Joey had this problem as a pup, and the vet said that some dogs don't push hard enough when they poop to empty the glands. The glands hold a "special" scent and a small amount of this suppose to go on top of each bowel movement. This tells other dogs who they are, and what they've eaten. Now if a dog can't push it out, it builds up and can even become impacted. Groomers use to regularly express glands, but if not done correctly you can push the contents further up, and this can lead to a serious infection. Also, if done when a dog doesn't need it done, some say it will lead to a dog losing the ability to express it on its own. The first time they were expressed at the vet's office, there was a lot to come out, after that, doing it at home, there wasn't that much, but his scooting let me know something was troubling him. I don't know if he outgrew the problem or different food helped. We also have added ground flax seed and a few green beans to his diet, which could help with bulk, but he hasn't had any problems in over 1-½ years. |