Home Remedies for Anal Gland Problems in Dogs: Tips and Tricks
The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Posted by Sue Ann (Beachwood, NJ) on 11/17/2006 ★★★★★
I read an article in a natural dog publication I receive about giving a dog with anal gland iissues unsweetened coconut and coconut oil (both can be purchased at a health food store). The coconut bulks up the stool with fiber and the coconut oil softens the bulked up stool a bit. For a dog about 30 lbs., you work up to 1 teaspoon of the coconut oil, and work up to 2 teaspoons of the unsweetened coconut. The coconut has to be soaked in water until its wet so it can be digested more easily. I only began this remedy 2 weeks ago, but don't notice my dog "scooting" as much as he used to.
My dachshund gets impacted anal glands and the sooner you have them taken care of the better. You don't want them to get infected. After years of this I discovered my dog is allergic to all meat proteins with the exception of fish. When she get some beef or chicken in a product like a treat or dental chew with meat proteins she has anal symptoms. I have to read the packaging very carefully to ensure there is no meat proteins. It's not always evident by the packaging. If your dog has a chronic issue check with your vet to see if they can be on a fish diet instead of a land animal protein diet like beef, lamb, chicken etc...
Posted by Miss Ellie (Minneapolis, Mn) on 04/20/2018 ★★★★★
I have an 11 y/o, 12 lb, shih-Tzu-maltese, Ellie. I must say I LOVE EARTHCLINIC and thank you ALL for taking time to contribute natural alternative remedies. My dog has refused VET treatments for at least 1/2 of her life because of all the great info on this website!!! So, I'm going to chime in for all that has worked so well for her so others can benefit as well. This one has to do with unusual scooting issues all fall through winter.
I finally ordered the Silicea 6x on Amazon since no one carried it at a brick and mortar here. Started giving her 1 pellet/day and slowly increased to 3 pellets/day until her scooting eventually stopped and her poop was more solid. It took about 2 weeks (give or take). Oh what a relief, she says!! If I saw her start to scoot I'd just give her another one time dose and she was fine.
Chunck off pieces, bite size. Eat some yourself, let them see, then put the piece in your mouth for that smell they like. Most likely they will learn to like it! And its crunchy.
My question regarding the pumpkin cure for anal gland problems, having a 20lb Cavalier, what dosage should be given and how often, and for how long? thank you so much for the great solution, as she is having an anal gland rupture today and we cannot see Vet for 2 days, he's out of town, so we are looking for any good help
Posted by Mccavalier (Mckellar, On Canada) on 05/29/2011 ★★★★★
My understanding in treatment of anal gland abcess is to give low potency hepar sulph first up to 3 x daily until the abcess breaks, then use Silicea to clear it away. I also use a cue tip to keep the hole open until all the pus drains away. In addition I use a warm water and natural soap compress several times a day. This procedure works very well.
Dear Evelyn from Tampa; How much pumpkin & coconut did you feed your pom? I have a pug who is having the same problem. I remembered hearing about this so I looked it up, but now I need to know "exactly" how much you use... Thanks, Terri from Ohio
Dogs can develop pancreatitis from high fat foods. That's why they shouldn't be given turkey skin or avocado for example. I would be very careful with the coconut and coconut oil. Other things that are poisonous to dogs are: onion, garlic, walnuts, macadamia nuts, chocolate, avocado, turkey skin, grapes, raisins, xylitol, any sugar alcohol, artificial sweetners. Almonds and brazil nuts are O.K. in extremely small quantities as they too are high in fat and can cause pancreatitis.
Just read this post through.... learned about pumpkin for AG issues. My rescue cat (had him over 5 years now) has never had AG issues before.I love EC and have learned so much to help me, so thought I would give the pumpkin a try.
The biggest question seems to be about how much pumpkin to give your pet. Well, I just walked to my wholistic pet health center - they bake treats for our pets! - and found Organic Pumpkin. The product says 1 Tbs. per every 10 pounds of pet weight. The pumpkin is organic and the can is BPA free, made in Oregon.
