Dog with itchy bottom

[KellyPStudent]

Hello

I have a 2 year old mixed breed female (50lb, maybe some pointer in her) who periodically scoots along the floor. Generally in the morning before she goes out to go potty. From my research it sounds like it might be an issue with the anal glands. I’ve tried expressing them, but they don’t feel inflamed, from what I can tell.

Her stools are maybe a little soft, but generally firm.

Would diet make a difference?? She is on Natural Instinct Rabbit formula kibble which is one recommended by the holistic vet we saw. Would a raw or natural food diet, ie not dog food be of benefit? (Clara (the dog) is really hoping you say yes….she isn’t much of a kibble fan.) LOL!! 🙂 Thanks! Of course if there is something herbal to support her I game there too, but not sure thats the right solution for the problem.

[IdahoHerbalist]

When is the last time you had her anal glands checked?

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Almost certainly anal glands. Have them expressed and then feed the rascal a healthy spoonful of pumpkin or some psyllium with his dog food to bulk up the stool and help your poor doggy be more like Madonna (who wrote that brave and wonderful anthem of all dogs with anal gland issues…Express Yourself). 🙂

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Michelle KochStudent]

I am not a veterinarian (just putting that out there right now), however, I am a firm believer in the Prey Model Diet, or the BARF diet. That is, “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” or raw meat, bones, and organs. I fed my dogs raw for two years, and it was awesome! They loved it, their teeth and gums and guts loved it, and I did not have to clean up my yard for two years!

So why did I stop and go back to kibble? The price of red meat became prohibitively expensive, even for us humans. Dogs need at least 50% of their diet to be red meat (as opposed to just chicken all the time). They also need a good variety– at least three species minimum, but four is optimal.

Do your research– feeding raw is best, but it is not best for every dog or every person/household. It is vital that you research carefully before you begin, since if you don’t get the right proportions of all the different parts (muscle meat, bone, organ), your dog could end up with a deficiency over the long term. But don’t let that scare you! It really is very simple to feed your dog a biologically appropriate diet once you get the hang of it.

Caution: buying meat at the supermarket is fine, but avoid the packages that contain additives, such as sodium brine solutions. That’s not good for your dog.

Remember that raw bones are awesome, but cooked/smoked/flavored bones are dangerous. Avoid really big weight bearing bones, as they can break teeth.

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