[stace1214]

I have a goldendoodle who is a year and a half old. Since she was about six months we have had to had her anal glands expressed by the vet every month or so. Over the last two months she has been needing to have them expressed every two weeks. She has only ever been fed Canidae kibble with about a tablespoon of Merrick's "Puppy Plate" mixed in for her morning feeding, then boiled chicken mixed in for the evening feeding. We have tried not mixing anything in, but she will not eat if we don't. The vet has assured us that there is nothing wrong with having her anal glands expressed every two weeks but we are still concerned. Also, we've tried giving her pumpkin and raw carrots, but neither make a difference. Has anyone else had this experience? Is this really not all that uncommon or should we seek another opinion?

 

[jennnej]

My dog used to experience similar problem (not as frequent though), the vet suggested mixing about a tablespoon of metamucil in her food and using anti-itch cream. The vet said to get anti-itch cream for baby diaper rash (I use regular vaseline and it works), put some cream on your fingers and apply on dog's anus (one quick sweep when she is standing). Do this before walks or else the dog will lick it off. I do both for a couple days when I see my dog scooting on floor/licking her butt and her symptoms go away. Hope this helps.

Jenn

 

[Kathyy]

Some people seem to feel an allergy can be involved. Sassy used to need to have her sacs expressed once a month or so. When I changed kibbles she would be fine for several months each time. Strange, I wasn't going to different proteins or starches or anything. When she went on home cooked food due to a health problem she mostly stopped needing them expressed. In the two years she has been eating home cooked food she both stinks less and has needed those sacs expressed only three times. I think the canned plain pumpkin she always gets helps as well. Many dogs love it, try a couple tablespoons mixed in the kibble.

 

[CerbiesMom]

My Cerb needs his done every 2-3 weeks also. I don't understand it, but he does. The other 2 have never needed theirs done.

 

[Canadian Dog]

I've read a suggestion on another forum that increasing the size of the stool will allow the glands to work more efficiently. Instead of feeding 2 meals a day, feed 1 large meal which supposedly results in a larger stool.