I will try this for the AG issues. Had them "squeezed out" by my vet yesterday, but thought to look for something organic and preventative. I hope this works!
IF I do not post again - it works great. Long live our furry friends.
I have worked at a vet for years and have had to take care of pets who had been poisened by garlic you may have got lucky but please do not tell people to give there pet garlic as I have seen it nearly kill atat least 12 dogs!
Posted by Belinda (Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia) on 08/28/2009 ★★★★★
I have a 5 month old miniature dachshund that was experiencing discomfort associated with blocked anal glands. I read on a website to feed them pureed pumpkin as the fibre helps to clear the blockages. I boiled the pumpkin in plain water, then drained and pureed. Once cool, I gave him 1/2 a cup that night and 1/2 a cup the next morning. It worked a treat!! He has had no more symptoms.
Now i will freeze a batch in portions and give him some each week.
Posted by Christie (Up North, Michigan) on 05/21/2009 ★★★★★
Canned Pumpkin for dog anal gland problems:
My husband and I have been using 100% canned pumpkin on my cocker spaniel as needed for about a year. I found this remedy online when researching her abcessed anal gland problem. We are pretty in tune with her and can notice right away when she is beginning to get a little discomfort in the area, tucking her butt in when she sits, the licking and scooting etc.. we immediately give her a tablespoon of pumpkin every night for a few days and it completely takes care of the problem. Her stools become more formed and compact - not to mention orange from the pumpkin.. But it takes care of the problem for several weeks at least, we'll give it to her whenever we think she might be brewing another swollen gland, or if we notice her having a bout of loose stools. I swear by this and recommend it to every pet owner I know.
It's been just over 6 weeks since Cowboy starting using pumpkin for his anal sac and hairball issues and I'm simply blown away by the results.
He's been to the vet twice since his last anal sac abscess (12/20/08)for rechecks and each time his glands have been empty. That alone is simply miraculous. In the past he wasn't able to empty his anal sacs naturally through defecation. Prior to the pumpkin remedy both of those vet visits would have resulted in the vet having to manually express his glands to prevent them from abscessing. The pumpkin appears to have cured him of this horribly painful and long-term condition.
The other issue was the daily or 4-5x per week hairball vomiting. Having to clean the mess I've always monitored the condition very closely. I would mark the calendar each time he would throw up with either a V if he threw up and there were no hairball seen or an HB if I saw a hairball. It was very common for him to throw up between 18-24 days monthly. Since we've begun the pumpkin remedy he's thrown up only one time in February.
This was a chronic condition for most of his life and the vet kept telling me because he was a long haired cat it was basically something we'd have to deal with. She prescribed the petroleum malt products which is supposed to help lubricate the digestive tract and allow the hairball to pass naturally. I may have used 1/4 of a tube, if that, and just threw that stuff away because it didn't work. Also, I never felt comfortable giving my cat a petroleum based product anyway.
I am so elated to have discovered the healing properties of pumpkin. I'm convinced Cowboy will live a much more comfortable life because his digestive system is working efficiently now.
As for the amount I give him it's certainly been a process where I started off using approximately 1/2 tsp mixed in his meal of grain-free canned natural cat food and about 1/2 medallion of raw cat frozen food (nature's variety). We've worked up to 1 tsp with each meal so he's getting about 2 tsp daily now.
He's also getting a small amount of probiotics with his morning meals to help restore some of the good bacteria that died off with the antibiotic therapies for the abscesses in the past.
Thank you Earth Clinic contributors for this valuable natural remedy. I'm eternally grateful!
