Anal sac issues with 2 jack russell terriers

[elm4me]

I have 2  4 yr old terriers, and they both are having anal sac issues....impaction (pasty crud on their rears).  I've tried to express the sacs myself, but they are still having problems.  I'm prepared to take them to the vet, but hate to put them through the trauma if there's something I can do myself to help them.  I've started giving them a bit of pumpkin, so hopefully that will help.  I suspect that they may be having digestive issues due to the Serestos flea collars we started using....has anybody else heard about potential side effects like that?  Anyway, I need guidance.  I was wanting to find a healthy dog food as someone suggested....they eat Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition, and haven't ever seemed to have problems with that.  Also, do any of you give your dogs a probiotic?  If so, what and where do I get it?  I'd appreciate any replies.  I'm leaving home for 2 months, and want so badly for my dogs to be well while in the care of my daughter and son in law.  

[KrissyM87]

I am a groomer and can tell you that anal glan issues is usually diet related. Groomers express from the outside, so if impaction has been an issue, the sacs probably need cleaned from the inside, by a vet. Getting on a quality holistic food is always the first step. Pedigree is a lot of fillers like corn etc.  also it is important to add fermentable fiber (real yams, leeks, banana etc) to make the stool larger and the right firmness to help express the glands naturally during a bm. However, if this problem has been going on for too long sometimes the glands never express naturally again :/ good luck

[breezytoo]

Hi, I hope you are still home.or are where you can read this. Your babies do not have to suffer and you don't have to pay vet prices for two dogs. That's a scary thought. I have a three yr. old Chiahuahua/pug mix and I get his anals done every month or two at his groomers. He goes there just for that and to get his nails cut. For both things the bill is only $10.00 which is very very good. So find a groomer and good luck, your babies will come home happy and so will you. The whole thing takes five minutes too. :)