Why does my dog need frequent anal gland expression and have dry skin?

Question

Keeps having to have anal glands milked every 4 months or so. Why? Been on same food. What can I do? And what can I do for dry skin for her? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 7 years and 9 months old

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Poor Maggie! Some dogs do have chronic anal gland issues - this can be due to their anatomy in that area, insufficient fiber in the diet, or food allergies. Some dogs respond well to a high fiber diet, or added fiber in the form of canned pumpkin or something similar with each meal. Other dogs do better with a prescription hypoallergienic diet such as Hills z/d or Purina HA. If these things don't help, you can have the anal glands surgically removed to prevent these issues from constantly recurring. For dry skin, you can try adding an omega-3 fatty acid supplement such as Welactin to her food with every meal. Bathing in an aloe and oatmeal shampoo can also help.

Why does my dog need frequent anal gland expression and have dry skin?

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