Posted by Peggy (Delbarton, Wv, Usa) on 08/18/2011
Elaine, did you have to take your pet to the vet to be diagnosed with anal gland issues? I am using the coconut oil with my biggest dog whose had some problems with her AG. The vet wants her shots updated before seeing her. I do not want her to, so I'm trying to take care of things myself. The "perfume" smell she emits lets me know it's these glands. She loved the coconut oil and I even glazed the pan with it before baking her yam treats. I realize it's been a few years since your post but I'm hoping like me you check back here often. :)
Posted by Apryl (Aiken, South Carolina) on 01/02/2012
I have the same problem with my dog. He is a fairly big male (70)pds. He seems to have anal gland problems often. He has expressed them on my bed a couple times.. Puhhhhh!!! I feed him "Halo" dog food and put some brown rice in it as well, but it doesn't seem to be helping him! So, I thought of going online to enquire about.. Here I am! I will try these (coconut & pumpkin) and see how it goes. I'm so glad I found this page, thank you!
Posted by Katherine (Townsville, Queensland) on 02/22/2012
Hi, could the lady that treated her dog for the absessed anal gland that ruptured let me know if it cleared up on its own. My little chi has a ruptured one as well and I am just bathing it with warm salty water to keep it clean. Did she have to get an antibotic as well.
Posted by Julie (Bridgwater, Somerset, England) on 11/19/2012
Could someone please tell me how much coconut oil you give to your dog along wilth pumpkin and how often??? Also for how long (days/weeks/months) do they need to take this for their anal gland problems? Also do we give our dog this pumpkin/coconut instead of her food or mixed in with her food? All answers gratefully received.
Posted by Kathy (Charleston, Wv) on 05/07/2014 ★★★★★
I can't recall the site, but I believe it was 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil for every 10 lbs of weight. This was the dosage for overall health, digestive, shedding, cleaning plaque from teeth, etc. I was giving to my dog daily but I have reduced it to 2-3 times a week. My dog's weight is 60 pounds and I usually give her a heaping teaspoon (a little under the recommended dosage). Her coat is very shiny, and her shedding has decreased. My cats won't take, I liquify the coconut oil and use a syringe to give to my cats once a week. The solid will liquify at 72 degrees or warmer, make sure if you melt it, that it is not too hot to give by mouth. They also have a coconut oil softgel that is easy cosumption and to put in ears to clear up mites or parasites in the ear. I suggest you research yourself -- just "Google" coconut oil uses for pets. PSS - I take coconut oil myself.
Posted by Cathy (Bensenville, Il) on 03/10/2017 ★★★☆☆
My 6 month old dauschounds are boys and have the anal gland problem every 3 days. I use puppy focus food with yougurt in the morning and pumpkin and organic coconut on their food at night. I have been doing this for 4 months now. their poop looks great. but the anal gland smell still happens yuck. So any other suggestions for diet? please help...
Posted by Dharma (Phoenix, Az) on 04/17/2007 ★★★★★
Hi, About 20 years ago I spent thousands on antibiotics for my Borzoi's anal gland infection. I finally had a radionic analysis done and the homeopathic, Gunpowder 3x was prescribed. It can be highly antiseptic/antifungal. Since then I have seen that in animals if antibiotics do not work it is often fungal. For whatever reason gunpowder 3x has saved more than 1 animal from dangerous surgeries and amputation.
I do have a challenge I am working on and would like some advise if any have suggestions. What would you use for a deep anal fistula in a German Shepherd? What is generally used is an immune suppressant such as cyclosporin and it works well at close to $300 a month forcing many owners to have to make terrible choices and with cyclo it is evident that the animal feels awful and soon will begin to limp and become very weak. This is common in Shepherds and is quite a challenge.
I have tried the standards such as Silicea, Arnica Calc Sulph. Some temporary relief from Glyconutrients mixed with Three Lac but then it fights back and gets considerably worse. I thought primal defense or Ohira's would do it but not so.
Posted by Janet (Annapolis Md) on 05/03/2022 ★★★★★
I use wheat bran in my kitties food with digestive enzymes powder for cats. Helps constipation. I also make him chicken broth with carrots in broth while simmering. He loves it.
Could you please let me know how much garlic you gave your dog and did it help the anal gland situation.
My lab has ongoing issues with anal gland and has bleeding from these issues. She has been on antibiotics the last 3 months. I am resisting surgery and looking for alternative solution.
