Hello

Yesterday I posted a thread about my new 3 yr old Westie bitch Lucy under Feeding, as she is quite picky. When I had her about three weeks ago she didn't seem too bad but has got a bit worse lately. I am doing what you advise (thanks by the way for advice) and putting the foot down for 5 mins or so then taking it up. She is eating a bit each time but not much.

However this morning when I took Lucy for a walk with my old JR she started to go the loo (excessive strainng) but couldn't seem to finish off (sorry to be so graphic) - the motion was sort of stuck. In the end she did go but only after endless straining and she seemed quite distressed.

Do you think this is a result of her diet at the moment and should I give her something for it? She has been OK in this department up til now. Or could it be the anal glands - did notice her scooting along the floor, she looks a bit stained around the anal area. Do anal glands cause constipation? Sorry to be so ignorant.

Would be very grateful for advice. Maybe I should take her to vet? Trouble is I have had 2 tough old Jack Russells for the last 15 years, Lucy seems a bit more, well, fragile!

Sixpence

Hi

Try hand feeding her some tinned pumpkin - it seems to do the trick either way (runs or constipation)... just try and get it down her :)

Cheers
Chloe

You could also try adding bran to her food. Just sprinkle a teaspoon on her meal every day. This helped me with my old dachsie.

I would suggest you take her to the vet - I took on an adult dog and he was picky and shortly started to vomit. He had a large lump of rubber blocking his insides. As you don't know her and her ways it is much better to have her checked out and to feel relaxed yourself about it as this will in turn help her

Christine

If she is scooting around it could be anal gland problem.
As regards constipation you could try liquid parafin but really a trip to the Vets should be safer just to check all is well.