Can preventing a dog's stool from becoming too hard by feeding her ground up flax seed -
Also work on impacted anal glands... any connection?

Is there any thing one might feed a dog to prevent this from happening?

Why does it happen? Thanks.:eek:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by violet0019

Can preventing a dog's stool from becoming too hard by feeding her ground up flax seed -
also work on impacted anal glands.............any connection?

Is there any thing one might feed a dog to prevent this from happening?

Why does it happen? Thanks.:eek:

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Just like people, every dog is different. Some never have a problem with their anal glands. Some need to constantly get them expressed. There are certain breeds that are more prone to it than others. The harder a dog's stool is, the less likely the anal glands will become full of excrement and the liquid associated with it. If a dog has chronically soft stools, there is a higher likelihood of the anal glands filling up with liquid. The harder stools push against the glands and squeeze out the liquid, but it doesn't completely solve the problem.

The way to minimize the possibilities is to stop feeding wet foods. Feed a kibble that is higher in fiber to ensure a harder stool. It might not stop it completely, but it does help extend the period in which you have to bring your dog in for an express or evacuation of the glands.

If this happens extremely frequently, some vets recommend surgically removing the glands. Personally, I would rather pay to have the glands expressed and not subject my dog to a surgical procedure.