Ask the Vet: Ineffectiveness of Perianal Kibble for Anal Gland Issues

Question: 

I have a 4-year-old Maltese who consistently experiences issues with her anal glands. Despite feeding her recommended perianal kibble, I frequently need to take her to the vet for softening and emptying. Unfortunately, I haven't observed any noticeable benefits from the current approach. Do you have any recommendations or suggestions?

Answer:

Dogs fed a low-fiber diet may encounter difficulties in adequately emptying their anal glands, potentially leading to blockages. This issue is commonly observed in smaller dog breeds.

You've made a wise choice by opting for kibble specifically formulated to address anal gland issues in your dog.

For every dog experiencing this problem, I recommend a diet with increased fiber content. Elevated fiber levels result in larger fecal volume, aiding in the thorough emptying of the glands during defecation. You can supplement your dog's diet with various vegetables such as pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, celery, broccoli, and spinach to boost fiber intake.

Apart from incorporating a high-fiber diet, we highly recommend our Belly Champ nutritional supplement. One of its main ingredients is sweet potato, a natural source of dietary fiber. Packed with postbiotics and other clinically proven active ingredients, it's tailored to enhance stool quality and address digestive issues like gas, bloating, loose stools, or irregular digestion. Many pet owners have reported visible improvements within just seven days of usage. However, for chronic concerns like your dog's, we suggest regular monthly usage for optimal results.