Glandex Helps your Dog #BootTheScoot

This post is sponsored by Glandex and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about how Glandex – Natural Supplement for Anal Glands but AmmotheDachshund.com only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Glandex is not responsible for the content of this article.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

I’m sure this image looks familiar, you suddenly look up from whatever you were doing to catch your dog dragging their bum on the carpet (and in my mom’s case, the nice WHITE carpet!).
Embarrassing, yes. But do you know why us dogs do this?

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

Dogs have two small internal glands on either side of their bum that typically release a few drops of scent marking fluid whenever your pet defecates. (It’s also why us dogs can tell a lot about each other by sniffing butts). In order for your dog’s anal glands to empty properly they need large firm stools to create pressure during defecation to allow them to empty naturally. (TMI right?)

ammo the dachshund butt

But when they aren’t functioning properly, Anal gland issues arise and they become over-filled, blocked, or irritated. This is when you’ll typically catch your dog rubbing their butt across the carpet or licking.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

Thanks to my friends at Glandex® there is a product that may be able to help!

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland SupplementGlandex is the only product that addresses all of the underlying causes of anal gland problems and works from the inside out to help maintain healthy anal glands.

Using a unique fiber blend, this anal gland supplement helps to create firm and bulky stools which help the anal glands empty naturally every time your pet defecates. Glandex also contains natural anti-inflammatories to help support healthy anal glands as well as probiotics and digestive enzymes to support a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

Glandex comes in two formulas, powder that can be added to your pet’s daily meal….

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

…and this soft chew formula with peanut butter flavor.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

I opted to test out the chewables this time around, and I found them to be super tasty. Mom started giving me one every day at breakfast in late September.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

Glandex Key Features:

  • Promotes healthy anal gland function in dogs & cats
  • Guaranteed results within 3-5 weeks
  • Veterinarian formulated & approved
  • Great tasting & easy-to-use formula
  • All-natural premium ingredients
  • Made in the U.S.A.

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 6 with Ammo the Dachshund

Before I dive into the specifics on what I noticed while taking Glandex it’s important to note that anal gland issues are much more common in small dogs. Because of this I have always needed to have mine emptied manually by my veterinarian every 1 – 2 months roughly, which basically means mine are not emptying properly on their own.

Sometimes you may notice a horrid smell (like the worst of the worst) coming from your dog, this means that your dog just emptied their anal glands (hopefully not one your white carpet). My buddy Trooper used to do it all the time when he got really scared of something (sorry Trooper, had to spill the beans).

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

So starting in late September mom started giving me Glandex daily to see if it helped. Prior to this the last time I had had mine expressed by my vet was August 21st. Click on the image above to see a detailed report on my daily business.

General notes – while on Glandex my stools became much firmer, larger, and more regular. And by very late October I started to scoot on the carpet again, but seeing as I was due for my annual vet exam mom decided to have my anal glands expressed at the visit. They ended up being very full (as they normally are).

Peach Pillow Bed Kickstarter Campaign with Ammo the Dachshund

I did learn while at my vet that some dogs have glands that don’t sit as close to the edge of the bum, and no matter what they will never be able to express them on their own. Some dogs may be able to get some help expressing them with this fiber supplement for dogs from Glandex.

In my case I felt like Glandex definitely did what it said it would, firmed up my stool to help naturally empty my glands, and it seemed to prolong my visits to have them expressed manually. I also noticed I had less gas (unless I eat jerky….that always does it to me!) I’ll probably forever be the type of dog that has to have them manually done, but with Glandex at least I can help avoid those visits a little bit longer.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

So if you notice your dog having an anal glad issue, don’t wait to add a fiber supplement such as Glandex to their diet. The alternative to not taking care of the issue can be costly surgeries, and if the anal glands are blocked or overfilled they may not be able to empty on their own, thus requiring expressing by a veterinarian.

To pick up your pet’s anal gland treatment visit Glandex, and help them Boot The Scoot!

