Dogs Anal Glands (sorry!!!!)

marybishop

cruyff73 wrote: »

My 5yr old Westie has the same problem. I give her some Bran sticks with her food in the morning. It;s certainly reduced the number of times she goes to the vet.

Where do you get the bran sticks from?

Firefly

marybishop wrote: »

Where do you get the bran sticks from?

You don't need expensive sticks, you just need some bran from the supermarket or health food stores, that will do the job just as well!

pboae

affordmylife wrote: »

And yes yes yes to the fishy smell so I guess its an appointment for me then.

I did wonder about the local college they do a small animal care course (but i wondered if that was just rabbits and things) or i know that if you take your dog to the !!!!!! the do the wash, nails and glands. Any comments on this anyone.

Every groomer I've ever used will do anal glands if required, but you can ask your vet to show you how to do it yourself, it's not difficul just unpleasant. If it keeps happening then long term you need to look at ways to prevent it anyway.

marybishop

I was back at the vets again this morning as my dog had mucky eyes (conjunctivitis) so while we there I asked the vet to check his anal glands again (1 month on from the last time they were emptied!). They weren't full but he still emptied what was in there. Definitely off to get some bran from the health shop this afternoon as recommended by the vet!!!!

The poor dog hides behind my legs when we go in to the surgery and sits down quick when the vet comes near him!!!!

affordmylife

Thanks again everyone.

My boy hasnt done it again (scooting on the floor) since i began the thread. I did read that this could be enough to release the problem so to speak but I think I will book him in with a groomer for a full wash and brush up and get them checked whilst we are there.

It only happens every so often but I was worried about leaving things so thanks again for all your advise and tips.

snowman2_2

Most vets will charge the standard consultation fee which will obviously vary around the country. Our nurses will also empty anal glands for routine cases for a reduced nurse consult fee. We do offer to show most people how to do it but funnily enough we don't get many takers, it is not my favourite part of the job! A nice, solid stool should help the glands to empty naturally, so extra fibre is what you need and your vet or vet nurse should be able to give you some individual advice.

beachbeth

Firefly wrote: »

Why not try giving him a raw chicken wing twice a week. That should do the trick. NEVER cooked of course, always raw. Mine crunch them like we do celery! Totally agree with getting the vet to empty the glands, or at least show you how to do them the first time.

I would never risk giving my dogs bones of any kind! I know a vet who told me that if you saw the amount of dogs that she had with bits of bone stuck in their throats or gullet you wouldn't give your dog a bone again. A lot of dogs do get away with eating bones but I personally wouldn't risk it! Think of the vet bill!

As for the anal glands, the veterinary nurse should do it cheaper than the vet. Dog groomers also do this. Also, when you take your dog for its annual booster you can ask the vet to do the glands then.

Also, you do not need to buy bran from your health food shop! Pet shops sell bran and its very cheap and made especially for animals. I used to put bran on my dogs dinners but didn't find it made much difference really.

I myself put disposable gloves on and do the glands myself. If I have trouble then I get the vet to do it, because it is worth it! Think of the bill you will get if you don't pay the £27 and their glands get infected instead!

beachbeth

PS: Ring round and get different quotes from different vets. You will be surprised at the difference in prices they charge!

demented_2

beachbeth wrote: »

PS: Ring round and get different quotes from different vets. You will be surprised at the difference in prices they charge!

Hi, I took my lovely dog to the vets yesterday to have her annal glands emptied, I was advised to give her wheatabix or bran flakes in with her meal, just 1 wheatabix per day, substituting the amount of food for the wheatabix. Ordinary value brand from Supermarkets will be ok. The price of the annal gland emptying £12.00, so as beachbeth said different vets charge different prices.

DianeM

beachbeth wrote: »

I would never risk giving my dogs bones of any kind! I know a vet who told me that if you saw the amount of dogs that she had with bits of bone stuck in their throats or gullet you wouldn't give your dog a bone again. A lot of dogs do get away with eating bones but I personally wouldn't risk it! Think of the vet bill!

I think if you give uncooked bones there is no problem as they do not splinter it's when they are cooked they become a problem as they are brittle.