JP Holistic Nutrition Blog Posts

Anal gland problems in dogs

Many dog owners have seen their dog scoot along the floor with their back legs in the air and dragging their bum along. This common occurrence in dogs is most often caused by anal gland problems but it can also be caused by inflammation or infection around the anus. Your Vet can quickly diagnose the problem by looking at the perineal area and checking the anal glands. Anal gland problems are quite common with about 12% of dogs having an anal gland problem during their lifetime.

Research has shown how the gut and brain are connected and it is referred to as the gut brain axis. What happens in the gut has been shown to have a positive or negative effect in the brain of dogs and people. A healthy functioning gut microbiome has many beneficial effects not only in the gut but also in the brain. The complex community of bacteria and other microorganisms in the gut is called the microbiome.

Teaching your puppy or dog to respond to the whistle.

For the safety of your dog, other dogs, and people, recall is one of the most important exercises that you can teach your puppy or dog. At no point should you let your Westie off the lead until you have mastered this exercise. Teaching your dog to respond to the whistle has several advantages. A whistle lacks emotion, and it is consistent, unlike a person’s voice. Some owners will panic or get angry when they are attempting to recall their dog.

The aim of Boswellia Serrata in the Joint Support formulations is to act as a natural anti-inflammatory. A systematic review published in 2008 in the British Medical Journal, concluded that ‘the evidence for effectiveness of Boswellia is encouraging’ and ‘warrants further investigation’. A review of the anti-inflammatory properties of a range of food supplements showed Boswellia performed well in the control of pain and inflammatory conditions. A number of studies have confirmed the safety of Boswellia. 

Holistic Doggie Fibre supplement for dogs supports normal digestion. It contains soluble and insoluble fibre, probiotics, prebiotics, and bentonite clay. Providing enough fibre in a pet’s diet helps support normal digestive function, balance levels of water in the intestines and firms’ up faecal matter. Adequate fibre can also reduce the need for anal gland emptying as it increases natural expression.

Your digestive tract is not just for digesting and absorbing nutrients, it is also involved in immune function since approximately 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. Good gut health can also affect brain health. New research shows that there is a gut-brain connection and the gut has been dubbed the second brain. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body and support brain function.