Even if you’ve been around dogs for quite some time, you may never have heard of anal glands. These sacs are located between the internal and external sphincters and contain fluid that’s used for communication and territorial marking.
Ideally, the glands are expressed on their own whenever a bowel movement occurs, and everything runs smoothly. However, small and obese dogs are far more apt to have trouble expressing their anal sacs properly, which can ultimately lead to an infection.
Glandex is a supplement that works from the inside out to help promote anal gland health. It’s a great alternative to having to empty your dog’s glands by yourself on a regular basis, and far more cost-effective than frequent trips to the vet.
By the use of fiber and other ingredients, it produces healthy stools, which allow for easy expression, and helps with maintaining overall gastrointestinal function.
In this review, we’ll take a deeper look at Glandex.
Glandex Review: Soft Chews or Powder?
Glandex is available in two different forms: soft chews and powder.
While there are differences between the two, such as available flavors and method of administering, you should use whichever one is best suited to your dog’s needs or preference.
Both the Glandex chews and powder in this review have the same essential ingredients and work towards the same purpose of promoting anal gland health.
Glandex Chews have a soft texture and come in a tasty peanut butter flavor. Each package numbers 30 chews, which are usually given once a day, providing a month’s supply at a time.
They help with easing inflammation and bulking up stools, both of which are key factors in helping to eliminate problems related to the anal glands.
Additionally, the company uses only all-natural ingredients, including pumpkin seeds and probiotics, and the product is guaranteed to produce results in just 3-5 weeks (when used as recommended.)
One drawback of the chews is that they may not be compatible with dogs with certain dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Glandex powder is available in two flavors: beef and pork liver. Unlike the chews, it’s simply measured according to the directions and mixed into your dog’s food or water dish for a boost of taste.
Made from a limited number of all-natural, veterinarian-recommended ingredients, this product works to firm up stools, which helps the anal glands to be emptied naturally on the way out.
It’s also incredibly wallet-friendly and long-lasting, as one jar will last the average 20-pound dog for up to 7 months!
Glandex FAQs
Who Can Benefit from Glandex?
As mentioned earlier, some dogs are more prone to having problems with their anal glands than others, including smaller to medium-sized breeds.
That said, just about any dog can benefit from using Glandex, as it simply works to maximize digestive health and promote healthy anal gland function. It’s completely safe for use and highly recommended by veterinarians.
While Glandex is helpful for most dogs, in some cases, it may be a necessity. If your dog is prone to experiencing problems with his anal glands, integrating Glandex into his daily routine is vital to begin helping to correct the problem.
What Are the Ingredients in Glandex?
Manufactured in the USA by Vetnique Labs, Glandex uses all-natural, premium sources to create both their chews and powder. Plus, their patent-blend of human-grade ingredients ensures that your dog is getting only the best.
This includes pumpkin seed powder and granulated pumpkin seed, along with apple cellulose pectin powder in the top five ingredients.
Unsurprisingly, these products contain mostly fiber, a key ingredient in helping your dog produce substantial, firm bowel movements that will help release the anal glands.
Besides fiber, Gladax also contains probiotics, digestive enzymes, and fatty acids like Omega-3.
How Long Does It Take for Glandex to Work?
You want to be sure that you introduce Glandex to your dog gradually to help prevent gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea or constipation.
For the first 5-7 days, it’s recommended that you give your dog only half of the amount of the appropriate dosage for his size. Once his body has become accustomed, it’s safe to start using the exact amount that’s recommended on the bottle.
When your dog has begun a regular Glandex routine of once a day, you should see results in just 3-5 weeks. That said, if you’re not completely satisfied after this time frame, there’s a money-back guarantee available.
Keep in mind, however, that dogs who experienced severe problems with their anal glands before beginning treatment can take up to a few months to see maximum results.
Does Glandex Have Side Effects to Be Aware Of?
The only time Glandex might have adverse side effects on your dog is in the first few days when it’s introduced, but these problems can be easily avoided by following the directions above.
Also, keep in mind that if your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, he might not be able to tolerate Glandex (especially the chews.)
The only noticeable side effect that’s reported amongst pet owners who use Glandex is the increase in size in their dog’s stools, yet this is most often a good thing, as it helps to serve its purpose in stimulating the anal gland during the act of defecation.
How Often Should I Give My Dog Glandex?
If your dog is prone to problems with his anal glands, it’s best to keep up a daily routine of Glandex indefinitely, unless you’re otherwise directed to do so by your veterinarian.
On the other hand, if your dog rarely experiences anal gland problems, you can probably discontinue use after the desired results are achieved.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Generally gets results in 3-5 weeks
- Easy to administer
- No corn, soy, or wheat
- Veterinarian recommended
- Cost-effective
- Made in the USA
Cons
- May not be ideal for dogs with very sensitive stomachs
- Can trigger constipation in some dogs
Best Glandex Alternatives
Pet Naturals of Vermont Scoot Bars
These chewy bars contain pumpkin and natural duck flavor, which makes them not only great tasting, but also highly useful for scooting.
The product is free from wheat and corn, and as an added bonus, the active ingredients help to improve the digestive system, boost immunity to disease, and maintain colonic health.
Just like any other treats, they’re very easy to use – simply feed one to your pet daily, but be sure to introduce them slowly to avoid stomach upset.
In general, one bar is good for a 20-pound dog, so you’ll want to give him less if he’s smaller, and more if he’s a larger breed.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- High in fiber
- Natural flavoring
- Wheat and corn-free
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not suggested for breeding or pregnant dogs
- Contains silicon dioxide
NaturVet No Scoot Powder
Available in 5.4-ounce bottles, this supplement powder contains a number of tasty, all-natural ingredients, including pumpkin and flaxseed.
These ingredients not only work to increase your dog’s fiber intake, but they also help to support healthy, regular bowel function and prevent anal gland problems.
Simple to use, all you need to do is add the recommended amount of powder to your dog’s food twice a day for optimal results.
However, be sure to offer him plenty of water if you’re using this supplement as the increase in fiber can cause dehydration.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- All-natural ingredients
- Natural flavoring
- A great source of fiber
- Easy to use
Cons
- No scoop provided
- Not recommended for dogs younger than 12 weeks
Protexin Veterinary Pro-Fibre for Dogs
This is one of the popular probiotics in the UK store, and the supplement my dog currently use.
Unfortunately, it seems to be unavailable at Amazon USA at the time of writing this post.