Posted by Cathi Watson (East London, South Africa) on 05/13/2014
Good Afternoon. My female Boston Terrier has serious anal gland blockages. You mention 1/4 carrot every mealtime. Do you cook the carrot or grate it over the dogs food raw?
Posted by Tttailor (Worcester, Ma) on 08/18/2012 ★★★★★
My Toy Fox Terrier has the same anal glad problem and I switched her food to Science Diet WD which is a precription diet food from her vet. She no longer has any problems. I did try switching her to an organic dog food and her glands flared up a few months after the change. Went back to Science Diet and not messing with her food again!
Posted by Suseeq (Sydney, Australia) on 08/03/2016
Brenda I totally agree with you. The people that care to look into their animals ailment and say to them self now what can I do to help my animal are totally dedicated. I have 3 occasions I took my animal to the vet and lost them every time. Now I treat them at home. I know when I need to go after all years ago. We only had old bush methods, but arm yourself with knowledge because you can help a lot of situations without drugs. Good luck for now and the future.
Pumpkin (Really low in sugar) 1 Big can has only 1% sugar. It's a really good source of fiber an option for not only anal gland problems but also for constipation. (As our pets age they go through the same issues a geriatic elderly person would go through). I have a diabetic cat that suffers with AG problems and my other cat suffers with constipation. They are both on a wet food diets with no sugars. Which means High in protein and low in carbs. . (No soy protein, grain, veg, fruits in the food etc etc) Absolutely no dry. Anyway since then the one with constipation issues it has not come back (Adding 1-2 table spoons of pumpkin a day) Keep an eye on their stool it should not be runny if it is cut back you are adding too much. Neither have a problem with eating it as I mix it well into their food, with egg whites which help to strengthen the kindeys, vitamins, and every second day Chicken Gizzards (RAW cut into tiny pieces - if you have a grinder grind. ) (The nutritional value is really high and it's the closest thing I can think of to implement what they would eat in the wild) Store bought for humans. (Really cheap)
As for the anal gland issue if he gets another infection (could be his stool is too hard affecting the glands) it will usually open the same wound from the last infection. The best thing for this is a Syringe and Saline solution that you can get from the pharmacy. Use it like an enema and the salt water will kill any kind of infection! Instantly!!! Do it as often as you can and watch the infection come out. This is only if you notice in an emergency situation (Late at Night) then bring them to the vet for a check up to make sure all the infection is gone. This happened to me before and when I brought him to the vet the vet said there is nothing wrong with him and didn't want to give an antibotic.. Which I was fine with. (A thermomonitor is also your best friend and to know what the normal level of for your dog or cat is valuable)!!! That is all the vet did was take his temperature and looked at where the infection was. (The whole lump dissapeared). You can also use saline for a wound, tooth infection, eye infection any kind of abcess... But you must also bring for a check up to make sure the infection is gone. Good Luck
You said that you used Belladonna. What symptoms did your dog have that had you decide that?
I only had Silica 30C and it seem to make it worse, so I went back to Heper Sulf. From what I've read, the Silica pushes stuff outside of the body and the HS makes it go away.
My dog has been getting better with HS 30C three times a day.
From what I have learned in Classical Homeopathy, I don't give a "course of treatment," but I observe the symptoms and that rule what I do.
Oh, and I had my dog on heavy antibiotics and they were no miracle cure for this.
The Silica 6x is supposed to be good for pushing stuff out of the body. I need to get some and try it. It would be good to hear experiences that people have treating the anal sacs. I could see that you might need to alternate them. Of course again, we go by the symptoms. Also, a trained homeopath would go by more than just the problem with the anal sacs and look at the dog as a whole.
Another thing, I feed my dog only raw meat and meaty bones. This is the first time he has ever had this problem in six years. I had to leave him for two weeks just after he was bitten and getting rabies shots. Google the raw meat diet and that might be something you want to consider.
