Hi

I know there are probably a million posts about this but I am a bit confused :(

My working cocker has always  had an issue with her anal glands,  particularly over the last 6 months it has become worse.  The vet has suggested a possible operation but I would rather not go the drastic route if a simple change of diet will help her.  Before we start fiddling and changing her diet using guesswork I would appreciate any advice.

Has anyone had a dog with problematic anal glands and what diet and or brand of food has made a difference?

Thanks :)

I had this problem with my golden girl, emptied about five times in two or three months. I solved it with raw chicken wings. My dogs have quite a mixed diet ie kibble, raw meat/fish, tinned. Giving a raw wing most days settled it all down. The aim is to firm up the stools so the glands empty naturally.

This is a link to a  simple remedy for Anal Glands.

https://word.office.live.com/wv/WordView.aspx?FBsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdownload%2Ffile_preview.php%3Fid%3D532875973476684%26time%3D1390872900%26metadata&access_token=100002005922804%3AAVJjvW92jjt9HWolVitYy1_i6g0T_OL1sygbHlZ7lEIztQ&title=Simple+Remedy+for+Impacted+or+infected+Anal+Glands.docx

This is another good article.

http://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/11014181-holistic-approach-to-anal-gland-problems-in-dogs

Thank you for your advice and articles.  We are going to try the chicken wings and maybe introduce her gradually to raw.

Can I ask though, if you are mixing giving raw wings with normal kibble etc, what dry/complete food are you feeding.  Which is the best brand for the least amount or no 'crap' in? 

Thanks :)

The diet connection has to do with producing 'normal' stools.    Working as they should, with a normal stool, these scent glands should express just a small amount of fluid with the passing of every stool.   During periods of diarrhoea or other abnormality with the stools, things can go wrong - these glands becoming clogged and maybe even infected.

I had one hound who had to have them removed - and believe me, it wasn't a nice surgery so if you can avoid this, please do.    If your Cocker has run into problems back there, these glands (and it may not be both sides) would need flushing and packing (with antibiotics - I find topically treating with antibiotics far more effective then with oral antibiotics).    Occasionally the meds. used may not get to the infection and need to be changed.   And always remember, the more you mess around with these glands, which should never be empty (and they will refill after manual draining but if the original problem isn't sorted out, the same thing will keep happening), the more they may not settle down.   I'd not touch them unless the dog is showing signs of discomfort/a smell!

If she's having loose stools, or the opposite, then you should adjust the diet to get a normal stool.  Otherwise leave the diet alone - it could just be that the original problem hasn't been sorted out (switch antibiotics). My current Basset has had a bout of this, and it's said his anal glands are 'deep set' and there's loads of space back there, so a smallish normal stool may not do the job a big stool, passing through a tight area, will do!!   I can manually drain these, but with him, I've never managed to do this - because of where they are located presumably.   I don't do this 'internally' for fear I do more harm, than good!

Balibee, choice of kibble is incredibly subjective- many and varied debates on here! I used Arden Grange until my girls decided it wasn't for them! They have been on Skinners salmon/duck or lamb and rice for some time now and along with their varied diet seems to suit well. If convenient, I personally don't think you can beat raw and mine love raw meaty bones etc, I stick with using some kibble as I take them away quite a lot and I like to know they will eat the kibble when necessary.

I agree with Mamabas- avoid the emptying if poss and steer clear of the op. It is all about achieving the right type of poo!

My dog had probs with Anal Glands too. Switched to raw and never a problem since. We had a caravan so now and then raw was not an option but fed a reAly good complete on these occasions. Never give raw and complete at the same meal. The two take different lengths of time to digest. It was never greatly received but suffered, she much preferred the raw.