Anal Gland Problem?
- Thread starter rmcbrair
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Albie
Completely Boxer Crazy
BZ MomMom said:
I have heard this before. However, Lacy is a raw fed dog and has no grains in her diet. Her stools are small and hard so it surprised me that she would have an anal gland problem. I really think some dogs are just prone to impacted anal glands and diet doesn't matter. For your dogs well being and good health, it is always wise to feed a high quality diet.
rmcbrair
Boxer Booster
Foods
Actually, they are on pretty good foods right now - not top-of-the-line, but they are on a mix of Royal Canin Boxer Mix and Nutro Natural Choice. I know neither of them are perfect, but one of the things I like about the Boxer mix is the kibble shape and size - Emma wolfs her food, so it forces her to chew, and Nutro has a good protein ratio. The two big pet stores in Racine do seem to be a little limited in what they carry. As far as the rest of their diet, they do not get a lot of table scraps or junk food. They get a few small treats a day - I buy one bag of treats, and that usually lasts a while because I also make them peanut butter biscuits at home. They also get a couple tablespoons of plain yogurt every night. Their diets hve been very consistent, so while I'm not completely ruling out the possibility, it doesn't seem likely. I do monitor their stools - easy to do because of yard clean-up, and they've looked normal except since this incident began, Emma's stool has been a little on the loose side.
If you see anything about their diets that raise a red flag, please let me know. I appreciate your input!
Actually, they are on pretty good foods right now - not top-of-the-line, but they are on a mix of Royal Canin Boxer Mix and Nutro Natural Choice. I know neither of them are perfect, but one of the things I like about the Boxer mix is the kibble shape and size - Emma wolfs her food, so it forces her to chew, and Nutro has a good protein ratio. The two big pet stores in Racine do seem to be a little limited in what they carry. As far as the rest of their diet, they do not get a lot of table scraps or junk food. They get a few small treats a day - I buy one bag of treats, and that usually lasts a while because I also make them peanut butter biscuits at home. They also get a couple tablespoons of plain yogurt every night. Their diets hve been very consistent, so while I'm not completely ruling out the possibility, it doesn't seem likely. I do monitor their stools - easy to do because of yard clean-up, and they've looked normal except since this incident began, Emma's stool has been a little on the loose side.
If you see anything about their diets that raise a red flag, please let me know. I appreciate your input!
Eeek-Royal Canin Boxer is garbage food...... visit www.dogfoodanalysis.com for some awesome info and reviews.
rmcbrair
Boxer Booster
Dog Food Reviews
Unfortunately, a couple months ago, I did look at that link, and because of what's available here, I decided to keep them on the same diet, because nothing better was available at our pet stores. I spent over an hour reading labels and talked with store personnel. They pointed at one long wall, and said, "Any of the premium foods . . ." so they were no help. I could see if Kenosha or Milwaukee has better choices, but one-hour trips for dog food are prohibitive, especially when you have no suitable storage so you can buy in bulk. Not just making excuses - I don't have a garage - I have this interesting bona fide pigeon coop built in the 20's that I use for storage, but it and my back porch get VERY hot in the summer. The basement has a tendency towards dampness whenever it rains. My house is tiny - under 700 sq. ft., so storage of every kind is a real problem here, esp. with only two tiny closets. I really get fed up with it sometimes!
Unfortunately, a couple months ago, I did look at that link, and because of what's available here, I decided to keep them on the same diet, because nothing better was available at our pet stores. I spent over an hour reading labels and talked with store personnel. They pointed at one long wall, and said, "Any of the premium foods . . ." so they were no help. I could see if Kenosha or Milwaukee has better choices, but one-hour trips for dog food are prohibitive, especially when you have no suitable storage so you can buy in bulk. Not just making excuses - I don't have a garage - I have this interesting bona fide pigeon coop built in the 20's that I use for storage, but it and my back porch get VERY hot in the summer. The basement has a tendency towards dampness whenever it rains. My house is tiny - under 700 sq. ft., so storage of every kind is a real problem here, esp. with only two tiny closets. I really get fed up with it sometimes!
rmcbrair
Boxer Booster
Update
Happy to say that Emma's abscess seems to be healing nicely, and she no longer seems to be bothered by it at all. Knock on wood.
Other good news - actually found a pet store in Racine that carries the high-end dog foods. I'd actually forgotten all about this store because it's tucked away into the back of a mall - then found it on the web today while "hunting for food." Ug! Ha. Think we're going to try Nature's Variety first.
Happy to say that Emma's abscess seems to be healing nicely, and she no longer seems to be bothered by it at all. Knock on wood.
Other good news - actually found a pet store in Racine that carries the high-end dog foods. I'd actually forgotten all about this store because it's tucked away into the back of a mall - then found it on the web today while "hunting for food." Ug! Ha. Think we're going to try Nature's Variety first.
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