When your dog rubs its bottom on the ground is that worms or the anal glands?

Question

I had always thought this was because it had worms, but I heard something about the anal glands needing to release the built up secretions inside to give immediate relief and this could cause complications such as infections and ruptured anal glands as a result of this condition going untreated. My dog is only a puppy and she has had fleas, so I figured it was from the fleas and she has worms, not that she would have a problem with anal glands already.

Answer 1

Depends on how old the pup is and what his diet has been like thus far. Can't even give you a guess

Answer 2

It's more usually from anal glands - I've never actually seen an animal rub it's bottom on the ground due to worms.

Please get some proper flea and worm treatment from a vet, and take the pup there to get it's anal glands checked - and a general check up! Have you thought about vaccinations yet? What about neutering?

Anal glands are situated on either side of anus. They produce a substance that gives poo it's distinctive scent to other animals. A number of different things can cause these glands to become impacted, which is uncomfortable or even painful for the animal.

Chalice

Answer 3

Could be, but if he has been wormed recently, unlikely. It's far more likely to be his anal glands which need emptying. They should empty naturally with the passing of a properly formed stool. However, sometimes, especially after a period of looseness, the glands can become overly full, impacted, and sometimes infected. If you don't know how to empty these yourself, you do need to get your vet to do it for you and hopefully show you how it's done (although after how-many years, I still don't like to do it from inside myself). He will be able to see 'what comes out' and assess the situation, whether these is infection or not. If there is, he needs the glands packed with antibiotics, or a course orally. This does need diagnosing because the glands will fill up again (they need to) and the situation will occur again if they are not emptying as they should. ps A fishy smell around the rear end will tell you for sure, whether it's an anal gland problem

Answer 4

Our Shih Tzu does this often. We had the anal gland thing taken care of by the vet. He still does it after a haircut. Seems like he just gets an itchy bottom from time to time.

Answer 5

It can be either, or it can be their way of wiping their butt after defecation. It may also just be itchy every once and a while. Fleas dry out the skin, and can definately cause itchiness anywhere.
As for worms- bring in a fecal sample to the vet. I think the test costs $30 or something like that, and you can know for sure.

Answer 6

It is one or the other. Best thing to do is take it to the vet. You can take in a poop sample and they can let you know during your visit. If it is the glands they can take care of that for you to right away....I wouldn't recommend extracting the anal glands....But I have a weak stomach....LOL

My dog secreted one time b/c my husband wanted to see what he would do when he put on a Halloween mask....Cairo was trying to protect me and at the same time secreted...something they do when they are scared, etc.,....It was gross and I puked.

Answer 7

Usually anal glands. A vet or groomer can take care of this problem. The smell is unbelievable.

Answer 8

Might be worms, might just be an itchy butt, but odds are pretty good that it's impacted anal glands.

Answer 9

It can be a sign of either one. My dog scoots when he has worms, his anal glands have never needed expressing.

Oh stop! Thumbs down fairy, you are going to make my head swell with my own ego.

Answer 10

Dogs rub their bottoms when they are itchy, so it really could be either.