What's Wrong With My Dog? Any Ideas?

[Spyder's Pal]

There are so many seasoned dog owners here, I'm hoping someone can give me a clue about what might be wrong with my dog, Spyder.

For the past 3 to 4 days, he has not been himself - almost seems depressed. He does not take his daily treats like he used to - VERY enthusiastic about treats. Now, he takes them from me gently, and more often than not, will go and lay them down somewhere. He has been eating a little of his dry food, but not much. Also not drinking quite as much as he did.

The past 2 nights, an awful smell has come out of his rear, but I didn't hear anything, so not sure if it's gas. He NEVER has gas..well, that I can tell, anyway. I've read about the an-al glands and have been wondering if there is a problem with them, would it go so far as to upset his eating habits/desires?

One caveat...I did change his food about 3-4 weeks ago, and did not do it gradually. I switched him from Iam's Mini-Chunks, which he has had for almost 7 years, to Iam's Active Maturity formula. He almost immediately starting pooping at least twice per day, when he was always a once per day kind of dog.

There is nothing in the house he could have gotten "into" - no rat poison, bug killer, etc.

I took him out a bit ago and he went poop, but he took a long time and appeared to be straining. Most of it looked normal, but I did see some small drops and runny stuff coming out one point, but couldn't find it in the yard. All I found was the solid normal stuff.

Now, he is restless - not wanting to sit/lay, but I can tell it's because his back end is uncomfortable. I've felt around back there (all around his thighs inside and out, the backs of his back legs, his lower belly) and don't feel anything unusual. But he is such a hairy animal, I'm not sure I could locate his an-al glands, not ever seeing these before on a dog.

Does anyone have any thoughts for me/Spyder? I'd appreciate all opinions.

Thanks!

[ohmai]

I think the best thing you should do is go to a vet and get Spyder check'd up on.

[Spyder's Pal]

Originally Posted by ohmai

I think the best thing you should do is go to a vet and get Spyder check'd up on.

Yes, he'll be at the vet's at the first opportunity. They are only open while I'm at work, except Saturdays, and then only half a day. I'm hopeful to get in this Saturday.

I was hoping for some insight before then.

[ohmai]

Well I really don't know much. But my best bet would be that he probably has something bothering with his **** glands, which you already suspected.

[DaneGirl2208]

The past 2 nights, an awful smell has come out of his rear, but I didn't hear anything, so not sure if it's gas. He NEVER has gas..well, that I can tell, anyway. I've read about the an-al glands and have been wondering if there is a problem with them, would it go so far as to upset his eating habits/desires?

i think this smell is normal..all dogs have these glands..they are inside of him.. but some (like my dog chloe) have it worse..it smells awful but there is nothing wrong..you can go to the vet and have them removed but im not sure how much that costs..if you really cant take the smell id talk to your vet about having them removed

[Dobified]

If he had plugged up A* nal galnds he would be rubbing his butt on the floor. He would sit and pull himslef across the floor.


I would suspect the change in food has more to do with teh gas problem you suspect. It may also be making him feel unwell , hence the listlessness. Food should be changed gradually over the course of a few days to a week.

I would certianly call the vet and ask for advice.

How old is your dog ?

[Spyder's Pal]

Spyder is 7.5 years old.

Danegirl, I could care less about any odors coming out of him. That is not an issue. I was merely describing it so those that have dealt with an-al glands before might be able to understand it. His discomfort is all I care about.

I also suspect his food. I've pulled his food for now, and fed him wet food for now. Stuff he usually gets a few times a week for the past 3 or 4 years, so he should be adjusted to it.

It definitely has to do with his anus, as he is avoiding the sit position at all costs. He did just sit on a pillow topped bench to look out a window, and when he got up, I noticed a dark spot on the pillow, so dabbed it with a tissue. It's clear (no blood or stool) but had the odor of stool, so I'm thinking this all has to do with his food and how it's affecting his bathroom habits. This going so much every day for the past 3 or 4 weeks must be taking its toll on him.

I feel so horrible. I KNEW better than to switch all at once, but did it anyway, as I was completely out of his regular food, and decided I could switch it as long as I stayed within the same brand. BAD OWNER!

[DaneGirl2208]

Originally Posted by Spyder's Pal

Spyder is 7.5 years old.

Danegirl, I could care less about any odors coming out of him. That is not an issue. I was merely describing it so those that have dealt with an-al glands before might be able to understand it. His discomfort is all I care about.

I also suspect his food. I've pulled his food for now, and fed him wet food for now. Stuff he usually gets a few times a week for the past 3 or 4 years, so he should be adjusted to it.

It definitely has to do with his anus, as he is avoiding the sit position at all costs. He did just sit on a pillow topped bench to look out a window, and when he got up, I noticed a dark spot on the pillow, so dabbed it with a tissue. It's clear (no blood or stool) but had the odor of stool, so I'm thinking this all has to do with his food and how it's affecting his bathroom habits. This going so much every day for the past 3 or 4 weeks must be taking its toll on him.

I feel so horrible. I KNEW better than to switch all at once, but did it anyway, as I was completely out of his regular food, and decided I could switch it as long as I stayed within the same brand. BAD OWNER!

if you have the glands removed it should take care of his discomfort..but like they said i would talk to your vet

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

He definately needs to go to the vet. Moo posted something about Kirby where she said they didn't get him to the vet soon enough for an an*al problem and he would up needing surgery. I'm not saying it's the same thing by any means, but it sounds like he's really uncomfortable. Is there any way you can take him tomorrow on your lunch hour? Keep us posted.

[Spyder's Pal]

Originally Posted by debbie caponi

Is there any way you can take him tomorrow on your lunch hour?

Nope. Work is far from home, which is the vet's office, and I have meetings all morning until 10, then a training session until 3. I will call first thing in the morning to see if I can get him in at the end of the day tomorrow, or Saturday at the latest.

I'll keep you posted.