i have a 3mo yorkie and he drags his butt across the floor at times need to know is there something wrong?

Answer 1

Everyone is jumping the gun here. Worms could be a possibility but he might just be marking the area with his scent or the most obvious reason, his butt could be itchy. No, I am not joking. You can check the feces to see if there are any worms. If there are, the vet can give you some meds to kill them off inside the body. If he or she hasn't been outside or in the grass then the chances of worms drops drastically. Check your food stock too, if it is old it could be contaminated.

Answer 2

Most likely he just needs his anal glands expressed. This is a rather stinky job and you may want to go to a vet to have it done the first time. Since you puppy is only 3 months old having an itchy bottom could mean worms, especially if he wasn't dewormed. You can easily take in a fecal sample to your Vet and have them test it, if this is a concern.


More Info about Anal Gland expression and Worms:

You have to apply pressure to each side of the dog's anus, firmly enough to cause the glands on either side to expel the feces and possible liquid that has been retained there.

Watching how much pressure, where and how as your Vet does it can build your confidence and also help you see exactly what should happen. Of course, you'll also find out how stinky it can be and make an overall informed decision if you do want to "do it yourself" should the need arise.

Ideally, if your dog is not elderly and appears to be in reasonable good health, this should rarely be a problem. Look to the quality of FOOD you are feeding (semi-moist foods contribute to this problem a lot!), provide MORE exercise for your dog (overweight dogs frequently may have this problem) and be sure your dog has access to CLEAN, FRESH drinking water.


Tape worms look like bits of moving rice, while many other types of worms can not be seen at all with the naked eye. A lethargic dog, dry coat, bloated stomach, eating a lot but looks thin, suddenly coughing when playing or running, runny stools...are all other signs that often are a red flag to check for worms. Since you have a puppy the most common type of worm you would have would be roundworms.

Answer 3

Anal gland disease is one of the most common reasons a dog will lick under the tail. Dogs and cats have two anal glands (also called anal sacs) on each side of the anal opening. These can become impacted or infected. If they do, the pet will often lick the area to try to relieve the pressure in the glands. Some dogs will also 'scoot' along the floor when they have an anal gland problem.

Anal gland impactions, infections, and abscesses can occur. Here is how: For various reasons, such as the conformation of the animals, the thickness of the gland's secretions, or the softness of the stool, these glands and their ducts often become clogged, or 'impacted.' When this occurs, the animal will sit down on its rear quarters and drag its anal area across the floor or ground. This is called 'scooting.' Both dogs and cats may lick the anal area excessively. Impacted anal glands are a very, very common problem for dogs, especially the smaller breeds.

Anal glands may also become infected and abscess. Bacteria make their way into the glands, probably through the ducts. This is a very painful condition, and the first sign you may see is that the animal attempts to bite or scratch when you touch the area near the tail.

When the glands become impacted, a veterinarian, groomer, or holistic practicioner must clean them out, or 'express' them. Your vet will be able to teach you how to do this as well. This empties the glands of all material. It is done by applying pressure with the finger, start below the gland and then pushing upwards. In some dogs, this needs to be done every week or two.

Impacted glands do not affect the overall health of the pet. The problem is that pets may injure the anal area when scooting across the ground, or discharge the secretion on the carpet or floor. And this material has a terrible odor.

Anal gland abscesses must be lanced by a veterinarian, and antibiotics are usually given to the pet for seven to 14 days. Using warm compresses on the area often helps to relieve some of the pain and reduce swelling. Secondary problems sometimes occur with abscesses, as they may cause scar tissue or other damage that may affect the nerves and muscles in this area. This can cause fecal incontinence, meaning the pet cannot retain its stools.

If an individual pet only has an occasional problem with the gland, they can be dealt with as needed. However, for pets with repeated or chronic problems, surgical removal of the glands is recommended. With the removal of these glands all problems associated with these glands are eliminated for the remainder of the pet's life. Although a fairly simple procedure, complications such as fecal incontinence can rarely occur.

Dogs with recurrent anal gland impactions are often placed on a high fiber diet. The high fiber makes the animal's stool more bulky. The stool will put more pressure on the anal glands and hopefully the glands will express themselves when the animal defecates. There are several all natural commercial brands of high fiber dog food available such as Nutro. Animals may also be supplemented with bran or medications such as Metamucil which will increase the bulk of the stool.

Answer 4

Here is the answer I found on the Drs. Foster and Smith website

Dogs and cats have two anal glands (also called anal sacs) on each side of the anal opening. These can become impacted or infected. If they do, the pet will often lick the area to try to relieve the pressure in the glands. Some dogs will also 'scoot' along the floor when they have an anal gland problem.

Answer 5

Most likely it is worms. Although you would be able to see tapeworm in the stool, you will not see the other kinds of worms unless it is really bad. A fecal test is needed to diagnose them.

They do drag their butts for an anal gland problem also, but worms would be the first thing to check.

Answer 6

Often smaller breed dogs have glandular problems.

This means that something has become impacted in his deposit area.
A trip to the vet, where this lodging can be removed, brings relief to the animal and frevents future medical expense for the owner in time to come.

Watch the animal also for worms or if this continues to occur, may need further medical care.

Talk with your vet soon!

Answer 7

Yes probably he has worms..go to the vet as soon as posible and try to stop him from drging hi but on the floor he will spred the worms around...but go to the vet this is a must to do...

Answer 8

Small dogs need to go to the vet and have their anal glands squeezed every once in a while. Kinda gross but a necessity.

Answer 9

Hi that is a classic sign that he may have tape worms... It is very normal for a puppy to have these... Check his stool and I w/take him to the vet for a worming.

Answer 10

He has impacted anal glands. You need to take him to the vet and get it done and then ask him to show you how you can do it at home.