Hi there, can anyone offer their advice on my cocker spaniel?

He has recurrent probs with his anal glands. The vet suggested giving him weetabix or bran to increase his fibre. I have tried feeding him on Hills Science Plan Lamb & Rice (he has a sensitive tummy) and also Burns Pork and Potato. I have also tried giving him Protexin Profibre to see if this helped but no avail. I am thinking of trying a different kind of food, has anyone any suggestions?

Thanks

I use bran in my Leos food and it's worked a treat.  Brocolli stalks are also supposed to help.  My vet said if the problem were to continue we would have to look at actually removing the glands surgically - is this an option?

Have you considered trying a home-cooked diet of various meats (chicken, lamb, offals, fish) mixed with home-cooked rice and some veg (lightly boiled cabbage, lightly boiled carrot) ? If he took to that you could then progress to some raw meat?

Forgive me if you've tried this route, but I think dogs with sensitive tums can do better on a balanced, home-cooked diet and it's not too much work once you've figured out a weekly menu.

> The vet suggested giving him weetabix or bran to increase his fibre.

Two of my girls had anal gland problems and weetabix every morning certainly did the trick for them. I also give them whole carrots regularly as a treat as read on here that they help too.

Thanks for your advice. Would rather avoid the surgery if at all possible.

Thanks for your advice. I think I might get a few books on BARF and read up on it.

Thanks. I think I will stick to what suits him and add in some weetabix & carrot for treats.

One of my girls has her anal glands emptyed regular.
I have put her on JWB complete fish and veg no cereal and have found her much better,only needing it done every 3months,whereas i was having it done every 6weeks before.

Thanks

Hi
My older GSD used to have anal gland probs and they needed emptying every 3-4 months.  Ideally, the firmness of their poo should empty them as and when they get full.  I tried everything, then discovered BARF.  Since being on raw he has not needed his anal glands emptied once - its the bone content that firms them up, raw minced meat with a high bone content ie chicken could be something you could try adding?.  Its been 2 years nearly since we went 100% raw and like I said, not once have his anal glands caused him any problems.  Hope this helps :-)

Thanks