I have a spayed 7-year-old Lab mix who weighs about 60 po...

Question:

I have a spayed 7-year-old Lab mix who weighs about 60 pounds. Her daily diet consists of a cup of dry Purina Pro Plan Adult in the morning and one at night, with occasional table scraps. We live on a farm, and she gets lots of daily exercise. For the past year, her anal glands have been leaking, on and off, to the point that she will be lying down and sit up quickly and begin licking herself and the carpet where she is sitting. There is no sign of irritation; she does not drag her butt on the ground. I did have the glands cleaned at one point -- the vet saw no inflammation. How can I help her overcome this situation?

L.F., West Charlton, NY Jun 28, 2009

Answer:

Chronic anal gland, skin and ear problems are often cleared completely with a change in diet. The manufactured convenience food you are feeding to your dog could be at the root of the problem. Check my Web site, www.DrFoxVet.com/info, for my choice of dog (and cat) foods, many of which are organically certified; or try my home-prepared diet.

The days of feeding the same dry processed food out of a bag, day in and day out, must come to an end. Many readers attest to the dramatic health benefits of feeding their dogs and cats whole and minimally processed foods.