The first reaction you have when you find your dog scooting across the floor is probably to laugh. If you Google “dog dragging butt,” you’ll find plenty of amusing images and videos. But have you ever wondered what’s behind your dog’s scooting behavior and whether you should be concerned? In this article, we’re going to discuss possible reasons behind your dog’s scoot and how to remedy it.
Overview of Dog Scooting
So what is dog scooting? Scooting is exactly what it sounds like. Your dog scoots along the ground by dragging their butt, usually using their front legs to move along, while their hind legs stick up. Even though it looks silly, your dog is doing it for a reason. He’s trying to relieve an itch on his rear end. The question remains, what causes this discomfort in the first place?
Causes of Dog Itchy Bum
There are a variety of reasons why a dog may drag his butt on the ground. Here are a few of the most common reasons for scooting:
1. Itchy Skin: Dogs who scoot may have itchy skin around their anus, which is one of the most common causes of this behavior. Like people, dogs can be itchy on various parts of their bodies, and this may be due to dry skin or allergies. Scooting helps relieve this itchiness in those hard-to-reach places. If your canine friend is prone to itchy, irritated skin, you can help by feeding them a diet with omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin. Adding a supplement to their meals, like omega oil, can be a big help. The occasional itch may cause your dog to briefly scoot. If they exhibit this behavior and then immediately stop, you probably have nothing to worry about.
2. Grooming Irritation: Is your dog regularly groomed? A groomer’s clippers can cause razor burn around the anal area, and perfumes and doggy colognes can irritate the skin in this area too. To prevent razor irritation, talk to your groomer about switching products or keeping the hair a little longer back there.
3. Clogged or Infected Anal Glands: Another common cause your dog may be scooting is clogged or infected anal glands. The duct that releases fluid from your dog’s anal glands can become clogged when the glands become too full. As full anal glands stretch, it causes your dog discomfort, which they try to relieve by scooting. If your dog is suffering from food allergies or is not getting enough fiber in their diet, this may be leading to anal gland problems. If your dog needs more fiber in their diet, consider adding pumpkin powder as a food topper.
4. Intestinal Parasites: There’s also the possibility that butt scooting can be caused by intestinal parasites. When a flea bites your dog, it can transmit tapeworm larvae, which then mature in your dog’s intestines, and you’ll notice them in their bowel movements as white rice-like segments. Talk to your vet about the best medication options for monthly parasite prevention.
When Should I Call The Vet?
Since your dog may be scooting due to any of these reasons, how do you know when to call your veterinarian? Follow this general rule of thumb: If you see your dog dragging its butt more than once a day or if the behavior persists for two or three days consistently, something might be wrong and it’s time to speak with your vet. In the case of infection, your vet will usually drain the anal glands and prescribe antibiotics and possibly anti-inflammatories to help with the discomfort. If your pup tests positive for intestinal parasites, they will usually prescribe a deworming medication. It might also be necessary to make some changes to your dog’s diet if your veterinarian suspects it’s the cause of your pet’s scooting. You may be recommended a probiotic supplement to maintain good gut health and promote regular bowel movements.
If your dog scoots, it usually makes us laugh or cringe. However, dogs scoot for a reason. It’s a symptom of an issue, even if it’s something as minor as an itchy behind. Regardless of the cause of your dog’s butt-dragging behavior, you should attempt to resolve the problem as soon as possible. As soon as you become concerned about your dog’s scooting behavior, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
