Dog Question?

Question

Okay, please don't give me a dumb answer here. I know it's a common stupid question. We've had our dog for almost 5 yrs, he's 7. For the first time EVER (that we've seen), he's started sitting and pulling/rubbing his butt across the floor. WHY do they do that? Is he sick? Is there something wrong? He isn't acting any different. He's done this twice in the last week. The only thing I can think of that's odd about him is that he has allergies. Please, no stupid answers.

How do they even get worms? He has only done it twice and hasn't again.. how do I know if it's serious enough to pay the vet a visit?

And yes.. I hear you all- worms or these anal gland thing.

Oh yeah- I know he doesn't have fleas, he's on a year round flea preventative.

Another point- his allergies are going nuts, could it be that??

Answer 1

Allergies are a common culprit for itching/scrathing like this. Check with your vet for meds. Consider Benadryl.

Some dogs have anal gland issues that cause them to scratch/rub. If you note a foul odor as a result, have your vet check the anal glands.

Worms are another common cause. If you walk your dog, you will likely notice messy stools if they have worms. Again, see your vet.

Answer 2

Dogs usually empty their anal glands when they poop. However, if the glands become full and the dog isn't able to relieve the pressure, he'll try to express them via scooting across the floor. My dog has allergies, and I see her do this in the spring and fall more often...

Groomers routinely express the glands of the dogs they groom. A vet tech at the vet's office can also do it. OOOOR, they can teach you to do it at home (not for the fearful as the contents squirt and do not smell pleasant!!)

Answer 3

Get your dog to the vet ASAP!!! He has an acute case of impacted anal glands. This is extremely serious, and if left untreated they will continue to fill with anal liquids, rupture and then become infected and secrete pus. He will most likely need surgery to relieve the pressure and clean out the anal sacs on either side of the rectum. After he gets better, remember to take him to a groomer and ask to have his glands expressed at least once a month. It's a totally painless procedure: the groomer will use her/his thumbs to apply pressure on the outside of the anus and gently press inwards and upwards( sort of like picking the zits on your face).You might also want to ask the vet to do a fecal exam to check for worms just in case. Hope he gets better!

Answer 4

OK theres a glaad in his butt called a anal glaad it fills up sometimes you need to take to vet and vet will stick two fingers up there and ream his ring squeezeing out the bile that fills anal glaad .Has the dog been eating richer foods of late ,eating greasey food or moist food this could be the problem for the problems with the anal glaad , also this is what a dog is doing when you catch it licking its butt

Answer 5

When dogs get older them may have problems emptying their anal glands. Then they drag their butts along the rug or carpet. He could have worms but I am thinking it's his anal gland that need the vets help.

Answer 6

Dogs have anal glands in their rectums that scent their stool. some times these glands become impacted so the rub them on the ground to try to eleviate the irritation. They will need to be expressed by your vet. it isn't very expensive and u can usually just walk in with out an appointment.

Answer 7

Not a stupid question at all.
They do this for 3 common reasons,
1. parasites, which can be diagnosed and treated by your vet.
2. Anal sacks are full and he cannot express them. Dogs typically express their anal sacks when they defecate-it is a territorial thing. Some times they can't express them and they fill up. It is very uncomfortable
3. Anal sacks are full and may in ready to rupture. Again, vet can help with this.

Answer 8

He could have worms or he may be having trouble with his anal glands. You should get him checked out at the vet.

Answer 9

My guess would be anal glands. They are supposed to express by them selves when they have a bm. sometimes they become impacted or just do express. you can go to the vet and tell them about it and they can check them and express them. they have like a bad fish odor. or you can do it yourself. (i personally hate doing it). you just have to be careful you don't rupture them. (that's a bad thing).
doing them from the outside is not always a good way to do it. that can cause more problems for them.

Answer 10

He more than likely has some type of worm. You better take him to the vet or get him some O.T.C. meds. Problem is that you won't know what kinda worm he has untill you find one in his poop or untill one falls outta his bumb. Best bet is to take him to the vet.