If you have had a dog for a while, then you are probably familiar with the term dog scooting. However, for the sake of new pet parents, let me explain what dog scooting is.
Dog scooting is when your beloved dog starts dragging their bottom across the floor and is accompanied by biting and licking the bottom, thighs, or groin area. Dog scooting is usually a sign that your canine friend is experiencing some discomfort, especially when it is insanely itchy or painful, and they are looking for a way to relieve the soreness or discomfort.
Other signs may accompany dog scooting, including:
- Whimpering when pooping.
- Straining while defecating.
- Matting or swelling around the anus.
- Redness.
- An unusual foul smell or fluid from their bottom.
What Causes Dog Scooting?
Dog scooting is not normal canine behavior, and several things can cause a dog to scoot, ranging from mild discomfort to serious medical issues. Knowing what causes your dog to scoot is the first step to knowing how to help. Let’s discuss what may be causing the scoots.
Dirty Bottom
Dogs don’t use tissue like us, so cleaning their bottoms can be a feat. If the bottom is not cleaned well, they can get irritated and scoot to clean up or relieve the irritation. Once this is done, the scooting will end, and your dog will go back to its mischief.
Clogged Sacs
Canines have two anal sacs that release fluid when they poop. Just like us, canines need a regular nutritional diet for their bowel movements, and a low-fiber diet may result in scooting.
When your dog consistently releases soft stool, there is no pressure on the anal glands to release fluid. This causes the anal sacs to clog and result in clogging. Food rich in fiber is beneficial to your dog, and there are amazing dog food options you can choose from.
If the glands are enlarged or the fluid being released is bloody, take your dog to the vet. The vet will express any excess fluid and probably prescribe an antibiotic cream or a warm compress.
Parasites
We all know that it is quite normal for dogs to ingest intestinal parasites. They can ingest the parasites in their day-to-day life through infected soil, poop, or fleas. Puppies can also get infected with parasites through their mother’s milk. Some worms found in dogs include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and lungworms.
If your dog has them, you can check for the worms in their poop, as some are visible. If they are tapeworms, they will look like rice, while roundworms look like spaghetti. The safest way to treat your pup is to give them a prescribed worming treatment. If you are worried about your dog, you can take them to a vet.
Irritation
Your dog may be scooting because there could be something that is causing some irritation in its bottom area. This could be anything from a stick to poop that is stuck to the after-effects of a grooming session.
A stick or poop can be remedied with a pair of gloves. For grooming, check to see if the dog has any cuts or burns. They could also be having an allergic reaction to a specific product. If that is so, ask your groomer to change the products. You can also use a warm compress to relieve the discomfort.
Anal Sac Trauma
If the fluid in your dog’s anal sacs is continuously externally expressed, it can cause the sacs to be delicate and eventually cause trauma. This may prevent them from functioning normally and expressing the fluid naturally. When this happens, the clogging mentioned above will occur.
Urinary Tract Infection
Your dog may be experiencing a UTI, especially if they are female. This is not a common cause but may be one to look out for, especially if it is accompanied by frequent urination, excessive thirst, or both.
How to Stop Scooting
Now that you have a clue of what’s causing your pup to scoot, your next question would be how to stop it. There are certain preventive measures you can take to ensure that your dog’s scooting days are over. They include:
- As mentioned earlier, make sure that your dog’s diet is rich in fiber. Fiber will help prevent any anal gland issues by ensuring that their poop is firm enough to release the anal sac fluid.
- Avoid any foods that may cause an allergic reaction in your dog. You can discuss this with your local vet, who will understand the dog’s pet history and tell if the dog has allergies.
- Make sure that your dog is not dehydrated.
- If your dog is expectant or nursing, make sure you deworm her. You should also be consistent with parasite prevention methods, including deworming, using parasite preventatives, and basic grooming.
- Avoid anal sac draining as much as possible. If it is needed, you are safer taking the dog to your vet.
Having an unwell dog can be overwhelming. Luckily, if your dog has the scoots, the remedies will help them get back to their normal self in no time.