Even though we can find it a bit upsetting and embarrassing, dog scooting is a pretty normal behavior in pups. Almost every dog on the planet has at least scoot once, however, it can sometimes be a sign of concern. What is the explanation behind dogs scooting their butts around the floor?
How many times have you watched your dog scooting his butt around the floor in the street, your house, or the most dread scenario, your brand-new carpet? I bet many! And even though it is quite frequent in dogs, it is a behavior we should definitely pay attention to.
What is dog scooting?
Dog scooting consists of dragging their butt all over the floor in a seated position, and it is usually followed by excessive licking and chewing of the bottom area. Even though it is a common behavior many dogs experience, there are several reasons behind it. Basically, and, to put it into simple words, scooting occurs when dogs are feeling uncomfortable and something is bothering them in their bottom area.
Different causes of dog scooting
Dog scooting can happen every time dogs feel pain, itchiness, or inflammation on their butts
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Irritation of the anal sac: Dog’s anal glands are located behind their tails. One of their main functions is to release smell and scent to attract other dogs. However, when an anal sac gets infected, clogged, irritated, or swollen, dogs will try to relieve the discomfort it causes through scooting. Unfortunately, that only makes it worse since not only they spread bacteria all over the place, but also cause further irritation of the affected area.
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Parasites or intestinal worms: Parasites or tapeworms (a worm dogs can catch by eating an infected flea) might cause severe itchiness in your dog’s bottom. Luckily, they are very easy to identify in your dog’s feces, so you can probably catch them early and spare your dog further discomfort.
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Food allergies: Allergies of all kinds can cause itchiness and redness, and consequent scratching. However, when dogs experience food allergies, they can cause severe itchiness in their butts.
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Low fiber diets: As in almost every other condition a dog can experience, a poor diet has a negative impact and can even exacerbate scooting. When dogs’ meals are low fiber, they can get constipated and experience difficulties in passing stool. Make sure to add to your dog’s diet the right amount of fiber and nutrients they need with Mokai’s Multifunctional Dog Chews and All-in-one Super herbs and Mushrooms.
- Lack of exercise/water: Sedentism and dehydration are your dog’s worst enemies. Exercise and water are the keys to living healthy lives. Proper exercise helps your dog’s bowels work correctly, and staying hydrated promotes moisture while avoiding irritation and redness.
When a dog is scooting, the first thing to do is assess the situation to find out what is hidden behind this practice. If your dog scoots on a regular basis, we strongly recommend you to take him to the vet for a general evaluation.
However, there are some home healthy habits you can add to their routine:
- Include more fiber in your dog’s diet
- Deworm your pup regularly
- Implement longer walks or exercise sesh
If your dog’s anal gland is full of liquid and your dog is experiencing trouble emptying it, the vet will probably recommend you to have their glands squeezed, in order to release the discomfort. Even though some groomers include this practice among the services they offer, dogs usually relieve this liquid by themselves while defecating, so it is only advised to do it under vet recommendation.