My dog has anal gland problems. Can Metamucil be a solution?

Metamucil may help some but I would keep her dose very small like around 1 teaspoon twice a day. You could also try to just add a small amount of canned plain pumpkin instead of the Metamucil. I would also consider trying to add in a probiotic and a sensitive stomach diet. I like a few different types of probiotics - propectalin, vetriscience probiotic chews, purina pro plan fortiflora or proviable. If you decide to switch her food, I would transition her from the old food to the new food very slowly over a 2 weeks period. If you haven't had her examined by a vet I would strongly recommend to have her looked at. There are a lot of things that can also cause loose stools like parasites, food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, bacterial infections, giardia, and much more. Your vet will start with checking a fecal sample. I hope this helps!

Giving a teaspoon or so of Metamucil should be fine and may help your dog go. You may also want to try to increase his water consumption because even mild dehydration can cause constipation. If these remedies don't work and your dog hasn't defecated in over 2 days then I would recommend taking him in to the vet.

Hello, sorry to hear about Prince. The dose is 2 tablespoonfuls per day per dog which can be given in a single dose or divided into 2-3 fractions per day. However, metamucil will cause bulkier stools and should be given with an easily digestible diet such as Hill i/D or royal cannin GI low fat. I recommend consulting with your veterinarian prior to starting the metamucil to ensure Prince is a good candidate for it. Hope this helps and best of luck

I am sorry to hear about your problems with Bell! I have had some owners find the product Glandex to be helpful (though not all) so that is worth a try. Others have found probiotics such as Fortiflora or Prostora, or Omega fatty acid supplements to be helpful.

Psyllium is ok to give but as both pumpkin and psyllium are high in soluble fibre it may not add much additional benefit. Generally in persistent anal gland cases, a mixture of soluble and insoluble fibres (bran/whole grains) are recommended

I'm assuming the vet said his prostate was enlarged? He is on the correct food but you may have to add in some Miralax. Here is a link to an article about using this product in dogs. The dosing is also on there but a 40# dog I would give 1/2 teaspoon twice a day mixed in with a small amount of canned food. You will have to adjust dosing based on how his stools look. I strongly recommend you call your vet and ask before using this. Use the non-flavored powder. Be sure to let him drink as much water as he wants. ( https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/drug-library/polyethylene-glycol-3350-miralax-for-dogs-and-cats/ ) ( walmart.com/ip/Equate-Polyethylene-Glycol-3350-Powder-for-Solution-Osmotic-Laxative-8-3-oz/12444636 )

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is a supplement called Glandex and one called No Scoot that many of my clients love for anal gland problems. In some cases it can decrease how often they need to be expressed. I would discuss with her veterinarian if either of these may be compatible with her diet.