2007-07-02 09:47:52 · 37 answers · asked by marie a 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Possibly but probably not.
The most common ailment causing this reaction is clogging of the anal glands.
What are anal glands?
Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small glands present in both dogs and cats situated just below and either side of the anal opening. These glands produce a substance that is secreted through ducts just inside the rectum when pressure is put on the glands- most commonly by the passing of feces. This substance has a strong odor which is very unpleasant to humans but was probably useful to animals, especially in times gone by, for marking their territory.
What can go wrong with anal glands?
In modern-day domestic pets, anal glands can often cause health problems. Sometimes the anal gland secretions are not released naturally and build up - leading to thickening of the secretion, clogging of the duct and sometimes even infection and abscesses. You may have seen your pet with his tail up, dragging his behind across the floor. This is an attempt to relieve the pressure and discomfort of impacted anal glands and is called scooting. Scooting can cause damage to the anus and indicates that your pet is having trouble with his anal glands and needs some type of intervention.
When bacteria find their way into the glands, infection can occur and lead to an abscess. Your pet may whimper or cry when attempting to defecate - this should alert you to the possibility of infection. Abscesses can also be extremely painful for your pet and will require the attention of a vet and possibly antibiotics to clear the infection. For this reason, it is best to prevent complications as much as possible.
Prevention and treatment
Anal glands should be regularly checked and expressed when necessary in order to empty the build up of secretions from the gland. This can be done by your vet, groomer or even by you - getting the knack of this is not difficult especially once you have been shown the technique. To express your pet’s anal glands use your fingers or a thumb and forefinger to gently apply pressure on either side of the anal opening - on the outside of the glands. Press inwards and upwards and you should see the fluid being expressed.
2007-07-02 10:05:17 · answer #1 · answered by stratmanreturns 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
She might, if you haven't been giving her a worm pill every month. To prevent parasites, you can give the dog Heartguard or Sentinel. You get a prescription from your vet.
However, if your dog is "scooting" meaning she's sitting and then using her front legs to move forward, leaving her bottom to scoot across the ground, she probably needs her anal glands expressed. You can get a vet or a groomer to do it. The anal sacs get full of this nasty fluid sometimes, and it's uncomfortable for your dog. So they try to relieve the discomfort by scooting. I would take her to the vet and have them do it, and get a prescription for heartworm/worm pills while you're there. If your vet knows you, they probably won't require a whole appointment just for heartworm pills.
2007-07-02 09:53:37 · answer #2 · answered by Bambi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be that, but impacted anal glands are a more likely cause. A vet can sort this out for you in a consultation, for a small fee.
Do take the dog to the vets to get this sorted. Even if it isn't worms, you should worm your dog regularly to prevent them.
Chalice
2007-07-02 09:57:09 · answer #3 · answered by Chalice 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dogs dont drag their behind because of worms, its their anal glands that require to be emptied. A visit to the vet for the treatment will be in order.
2007-07-02 10:41:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
how little is your dog?? is it a puppy?? Some puppies will rub the butts against the ground to clean themselves and some do have worms.. After your puppy poops check the stool to see if you can see any worms... Sometimes you will be able to see the worms in their stool.. Hope this works
2016-05-21 04:19:18 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be that, or she may need to get the sacs just inside her bottom emptied. Your vet can do this for you, and it is painless for the dog.
These sacs get filled with little bits of poo, and sometimes get full, so make an appointment with your vet. This will make her a lot more comfortable.
Good luck!
2007-07-02 10:46:05 · answer #6 · answered by politicalghettogirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chances are good this is caused by worms ( if so only use Meds from the vet, NOT over the counter from Petco or Petsmart your dogs life could depend on it)
Depends on how often she/he does this, could just be an itch.
2007-07-02 09:53:52 · answer #7 · answered by cdsgeo2 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it could be, but it doesnt mean that it IS. I know that my dog, whenever she trails her bottom along the floor, its because her anal glans are full, and need emptying. After she has gone to the vets, she is fine again =)
2007-07-02 10:06:08 · answer #8 · answered by Sonsal 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No it does not mean that she has worms. Her anal glands need to be squeezed. You can take her to the vet and they will do that for you.
2007-07-02 10:27:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2007-07-02 09:50:16 · answer #10 · answered by Paul H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