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My dog's anal glands need expressing. Is pumpkin really helping?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

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

My dog doesn't express her anal glands on her own and needs them expressed every 4-6 weeks. I've tried pumpkin but it doesn't seem to help that much. Should I continue to give her the pumpkin or not feed it? She has normal stools either way.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 23rd, 2017

You can try canned green beans instead of the pumpkin but both will only help keep the material thin so it is easier to express. This minimizes the chances of an infection or abscess. If it is a continual problem you can talk to your vet about having then removed

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 14th, 2017

    High fibre diets rich in both soluble (pumpkin) and insoluble (roughage) fibers can be helpful - royal canin fibre response would be my preferred brand - results should be seen within 4-6weeks. In some patients however surgery to widen the exit of the glands or removal may also be considered if they are causing significant discomfort

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