Have you noticed your pet scooting on the carpet? Have you ever tried a fiber supplement? Share your stories with us on social media and the hashtag #BootTheScoot or leave a comment below.
Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Should you be worried about Skin Cancer on your Dog?

Just like many dachshunds (or really any dog) I love the feeling of laying in a patch of warm sun. If you own are owned by a dachshund, then you know what I’m talking about.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

I’m sure this scene is all too familiar, your dog parks themselves in front of a big patch of sun laying there until they are visibly panting and hot to the touch. As much as I enjoy getting all toasty in the sun, my mom started to worry about what the sun might be doing to my skin. Is skin cancer something us dogs should be worried about, and if so how can we prevent it?

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

Well instead of just wondering, my mom decided to find out. So she did a little research, and even took a trip to my vet to find out more.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

See in the beginning of the summer a new (black) mole popped up on my chest. And seeing as how I have the very common dachshund pattern baldness on my belly, mom worried my exposure to the sun on a daily basis was starting to catch up to me.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

So away we went to the vet to find out if in fact dogs can get skin cancer, what we should be looking for, and how we can prevent it.

First, the good news is I didn’t have any moles or bumps that look pre-cancerous (at least not yet), so phew! But, the risk of skin cancer in dogs is just the same as it would be for humans, especially in areas where your dog may not have as much hair and for dogs that have lighter colored fur.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

My vet informed me that although I do have the occasional mole, discoloration, or skin growth pop up, that this can also be a sign of aging skin and will happen as the years pass. Documenting your dog’s skin abnormalities can be a great way to make sure there isn’t anything out of the ordinary happening that might require a biopsy or further investigation.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer in Dogs:

  • Document all of your dog’s moles and abnormal skin growths with pictures and measurements. Update and check them every few months looking for changes or new growth
  • Use a pet-safe sunscreen* if your pet will be exposed to the sun for long periods of time
  • Familiarize yourself with what abnormal moles might look like on your dog (see below)
  • Consider covering windows with a UV protecting film* if your dog sun bathes a lot
  • Talk to your vet about any suspicious looking skin growths

*contains affiliate links

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

We found this helpful chart online (source unknown) that can be useful if any of your dog’s moles might warrant a trip to the vet. The same characteristics in moles can be seen on humans and are also a sign of pre-cancerous areas.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

While preventing me from “sunning” probably isn’t going to happen (sorry, I just enjoy my sun naps way too much), mom has been making me wear pet sunscreen when it looks like I’ll be napping for a while. She also plans to add a UV film to the window at the shop where I like to sun myself a lot during the day.

Has your dog had any skin cancer scares? Do you routinely check your pet for moles and skin abnormalities? Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, just an owner who cares an awful lot about my pet’s health. Please be sure to consult your own vet if you think your pet may have some abnormal skin issues. This post is not meant to replace veterinarian care, just simply a reference for the information we have learned in our own studies.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Fit and Trim

Ammo the Dachshund Studio Photos

After my vet gave me a thumbs up last week for keeping myself in tip top shape I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my tips for keeping trim. And just in time for Thanksgiving too!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

The ideal weight for a dog can be determined by being able to feel the ribs slightly, having an abdomen that is tucked when viewed from the side, and a visible waist behind the ribs when viewed from the top.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

My ideal weight for my size is around 18 pounds, and at my most recent check-up my vet could feel my ribs and I have a visible waist as seen from the photo above. It’s not easy keeping weight down (especially when you love to eat like I do), but hopefully with some of my tips you’ll be on your way to keeping your pet at a healthy weight for them!

Tip 1: Keep Active

Now I’m the first to admit that I don’t actually go on a daily walk everyday, but that doesn’t mean I’m not active!

Ammo on the Farm

I visit the family farm about 4 days a week – where I run my heart out! I enjoy running from groundhog hole to groundhog hole and I’m never in one place for very long. This sort of mental and physical stimulation help keeps me in shape.

