[lyphzgud]

so my dog for the first time in his life had his glands fill up and I took him to the vet to get them expressed as I was neverous that it might be other issues and wanted to be safe. The vet expressed the glands and licking problem gone. Being 5 years old and only having this happen once to him I am pretty sure its because of the switch in food to orijen and thus he has had softer stools then he probably should.

so I am aware i need to change his diet to try and firm things up, but I am at a loss as to what quality foods I can turn too that won't produce the same issue. I bought a small bage of acana its a 60 20 20 food that has some oats and rice in it so I am hoping it will help. Its only been a couple of days since the vet checkup so no major changes just yet.

My question is how long can a dog go with softer then ideal stools before his glands fill up again and become a problem? he is part jack russell and pug only 26 lbs.

i am also going to give him a teaspoon of pumpkin to help firm things up and see if that helps. He was on crap food before orijen, but his poops where fine, thus no issue.

also, the vet notices one of his back teeth has tartar build up on it. he didn't say much else about it as the rest of his teeth of very clean and in good health. along with his gums.

But after doing reading on infection and stuff i am scaring myself into panic. i am over reacting right? its just one tooth, i am now going to be brushing his teeth a couple times a week to try and help control further issues. and i was even thinking about scaling off the tartar on the one tooth myself.

thoughts?

 

[Abbylynn]

Leeo has anal gland issues. It caused a bacterial infection of his skin on his back. He has had this issue of clogged glands his whole life and is over 5 years old now. I did not even realize he was having an issue until I saw the sores and scabs starting on his skin. He hid his discomfort very well from me. I am to take him every 6 weeks to have them expressed because his glands are not situated in the normal position. I cannot seem to be able to do this myself. That would be an option if you feel it is going to be an ongoing issue. I too give pumpkin. But due to allergies I must keep him on his current food which is TOTW.

I do not know what other foods would work. For teeth I am not certain as I do not have an issue with this. My dogs chew a lot of hard treats and bones ( nylabones) and their teeth are in good shape. Brushing them never hurts though.

 

[Willowy]

Raw beef ribs are pretty good for getting rid of tartar. Don't give him cooked bones, though.

 

[hanksimon]

Two different sides of the same canine

I recommend brushing his teeth for the tartar, using a finger brush or toothbrush with flavored dog toothpaste (6 - 10 bucks). It may not eliminate the tartar, but will stop the build-up. It can be difficult to get at the very back teeth with brushing or with chewing. The major goal is to try to keep the gumline healthy. Next time you talk to the Vet, ask for his opinion, as well as why tartar in that area - saliva glands, access, etc. ?

As far as anal glands, smaller dogs may need to be cleaned periodically. Ask the Vet to show you how to do it, as well as how to do it safely for the dog as well as you It is not 'harmful' for you, but if you spray yourself, you may feel like burning your clothes and then burying the ashes

My 60 Lb Lab mix scoots on the grass after nearly every poop.... and I've never had problems with a larger dog before. I get him washed at the Vet about 4 times a year, and then also ask the Vet to express his anal glands beforehand... no problems otherwise. Your mileage will vary.