Why is My Dog Dragging His Ass Around?
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This is also known as scooting. As cute as that sounds, it is your dog’s way of relieving himself/herself of discomfort or itch.
There are many possible causes ranging from mild to serious. That is why knowing what that ‘pain-in-the-butt’ means, is the first step to helping your furry buddy.
Your dog could be scooting because of...
1) Skin Irritation
Did your dog go to the groomer’s recently? It is possible that the skin at the bum area or under the tail is just itching from clipper burns.
What you can do:
Check for little nicks or clipper burns (signs of rash or redness). Clean and dry that area, and use a warm compress to ease the itch. If it gets worse, get some topical cream from the vet.
Another possible cause of irritation is a dirty, messy bottom due to diarrhoea. Wet poop stuck to matted fur can cause a lot of discomfort.
What you can do:
Give your dog a bum bath with warm water and then make sure that area is dry. You can also trim off some of the matted fur carefully. If the diarrhoea persists after 24 hours, you should contact your vet.
2) Clogged Up Anal Glands
Anal glands hold thick, oily and smelly liquid which naturally gets released when your dog poops. Normal bowel movements will trigger these glands to be emptied completely. But sometimes, your dog’s anal glands can become blocked.
"If your dog is constantly chewing, licking the area around his/her anus and have trouble pooping, it is likely to be problems with the anal glands." - Dr Arman Chen, Veterinary Surgeon & Practice Manager, Gaia Vets