What Is Dog Scooting And When Is It A Problem?
Dogs are adorable creatures, and we just love having them around. However, there are times they may embarrass you when you least expect it. It may decide to drag its butt across the floor right in the middle of the dinner party you are hosting. When that happens, then next thing you will ask yourself is whether you could have stopped it from happening. You may also wonder whether you can treat it and prevent it from ever happening. If that is the case, read on to find out what to do.
Why is My Dog Scooting?
While there are many reasons why your dog is scooting, the main reason is usually pain or itching on its butt. The itch or pain may force it to get desperate and drag its butt on the grass or carpet to ease the discomfort. One of the main causes of itching or burning sensation that leads to scooting is infected or impacted anal glands.
Your dog’s anal glands are internal and they are shaped like sacs. They are positioned on either side of its anus. The glands excrete a smell fluid that comes out every time the dog poops. The smelly fluid is a natural mechanism the dog uses to mark its territory. When theses glands are infected, the fluid may fail to come out when the dog poops. That leads to a buildup, which also makes the fluid to turn from a runny fluid, to a thick paste. The full anal glands then become extremely uncomfortable, and at times may cause an infection.
There are other causes as well that may cause your do to scoot. These include an intestinal worm infection of tapeworms, tumors in or around the anus, injuries in the anal region, allergies, or a rectal prolapse. The dog may also lick its backend excessively after scooting.
How to Help a Dog that is Scooting
Professional vets recommend that if your dog scoots just occasionally, then you do not need to rush him to the vet. That is because they may just have a simple itch they need to get rid of. What to watch is how often it happens before you consider seeking professional help. The first step is to treat the affected region with a soft washcloth and gentle shampoo. When you are done, rinse away the soap with clean water and dry there are with clean towel.
Should I take a Scooting Dog to the Vet?
If you notice that your dogs is incessantly scooting for a whole day or two days in a row, then take it to the vet. You vet will then examine the anal region to find out what is happening. They will be looking for signs of an infection or inflammation. They may also carry out a fecal exam to determine if the dog has an intestinal infection. If the dog has an infection, the vet will give it some de-worming medication to stop the scooting.
In the event that he finds the glands are full, he will try to express them. If they are impacted, they will fail to express. The next action the vet will take is to sedate the dog and inject the glands with some medication. The medication will then clear them and ensure they remain clear. In case where the condition becomes chronic, the vet may remove the surgically. The process to remove the anal glands is complex; your regular vet will most likely refer you to a dog specialist.
How Can I Stop Scooting in Dogs and Anal Gland Issues in General?
The first step is to feed your dog food that contains some fiber. That will make sure that your dog’s stool is firm. A firm stool will help the anal glands to express themselves naturally, when the dog poops. One of the ways to add fiber is adding a few spoons of plain canned pumpkin to your dog’s diet. You may also give it anal gland supplement containing fiber. The supplements are usually the first course of action vets recommend before they surgically remove the glands.
How to Handle Chronic Anal Gland Distress
If you do not want to get to a point of get the anal glands removed, you will need to manually express the regularly. If you do not mind seeing the messy stuff, your vet may teach you how to do it. However, only a few dogs need their glands expressed; do not do it unless you find it scooting. Otherwise, it may even cause it some harm. Overall, if the glands have not caused your dog any problem, then just leave them alone. That is what professional vets recommend.
