In your eyes, your fur-baby is the cutest thing in the world. From the way he bounces around after his plush dog toys to the way he curls up in his dog bed – and even how he wags his tail with excitement when he sees you grab his dog harness or fill his dog bowl up with his favorite dog food; everything your furry friend does is so super adorable. Well, almost everything… There’s one thing that your pet might do that makes you cringe: dragging his butt along the floor.
As with any unwanted behavior, it’s important that you don’t scold your pup when you see him dragging his bottom on the floor (even if it’s an expensive rug!); instead, you need to find out the root of the problem so you can correct it. If your loyal friend scooting along the floor, it’s usually a sign that something is going on with his rear end.
Causes of Canine Bottom Scooting
When a canine scoots his bottom along the ground, it either means that their rump is itch or that they are experiencing pain. They drag their butts along grass, carpeting, or any other semi-abrasive surface in an attempt to scratch the itch or alleviate the discomfort they are experiencing.
There are several reasons why butt dragging might happen, but by far the most common cause is impacted or infected anal glands. Canines have two small internal glands located on either side of their anus. Normally, those glands excrete a highly odorous liquid with each bowel movement (if you’ve ever picked up your pet’s excrement with a poop bag or a pooper scooper, you’ve probably gotten a whiff of that liquid, and the smell was probably less than pleasant.) That scent is meant to “mark” a canine’s territory; it lets other dogs known that they were there. Sometimes, those glands can become inflamed or compacted, which prevents the liquid inside of them from being excreted. When the anal glands are full, they can become very itchy and uncomfortable; if the problem persists, an infection can develop in the glands.
Recommended Reading: Best High Fiber Dog Food for Anal Gland Problems
Butt scooting can also be a sign of other issues, such as an infestation of intestinal parasites, like tapeworms or roundworms; an injury in or near the anus; allergies; or rectal prolapse. In some cases, bottom scooting can be a sign of a tumor.
In addition to dragging his butt along the ground, your pooch might also excessively lick his hindquarters.
Treatments for Butt Dragging
If your pup is dragging his butt around on the ground, take notice of the frequency. If he only does it a few times, it may not be a cause for concern. You can try to ease your pet’s discomfort by cleansing the area with a gentle dog shampoo and a soft, damp towel. Also, make sure you thoroughly cleanse the area where he rubbed with a stain and odor remover, and maybe lay down some dog potty pads, in case he does it again).
If the scooting lasts for more than a day or two, it seems to be intensifying, and your pup is constantly licking his bottom, schedule an appointment with your vet.
Image Source: DogsCatsPets.org