Shop Dog // Work // Ammo the Dachshund

5 days a week I work at mom’s shop, and while it may not be an intense workout, just being active and greeting customers helps keep me on the move. I’m a strong believer that mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation to keep your pet fit.

ammo the dachshund at lowes

On the weekends I tend to go on one or two adventures, whether it’s a trip to lowes or a walk on the trail it’s a great way to keep me active.

Tip 2: Feed the Right Amount

Currently I eat two brands of food, Wellness Small Breed and Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed, which I alternate with each bag. Both are grain free dry foods.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Now you’ll notice that on the back of all dog food bags they list recommended feeding amounts:

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Based on my ideal weight of 18 lbs both bags recommend that I eat about 1 – 1 1/2 cups of food per day. But you will also notice that both bags note that dogs are individuals and these are just recommendations, and what you should feed your dog might vary from the chart.

In actuality I eat 1/3 a cup twice a day, which is much less than the recommended amount for my weight.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

My mom has chosen this amount for me over the years by monitoring my weight and cutting my food back slowly until she found an appropriate amount that was able to keep me at a healthy weight. She watches my waist line closely and always cuts my food back if it starts to look a little less trim.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

This amount of food might not look like enough to you, but you have to remember that us dogs keep food in our bellies for a long time. (Evident by the fact that hours upon hours after eating we can still throw up some pretty undigested food….yuck!)

When in doubt about how much you should feed your dog, you should always consult your veterinarian.

Tip 3: Take a Class

Ammo practices Dog Agility on his DIY Agility Jumps 2012

Typically once a week I take a dog agility class at my local training center. This helps keep me fit and keeps me thinking and learning too!

Taking any sort of class, even just a basic obedience class, is a great way to keep your dog active. Not just for puppies, any dog, any age, can benefit from training classes!

Tip 4: Use Treats Sparingly

Kong Premium Treats Product Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I review a lot of treats on the blog, but that doesn’t mean that I’m allowed to have them whenever I want. Mom keeps a tight watch on the cookie jar and I’m only allowed to have small treats when we are training.

I also try to keep most of the treats I eat on the healthy end of the scale, like eating sweet potato treats.

Tip 5: Limit Table Scraps

dachshund food

As a general rule I’m not allowed to have table scraps (although that doesn’t stop me from trying). The only exception to this rule is when mom will let me have bits of apple and carrots when she’s cutting them up. But for the most part it’s best for me just to eat the food that was designed for dogs.

So I hope you enjoyed my tips for keeping your pet fit and trim! Here’s to hoping we all live long and healthy lives!Ammo the Dachshund

Disclosure: This is supposed to be a general guide on how I keep myself fit, but you may need to consult your veterinarian as to what and how much to feed & exercise your own pet. Each pet is different!

A Clean Bill of Health

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

What I thought was just a typical car ride for me turned into an unexpected pit stop the other day when I found myself arriving at my vet’s office.

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

I must admit, shots and a physical exam are never on my to-do list, but it’s a necessary evil I guess.

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

As friendly as the staff at my vet’s office is, I’m just never my typical happy tail wagging self. I can’t help it when my first REAL memory at the vet is being neutered!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

While I was waiting for my turn in the exam room I did find a happy little surprise. My Halloween costume made the bulletin board, and it turns out I won first place for the best character costume. How cool!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

When it was finally my turn to be examined I tried to put on a brave face.

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

Mom helped a bit by bringing along one of my favorite snacks, peanut butter. She’s been carrying it around in her pocket for weeks and using it to help me build a positive association with things I’m a little scared of. (the vet, the vacuum, etc). I have to admit, peanut butter does help make everything a little bit better!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

My vet came in and examined my weight and body condition, and I had a few routine tests done before getting my annual vaccines.

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m happy to report that I got a clean bill of health, clocking in at 18.8 pounds my vet said that I’m in perfect condition and weight for my size. My blood test even came back negative for lyme after I tested positive last year for anaplasmosis (a type of lyme). So it’s great that there was no traces of it found in my body this year.

I hope your puppies are feeling happy and healthy too!

