Why is my dog dragging their bum?

🐶 MYTH BUSTING: “My dog is scooting… it must be worms!” 🐶

 

We often hear:

❌ “They must have worms.”
❌ “They’ve got an itchy bum.”
❌ “Something must be stuck.”

 

BUT the most common reason dogs scoot their bottoms along the ground is actually…

 

✅ ANAL GLANDS!

 

So, what are anal glands? 🤔

 

Dogs have two small scent glands located just inside their bottom. These glands normally empty when a dog passes a bowel motion, but sometimes they don’t empty properly and can become full, uncomfortable, inflamed, or even infected.

 

Some dogs are more prone to anal gland issues, including:
🐾 Small breeds
🐾 Dogs with certain body shapes
🐾 Dogs with soft stools
🐾 Dogs with allergies or skin inflammation

 

Allergies can play a BIG role because they are a continuation of the skin, and when your dog has allergies and the skin is inflamed then so too can the anal glands be! 

 

🚨 If your dog is scooting, don’t ignore it! It’s your pet’s way of telling you something is bothering them.

 

Your vet can check their anal glands, look for other causes, and help prevent ongoing discomfort.