Dog Scooting  

Dogs may sometimes scoot their butts on the ground, carpet, or grass.  This is a strange thing to witness, and it often confuses dog owners.  This behavior is known as scooting and can be a sign of something bothering your dog.  This article will go into further detail as to why your dog is scooting and some ways that you can help them.

Below is a list of reasons why your dog may be scooting.

Anal sac problems – Sometimes anal sacs can get blocked or inflamed.  To relieve themselves from this pain, dogs may scoot.  If anal sacs are infected, the veterinarian may administer an antibiotic to treat the infection.

Worms – Tapeworms may be present which can cause your dog to scoot.  Look around your dog’s anus and if you notice tiny segments like rice, your pup will need to be seen by a veterinarian.

Fecal contamination – When a dog suffers from diarrhea, they can end up being weak and dehydrated with a messy, uncomfortable bottom.  The treatment for this may just require cleaning away the dirty area by trimming the hair.

Rectal prolapse – A prolapse can occur after a dog has had bad diarrhea or they strain from constipation.  Treatment may vary where the vet may stitch the anus of the dog to prevent the prolapse from happening again.

Scooting isn’t a common behavior for dogs.  If they are doing it, there is a reason behind it.  To stay on top of things, you can lift your dog’s tails to check for any irritations or swelling.  Do you notice anything that doesn’t seem right?  Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so that they can look.  Routine gland maintenance checks may also be necessary.  In addition, you can feed your dog a raw diet, ensure that they are getting plenty of exercise, and give your dog probiotics.