Fiber for anal glands? HELP PLEASE!!!
 

I think I remember reading once that if you give your dog extra fiber it will help them express their anal glands on their own. Is this true? I had Meeko's anal glands expressed when he was about 4.5/5 months old because he was scooting a lot! His butt didn't smell and when I told the vet about him scooting he recommended expressing them so they did it before I left. Now he's 11 months today and oh my! the smell! lol He hasn't been scooting a lot though. Last night I looked down at him and he was licking his butt. I lifted his tail and the hair around his butt was all wet. Hoping it was just a little peice of poop bothering him, I brought him to the sink and washed his butt and brushed his teeth. This morning he was bitting around his tail and I can smell it. I've read past threads where people describe the smell as fishy. I wouldn't describe it as a fish smell but, it's just as horrible! I have a class from 9-10 today and then I'll get an appointment at the vet. But, I don't want to keep expressing them at the vets. I don't think thats a good thing. My parents dogs never had this problem. I can't imagine it feeling good to him when the vets office does it. So, what can I give him with extra fiber as a treat?

Are there certain foods that cause this more? He was on Canidae but, I've decided to change since the formula change. I tried Orijen for a little bit and then Wellness Core. He loved both. I decided to stick with Wellness because it's more popular here. If Orijen has more fiber in it and will help this problem than I have no problem switching to that. I need your opinion and advice! Thanks so much in advance!!!

I feed mine alittle bit (about a tblsp per dog) of canned pumpkin, not pie filling, mixed with low fat yogurt and water once a day. I haven't had to express the glands in a while. It's actually easy to express them yourself.
here is a site that shows you how


The Anal Sacs Page

Thanks for the website. I just don't know if I'd have the guts or the stomach to do it on my own. :rolleyes: I'll definitely get some canned pumpkin today. He loves it! I had to give it to him once when we were taveling to firm his stool.

I was thinking carrots. Would they work? Or is pure pumpkin better?

I had a long and hard day today and wasn't able to make my appointment. But, I think I was wrong. Well, as far as his butt smelling. When I finally got home, I smelt his butt and it had no order at all. I couldn't believe it. I just happened to be sitting by his half eaten bully stick and then smelt that horrible smell again. :p So, I'm thinking I was smelling his bully stick yesterday morning. I don't know what to think. I really don't want him to have to go through getting his anal glands expressed for no reason. I'm scared taking his to someone and them not knowing how to do it properly. I bought pure pumpkin yesterday and gave him about a tbsp twice, in the afternoon and then late at night. I also gave him a little bit of plain sf yogurt.

Should I go buy some carrots? Will they help? Does anyone have any opinions on Orijen vs Wellness Core?