Posted by Denise Ward (Westboro Ma) on 04/29/2017 25 posts
We used to give our dogs everything, never had a problem. I wonder why suddenly it's not ok to give dogs these things. The story about the avocados is telling. The dogs ate the whole avocado and did this every year. I'm sure we had lots of garlic and onion in the food the dogs would get off our plate back in the day...
Posted by Kelly (Nashville, TN ) on 11/21/2008 ★★★★★
Canned pumpkin (100% pure pumpkin) is a great cure for dog who must have their anal glands expressed due to impactions. Also, my two dogs take enzymes and herbs daily. The herbs smell (and most likely taste) really bad. I mix them in a few teaspoons of pumpkin and add a couple of drops of omega 3 and vitamin E and a drop or so of Agave nectar. No problem getting them to eat this.
Posted by Jackie Page (New York, Ny) on 09/21/2014
SHERIE (And LINDA) - Many years ago, my German Shepherd had an impacted anal gland. Her vet expressed the fluid - and told me that it would never go away. That I would have to keep bringing her in every so often so he could expel the fluid.
So, I started her on Vitamin C. The impaction never came back. This was a long time ago, so I forget what dosage I gave her (I'm guessing 500mg/day - spread out. She weighed 90 lbs) And, I don't remember for how long.
As I understand it, Vit C can be safely be given to cats up to 1500mg/day. I wouldn't use this much for your cat - maybe start with 100mg/day spread out over 3 meals. If it doesn't work - then, SLOWLY up the dose a bit. Repeatedly, if needed. (I've never needed to use more than 300mg/Day for a 10 lb cat for issues like Upper Respiratory). Use Vitamin C Capsules - so you can empty the powder into her food. Get a low dose capsule - so you can guesstimate the amount you're giving. And, Use Ester C or a buffered C, so it has less chance of upsetting her stomach. Do keep Baby Rice Cereal around to mix in her food - in case it causes diarrhea. AND, VERY IMPORTANT - if your cat has kidney problems - the C may not be safe for her. You should check with your vet (an alternative/holistic vet may be better to ask). If she's an older cat - Kidney problems are more likely. You might want to have her kidney function checked with blood work - even if she's not that old.
PS: Libby's makes pure pumpkin in a can - no other ingredients.
Another option that might work: 4Life Transfer Factor - Classic Formula. This is more expensive than Vit C ? but, it has alleviated/cured virtually every condition I've come across personally. Even conditions that vets had given up on (Including mammary tumor cancer in cats).
It is very safe, and will not conflict with any meds (Except for High-Dose Steroids - since Steroids knock down immune cells - and TF builds them up). TF is comprised of the same immune molecules you find in mother's first milk (Colostrum). It transmits immunities ? and quickly helps the body make more immune cells (I've seen this documented in blood work on my cats). I've also seen it actually repair "Stem Cells" (which are the cells that develop into tissues/organs)- so that it can sometimes even "fix" the damage.
It comes in capsule form - Open Capsule and add the powder to wet pet food. Most animals like the taste ? will lick it off the top (Otherwise, mix it into food). It can also be used topically ? sprinkle/dab the powder onto wet area. You can make the area lightly wet first - with a small amount of water on skin).
It is available only on the internet (4life.com) or through distributors. I recommend this specific company, because - this is the only company I have found that makes a product that contains ONLY Transfer Factor Molecules (Nothing else added).
This Transfer Factor Formula is much better than colostrum (which you can get in retail stores) - as it does not contain any milk, so can be used cross-species (This is a human formula), and, these TF molecules are 2000x more concentrated than in Colostrum. Good Luck, Jackie
Posted by Jes (Jackson Heights, Ny) on 02/07/2012 ★★★★★
I started with 2 prunes for my Beagle. I now give her one prune daily and no scooting. I have to try to figure out how to get my cat to eat them since she has a scooting problem now.
