Coconut oil for dog anal gland problems

Canned Pumpkin for dog anal gland problems

The two health issues Lucky struggles with are her anal glands and itching.

The treatment the vet has Lucky on for her anal glands is not as effective as when the treatment was first started, so I went on-lint to research other possible natural solutions.

I came across canned pumpkin . . . I happened to have a can of pumpkin in my pantry (from the holidays) and gave her 1/2 cup in her raw food this morning . . . but remember the canned pumpkin MUST be 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin mix to make a pumpkin pie with . . .I'll keep you posted with her progress. I'm also going to add coconut oil to her food as well (My next post is about coconut oil).

I found this information on a Web site called: Earth Clinic, click here to visit the thread

Anal Gland Remedies for Cats and Dogs

While researching on-line, I also came across another product I'm thinking of trying:  PetAlive AnalGlandz.  This product contains a blend of natural, cleansing ingredients in an herbal tincture and will effectively cleanse the anal area, reduce pain and swelling and assist in softening of hardened material to be expressed from the glands. When applied, the product helps express your dog's anal glands and also treats infected anal glands in dogs naturally.

I'm always looking for solutions of treating Lucky's anal glands, so if you have a solution, please share!

Food: Raw Meat Diet for Dogs

I’m a huge supporter of a raw meat diet. I feed Lucky Bravo and she loves it. Since changing her diet to raw about three years ago, she has had less ear and eye infections and her overall health has improved. I attribute her wellness to her new diet. Before raw I was feeding Lucky a high-quality kibble, then my sister convinced me to switch to raw (My sister had been feeding her three-dogs raw for over a decade with outstanding results).

And I’m so happy that I did. For Lucky’s age, she’s almost 12-years old; she has lots of energy and few health issues.While it costs me a bit more than kibble, I pay less in vet bills . . .plus Lucky enjoys good health (and that's most important).

There are many different raw diets available. I use Bravo because of the ingredients they use – simple three different vegetables and meat (I give Lucky either their chicken, turkey, or beef blend). Lucky has sensitivities to eggs and I found other raw diets that had eggs in them.

Since Lucky loves vegetables, I usually add additional vegetables, for example cooked cauliflower, spaghetti squash, string beans, and lettuce.

If you are currently feeding your dog a raw diet, please share!

Hide the Cookie - a fun game to play with your dog

Lucky loves playing "Hide the Cookie."

We all know that beagles are food-motivated, so playing this game really keeps Lucky on her toes.

As the name implies, I "hide" small treats for Lucky to find. I contain the game to one room and a room that has few breakable items. Some of the treats that are hidden are hard to find and it requires Lucky to sniff and sniff and sniff . . .

 I try to play this sort of game with Lucky at least once a week . . . depending upon where the snacks are hidden, it might take Lucky 10 to 15 minutes to find and devour all the treats.

Do you have a favorite game you play with your beagle. if so, please share it . . .

Dog Treats for Good Oral Hygiene

Lucky loves snacks . . . and I'm glad she loves ones that are healthy. Twistix really help keep her breath smelling sweet and fresh!Perhaps your dog also will love Wheat-free Twistix. They come in large and small.

Twistix Wheat Free Dental Treats - Large (5.5 oz.)

Twistix helps remove plaque, tartar and freshens breath using co-extrusion technology for Triple Action cleaning power. The green color has peppermint, parsley and chlorophyll to freshen breath and the white color contains sodium hexametaphosphate, which cleans teeth by removing plaque and tartar during chewing.

They are -- Wheat free & corn free -- Triple Action cleaning power-- No added gluten, salt or sugar --

Highly soluble--Low fat

Min. Crude Protein.....15.0%
Min. Crude Fat.....1.0%
Max. Crude Fat.....2.0%
Max. Crude Fiber.....2.0%
Max. Moisture.....15.0%
Max. Ash.....3.0%

  Ingredients: Rice powder, soy protein concentrate, glycerin, distilled water, natural flavor, cellulose, garlic, sodium hexametaphosphate, citric acid, chlorophyll, peppermint, parsley.

Try them and let us know how your pooch loves 'em!