There are three major causes of anal gland diseases in dogs. First, genetics and anatomical configuration affecting anal gland expression. Second, food allergies and other causes of Damp Heat or stagnation, constipation and other patterns of disharmony often caused by too many carbohydrates and other food allergies. Third, a diet that lacks the correct fiber levels or contains too much bone. Anal gland material should be liquid in dogs and cats, or close to it and not pasty, bloody containing pus. They provide a way for animals to spread their scent in nature. Problems can cause excess scooting, licking and pungent discharge, require emptying very often or abscess causing an exterior wound. Correct management is important to prevent these problems. There is a serious disease causing the body to attack it's own anal gland causing a fistula. This is very common in German Shepherds but not common in other breeds and the information provided above does not necessarily help these perianal fistulas but later I will address autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases in particular. There are also anal gland carcinomas, tumors of the anal area which can make expression difficult. #analglands #fiberfordogs #dogs #abscesses #holisticvet #holistic #naturopathic #naturopathicpetdoc #rawdietssolveanalglands #analglanddisease #expressanalglands