why do dogs drag thier bottoms along the ground? i have a mature dog who has started doing this.?

Answer 1

He may have worms or, more likely, he needs to have his anal glands emptied.

Answer 2

It is usually worms. But they also have a gland just behind their rectum that gets full of poison and they will drag their bottoms on the ground to release some of the pressure. Has your dog been groomed by a proffessional latley? ever? They are usually the ones that empty those piticular glands.

Answer 3

Some actually do it to "wipe" their butt but since the dog just started doing it recently my guess would be either worms or the animal needs it's anal glands expressed. Your vet can check for worms (sometimes you can see them in the stool - if so grab a baggie and take in a stool sample) Vet can also show you how to express anal glands - best done in the tub at bathtime, IMO haha

Answer 4

My (3 yr old) dogs does it too and always has. When he was a puppy I thought it must be worms or anal glands but it wasn't so I've just accepted he sometimes has an itch! Make sure yours is wormed regularly though and have a vet check his anal glands just in case - if it's neither of these then YES it's an itch!!

Answer 5

This could be a problem with the anal glands (especially if your dog has not been castrated/neutered). It's a bit grim, but you can actually squeeze the nasty gunk out of the gland - but I would advise a trip to the vet and get them to do it! It's rather smelly. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

They do this because it itches. Alot of times it is a sign of worms especially if she just started to do it. One of my dogs has done it as long as we have had her and she does not have worms or nay other health concern vet said she just either has an itch or that she likes to keep a clean booty. Anal glad maybe plugged was noy the case of my dog but could be yours.

Answer 7

The dog has glands in his rear end to help him go #2. Sometimes these glands get filled up and need to be expressed by your vet. No big deal, not painful ,and just takes a second.

Answer 8

It means his anal glands are full and need to be expressed. Please take him to the vet and have it done. If left undone, they will become impacted and abscess, which is EXTREMELY painful and will require lancing, antibiotics, etc.
After they are expressed you can begin adding a teaspoon of unflavored Metamucil and a tbs. of 100% Pure Pumpkin (not pie filling), to each of his meals. The added fiber will bulk up the stool so that it applies enough pressure to the glands that they will express naturally when he defecates.

Answer 9

He or she may need their anal glands expressed, phone the vet and make an appointment the vet can also check if the anal glands are infected and prescribe meds if necessary or check if a tumor of ther anal gland is causing the problem(this would be more serious and surgery would be needed)

Answer 10

He probably needs his anal glands clearing. I'd get the vet to empty then, if they don't get empitied regularly they can cause infections. Most dogs are able to do it themselves most of the time but most need help occasionally and some more often than others.

Answer 11

Dogs drag their butts usually because the feel some discomfort in that area. Sometimes older dogs have problems in the anal or rectal area---hemorrhoids, anal gland problems...you may want to consult your vet.