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Dog firm poop, anal glands not expressing. Will pumpkin or fiber help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Female | spayed | 5 years and 3 months old | 17 lbs

If my dog is having firm poop but she's not expressing her anal glands on her own will pumpkin and baby food mashed greens help naturally express her anal glands? I'm wondering if I should just not add it in at all since her food has about 3-4% fiber already. thoughts?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on September 20th, 2017

Hi and thanks for you post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Plain canned pumpkin can help as can increasing the amount of fiber she eats per day. Green beans and carrots to her food may work nicely too. 3-4% fiber is fine, but a little more would be better. If she continues to not express her anal glands naturally, she may need to have them manually expressed by either a vet or a groomer on a regular basis so they do not become impacted. I hope this helps and best to you and Chloe!

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    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on September 25th, 2017

    Hello again! Sometimes pumpkin does help to add fiber and can help with anal gland expression so I would continue the pumpkin. Chloe may just have anal glands that need to be manually expressed from time to time. If anal glands are an issue for Chloe there are some products like Glandex which combine probiotics and fiber. I've had a few clients have success with Glandex for anal gland problems. Instead of puréed greens, if Chloe will eat them whole or shredded that may help curb her desire to eat grass. If that doesn't work, then I would discontinue.

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