I also have a german shepherd with an anal fistula. It was the size of a pea and growing - opening fast. The vet put him on some over-the-counter drugs, (Very very Inexpensive) about $20 worth, and it closed up like magic. Since then he has been on a low dose of prednisone for about 2 years, I am now wanting to get him off that so have started weaning him very slowly and at the same time changing his diet to include coconut oil, kelp milled flaxseed, acv, yoghurt and a few other bits and bobs. So far so good. Every time I googled "Fistula" up popped thousands of sites on Crohns Disease in Humans. It appears to be very similar, so in the end I searched for natural cures regarding Crohns disease. If you want the name of the drugs I initially used to HALT and SHRINK the fistula, I will find out for you.
Question on dog anal glands. I am going to try the pumpkin and coconut. My Murphy (Shi-TZU) has very small openings on his glands. I feed him raw diet meat and veggies. His stools are solid, but I'm guessing it is because of the small openings that the glans need expressing so often. Can't be expressed from the outside. Tech or vet has to go in internally. Poor little guy. Now only 3 weeks apart and had a litlte infection last time. Hoping the coconut and pumpkin work on him. He loves the pumpkin right out of the can!
Posted by Saida (Fort Collins, Colorado, Usa) on 02/03/2010
My 9yo German Shepherd has severe perianal fistulas. Atopica (cyclosporin) helped at first but it came back. Now it is really bad, he is on Protopic (topical immuno-suppressant?) and it doesn't look like the fistulas are healing. The treatment is very expensive!
For Sue from Otago, New Zealand: Could you please give the name of the drug you used? Thank you!!!
Posted by Shelly (Garden Valley, Idaho) on 07/16/2011
I am also interested in finding out the name of the inexpensive over the counter drug used to cure the perianal fistules. Sue from Otago, New Zealand, I hope you are still checking in and will send the info.
Dharma mentioned acidophilus that did not work on the fungal infection. Saw mention of S. Boulardi acidophilus of this as being good for candida said to flush it out. Worth a try. May have to order on line.
Posted by Margaret (Worcester, MA) on 11/11/2006 ★★★★★
feeding approximately 2 tablespoons canned 100% pure pumpkin 2X per day (for a dog weighing about 100 pounds). This cures anal sac impaction. My Rottweiler had anal sac problems from too soft stools and was in misery after eliminating. We had to take him several times to the vet for her to express the sacs- which he found rather unpleasant. She suggested we increase the fiber content of his diet and suggested we try the pumpkin. We started out with 1 tblsp/feeding (twice a day) and then upped it to 2 tblsp/feeding (twice a day) because of his size. He loves his pumpkin and has it every day. He has not had one bout of anal sac problems since we have started him on the pumpkin and this has been for almost 2 years now.
This morning my 3-year-old cat dragged poop all over my house. I searched the net on why and found that she might have impacted anal glands. I took her to the vet, and sure enough, they said that was her problem, and they had expressed them. The cost to me was $25.00 and I really can't afford extra expenses right now. Also, I don't ever want poop all over my house again. So I came to Earth Clinic and read how much canned pumpkin had helped other peoples' pets-even cats. I went out right away and there was one can of pumpkin left at the grocery. I mixed it in her wet food (I give her dry, with a couple of spoons of wet) and she ate it happily. I was curious, and put a little half spoon of pumpkin also in her bowl, while she was eating--and she ignored the rest of her food, and licked up all the pumpkin! Next thing, I found her scraping around in her litter box, which had been untouched for the last 24 hours. I believe this has solved the problem, very easily--thank you to Earth Clinic, and to all who post here!
My elderly dog started having anal gland issues - leakage and was licking his rear end constantly. I recently moved to the area and haven't found a vet yet so I researched remedies on Earth Clinic and the net and found a great article about Silicea 6c for Anal Gland leakage. I bought it online and promptly tapped 2 pellets into the side of his mouth to dissolve as soon as I got them. (Didn't touch the pellets). I repeated this twice a day.
His issue was better in 24 hours and solved in 3 days. What a fabulous remedy.
Posted by Opinion02122 (Attleboro, MA) on 08/21/2014
My dog just started with anal gland problems. I spoke to two different vets and was told a teaspoon of pumpkin a day will do the job. My dog is a 27 lb. Cavachon. The size of the dog I'm sure has an impact on how much to give, so check with your vet. Also, make sure it's 100% pumpkin and not pie filling. Check the ingredients!
