

[Brieana]

I did a little research on kidney stones and it seems like grains and plant matter are one of the root causes. Maybe a raw diet is a viable option for you. Certainly less extreme than an anal gland removal.
If you're interested, join the raw feeders yahoo group and ask some questions. The people on there are so helpful and informative.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/rawfeeding/

 

[jodell74]

She is 11 years old and never had any problems until right around the time we switched to the Royal Canin SO because she had to have bladder stone surgery to have several grape sized stones removed.

I've noticed that since starting the new food her stool had been very soft and that may be the problem.

I've thought about surgery but would like to avoid it at all necessary.

I will read the articles and thanks for the suggestions.

 

[roxiefoxie08]

the pumpkin will help the soft stools as the article i posted earlier tells you the amount you can freeze the pure pumpkin not the one with spices by adding the teaspoons to ice trays when they are ready save them in ziplock bags and serve the amount daily.

 

[hanksimon]

You can buy a can of pure pumpkin from the grocery store for about $2.50, usually in the pie filling section. Organic is better but not necessary. Make sure that you get pumpkin with no additives, no sugar or spice... just plain pumpkin.

Add about 1 heaping teaspoon to the food for every meal. It is harmless and most dogs love the taste (There's no accounting....). It usually helps diarrhea in 3 - 5 days, plus it can help with constipation. Not sure about timing with anal glands.

I use about a tablespoon with my 60 pound dog for diarrhea. And, I keep a can handy, just in case.