[China Maree]

Hi there, I have a 5 year old, female pug who is having anal gland problems. She is doing the constant bum rubbing on the ground, and whenever I give her cuddles and scratches, she tries to push her bum up against me. This started when she was about 3 years old. I've taken her to the vet a few times over this, and she has had her anal glands expressed, but after checking this site, I've come to the conclusion that she may need to have this done every month. Last time they were expressed though, they must not have been emptied, as there was no change to her behavior.

I feed her Hill's Science Diet Reduced Diet dry dog food (because she gains weight very easily), but the vet suggested I add psyllium husk to increase the fiber in her diet. She won't eat it unless I camouflage it with some water and vegemite (I'm Australian), but so far I haven't noticed any difference, she's still rubbing.

I was wondering if anyone knew of any other remedies and solutions to reduce the need to have her glands expressed so frequently, because as many of you know, it's not very nice! :o

Looking through this site, more exercise could help and wet food isn't very good, so should I stop adding water to her dry food?

Any suggestions would really be appreciated, because she's obviously in discomfort, and it's driving me crazy!!

[shazamataz]

Might sound gross but when she had pooped put a bag over your hand and see how firm it is.

The most common cause for anal glands building up with fluid is that the dogs poop is not hard enough. Each time the dog goes to the toilet a little bit of that fluid is expressed but if the poop is too soft it can't help get the fluid out.

Did the husk help at all?

Another solution I have heard of is a little canned pumpkin or unsweetened coconut to help firm up their stools.

[China Maree]

Ewwww, I'll check it out! I pick it up in a bag when we go for walks anyway, but usually I try not think about it or feel it, it's so warm!! :eek:

Nope, I haven't noticed any difference since starting her on the psyllium husk, still lots of rubbing going on.

Thanks for the suggestions Shazamataz, I'll look into the pumpkin/coconut. :)

[shazamataz]

I know.. it's gross!
As much as I don't like it I usually give mine a squeeze just to make sure when they have an accident in the house... the ones in the backyard just get run over with the lawnmower :o :D

As a last resort you could change the brand of food, there are others out there that are low fat foods.

Have a look at the pumpkin/coconut and see if you think it would work for you.

Hopefully you will get some other suggestions over the next day or so from other members as well.