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
The reply you have posted to is from 2013; in case the original poster is not around I will try to help.
You can use the standard ones for humans with dogs no problem. Some people prefer to use yogurt or kefir; I prefer the capsules as there is no complication from dairy and they capsules contain greater quantities of the probiotic. I just use 1 capsule am and pm in the food. I switch brands up often so as to get a wider variety of strains of probiotic species because if you over load the gut with just 1 species of probiotic it can have the same consequences as having none.
Hi everyone ... My female cat is about to be operated on for removal of anal glands next week ... I can't get pumpkin anywhere so I've sent off for some which should arrive tommorow and I'm not sure if it's got sugar in it yet!!!!! Is there anywhere that I can send off for it please ?? I'm in United Kingdom X
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
If you cannot find plain canned pumpkin at your market, do they sell fresh squash? Squash is far more common in the States, but I think it is increasing in popularity in your neck of the woods so you might be able to find it. Bake the squash and scrape out the meat and pulverize it in the blender and add that to your tinned cat food. Pumpkin /squash add bulk to the stool which helps express the anal glands when your cat defecates. To that end, in a pinch, many root veggies may suffice- beets are commonly added to pet food for bulk/filler because it does help with stool formation. You might also consider psyllium husks or other human products used to improve the consistency of stool.
I have a great dane with anal glands that need to be expressed quite regularly. because he stays indoors i can normally tell early on that he is developing a problem due to the odour and call in the vet. but it is a painful process for him and i want to avoid it if i can by starting a herbal remedy. i would like to start the pumpkin regime but have a silly question to ask. do i skin the pumpkin before i boil it? and for a great dane how much should i give him to begin with?
would really appreciate it if someone would please help me. i would like to start as soon as possible.
thank you.
EC: According to Margaret (11/11/2006): ..."feeding approximately 2 tablespoons canned 100% pure pumpkin 2X per day (for a dog weighing about 100 pounds)"
If your pet has a ruptured anal gland, see vet ASAP; if your vet is , "out of town" see another vet! Anywhere! OR go to ER ... For animals! Your vet should have provided you with another, even if it's their competition!
First stage swollen , constant licking, scooting, less pooping! If it's at the second stage "saculitis" its infected... with bacteria. Third stage is an abscess (vet will drain); next is ruptured... ( avoid this ) Which means a gaping slash that is guaranteed to get infected in a really serious way... also is extremly painfull!!!
If you got to the third stage, you really need to know your pet better! P.S. if you're too broke to even own a pet try hapar for 1 week if infected, then followed by silica the next week.... If no infection... Just use the silica for up to 10 days, call holistic vet/ doc or health food store .. find out dosage depending on weight... Or look it up, these natural remedies are not dangerous given in excess; better to give more then less. Don't forget a warm compress daily! Apply pressure if you're going to express yourself.... Keep away the crusties - don't wanna block the glands. P.S. ONLY buy Canned pumpkin at PET store... Try the lite, better for overweight, it also has oatmeal = more fibre.. Look up ways to add more fibre for a better stool, the more pushin expresses the cushions for the tushin... Lol
Posted by Saskatchewan Girl (Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 07/09/2009 ★★★★★
Pumkin for stinky dog
Our dog had an accident with a loose stool on the floor about 4 days ago. It has been walking around since with a skunky type smell coming from it. I washed the dog thinking that maybe it had rolled in the stool which also had the foul odour. It worked for about 5 minutes when the smell returned. The dog had loose stools for 3 days when I just put him on straight rice...still the smell was awful but no more accidents on the floor. After 4 days of smelling skunky dog fart smell in our house (truly enough to make your eyes water in any room), I found this site about pumpkin. I started yesterday around noon. I gave 1 cup food to 1/4 cup pumpkin. About 4 hours later I repeated the same as the dog was still hungry. I searched the yard around supper time for an orange stool to see if he had passed anything firmer. I didn't find stool but what I did find was totally disgusting. It looked like a kiwi skin with white bones sticking out of it entwined in hair. It wasn't there earlier so I'm guessing it came out of the dog. After inspecting it looks like just the fur from a mouse and bones that have been stripped of meat. I'm guessing the dog ate this small rat/gopher (probably taken from our cat who only kills for pleasure) and ate it. With the amount of hair and the looks of the bones I think the dog probably ate it whole, digested what it could and the rest was maybe caught inside. Anyway the dog still stank bad that night but I continued with another dose of pumkin mix in the evening, a long jog and by about midnight the dogs odor smelled more like poop than this other stank. This morning it appears that the smell has passed as she is not making the kids gag anymore. I gave more pumpkin in same dose this morning and will continue the rest of the day which will hopefully keep things clear. Thanks for the tip, the vet can't get to her for a few more days and I was really starting to worry.