Next week I’ll be sharing just how I keep my body in tip top shape – perfect timing right before Thanksgiving, so stay tuned! Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Pet First Aid Kit

As you know, this week I’m on a road trip with my family to North Carolina. Before I set out on my big adventure, there was some things that had to be checked off my to-do list. Once of those items included creating a Pet First Aid Kit to have with me just incase there was a pet emergency. You can never be too prepared!

Build your own DIY Pet First Aid Kit with Ammo the Dachshund

Before creating my kit I researched what I should include in it. I ended up coming up with my own concoction of items that I gathered from lists on the American Red Cross, the Animal Poison Control Center, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Build your own DIY Pet First Aid Kit with Ammo the Dachshund

I admit, my own first aid kit has quite a few items in it, but isn’t that the point – to be OVER PREPARED? I probably would of made a really good boy scout!

Build your own DIY Pet First Aid Kit with Ammo the Dachshund

Many of the items in my kit I already had on hand (the benefit of having a grandma who is a nurse), but I gathered them all up and put them into a handy kit that will travel with me in the car from now on.

Ammo the Dachshund's DIY Pet First Aid Kit

DIY Pet First Aid Kit:

*contains affiliate links

Not pictured in my kit are also a few handy iPhone apps that Mom helped me download.

Ammo the Dachshund's DIY Pet First Aid KitThe Pet First Aid App is $3.99 in the apple store, and one of my very favorite purchases. Not only does it help you out in the case of an emergency (by telling you how to give CPR to your pet, how to control bleeding and so much more), but it also helps you store and organize records on your pet; like when they are due for shots, their license and registration id’s, and any medications or conditions.

Ammo the Dachshund's DIY Pet First Aid Kit

Ammo the Dachshund's DIY Pet First Aid KitThe Pet MD Symptom Checker is also a useful app to have in your arsenal and is $0.99 in the app store. Easily plug in symptoms of your dog or cat and be directed to articles of possible diagnosis.

Ammo the Dachshund's DIY Pet First Aid Kit

You should also make sure you store important phone numbers for your pet in your phone. I keep on hand my personal vet’s number, a local 24 hour emergency vet number, the Pet Poison Helpline number (1-800-213-6680), and a phone number for an emergency vet where-ever I will be traveling to.

I hope to never have to use the items in my pet first aid kit, but I sleep a little sounder at night knowing that I’m extra prepared in case I ever need it!

Anyone else have a pet first aid kit in their car? Any other suggestions of items I may have forgotten to include? Do tell! Ammo the Dachshund

A Trip to the Vet

After my little oopsie on Sunday mom decided to take me to the vet on monday morning just to make sure my boo boo was taken care of properly.

Ammo the Dachshund gets a boo boo

Ammo the Dachshund goes to the vet

Going to the vet’s office is one of my least favorite things to do. Everyone there is very nice, however I can’t help but relive the day I was neutered everytime I enter those double doors, do you blame me?

Ammo the Dachshund goes to the vet

Sitting and waiting to see the vet is one of the worst parts, because I’m never sure what horrible thing will happen to me while I’m there. Will I get my nails trimmed, are they going to shove a thermometer up my butt, or am I going to be poked with needles?

Ammo the Dachshund goes to the vet

These questions plagued my mind as I awaited uncertain doom.

Ammo the Dachshund goes to the vet

This time though, I got off with only a little bit of doom…..in the form of a buzz cut!

Ammo the Dachshund goes to the vet

The vet said she could have stapled my cut shut to prevent any scarring, but mom (thank goodness) opted to let me go the most comfortable route and have it heal naturally. Plus scars are kinda cool…..even if I didn’t earn it doing anything that exciting.

I do however have to take antibiotics – which aren’t that bad considering I get a big spoonful of cream cheese with it – and mom has to clean and dress my cut a couple times a day. It was totally worth it though, especially since it meant I didn’t have to miss monday afternoon agility class!

Ammo the Dachshund // Dog Agility

My classmates think I’m super tough now too, especially after I told them I got this scar during a crazy fight with a ground hog. Shhhh! It’s our little secret. Ammo the Dachshund