Posted by Bel (Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia) on 08/28/2009 ★★★★★
I have a 5 month old miniature dachshund who was displaying the symproms of blocked anal glands. After reading this post i decided to try the pumpkin. I boiled the pumpkin, the drained and pureed it. Once it was cool, i gave him 1/2 cup with his dinner and another 1/2 cup the next morning. We could see a difference in him after just a few hours. By the next night he was back to normal. He actually loved the pumpkin too, so i've frozen some in portions to give him a dose every week, just in case.
Thank you for the suggestion, it worked a treat and will consult this site whenever i have questions from now on.
Girl, I know your issue was what the dog ate. I just wanted to add something. About 20 years ago I had a Samoyed, he got very stinky, we really didnt know what the probelm was. This went on for almost a week, when I noticed his glands all red and swollen. The vet put him on antibiotics, 2 rounds, the infection came back. We ended up having to have the glands removed. This was long before I was intune with natural remedies and healing!
What made me comment was the smell, it was like a fishy stinky, that wouldnt go away. The dogs odor was so awful we made him stay in the kitchen on the tile floor. Easy to clean. This dog was about 100 pounds and he would stink up a room, while his infectin was active.
I now have an 8 pound chi, he has to have his glands expressed by the groomer every time he has his nails done. I would like to do it myself but am afraid of injuring him. Seems his stool is hard and normal most of the time. This is fairly common with small dogs.
It sounds like pumpkin is the best remedy for this issue, but my cat is on urinary s/o food from the vet. Does anybody know anything about giving pumpkin for this issue to cats with dietary restrictions? I don't want it to make her block...
Hi! I read your post. My cat is 7 and hes having the same issue, lots of puss looking liquid oozing and squirting from his bum:/ took him to the vet n they said he has no problem, doesnt need to be expressed and his blood work looked great. But there's CLEARLY a problem! They don't know s---t and the antibiotics did nothing. Feeling very concerned and frustrated. Did the pumpkin remedy work on Cowboy?? Thanks so much for your help!! Best, Hal
Posted by Darlene (West Covina, Ca ) on 03/01/2016
My dog was actually on 4Life Transfer Factor and had been for 2 years when he developed chronic anal sac infections. It did not help him. I no longer give it to him. It is too expensive to keep buying if it is not helping.
Posted by Angelsag1 (Sun Valley, Ca 913552) on 11/15/2023
Older post still adding to my experience today: I'm 80, pet owner for life, two dogs, cats, Angiosarcoma of scalp healing..my one girl had Swollen anal glands bursting? I always clean my dogs after peeing and pooping with a soft cloth. so the One small poodle mix I'm using castor oil that I use on my eyes at night, I put on her anal sac area after emptying it (all black liquid) after a three day bout of diarrhea then finger tip of Dmso spreading out from center to flat area of bum for penetration. and Rectum/anal sac healing nicely, swelling way down. food grade diatomaceous earth in food. Love.
You must be logged in to this post! Please sign in:
Please note that we use cookies necessary for the functioning of our website, cookies that optimize the performance. To learn more about our cookies, how we use them and their benefits, please read our Privacy Policy
