Have you ever noticed your dog scooting their butt on the ground?
If so, you’re not alone. This is a very common problem, and in most cases, the cause is an impacted anal sac, which you can learn more about by reading Part 1 of this blog series. However, impacted anal sacs aren’t the only reason dogs scoot, and in order to help your dog find relief, it’s important that you identify what is causing the problem. Here are a few other problems that could be causing your dog to scoot:
#1. Fecal Contamination
If dogs could talk, they would probably tell us that it’s not always easy to have so much hair on their butts. After a bad bout of diarrhea, your dog is probably going to feel weak and dehydrated, and they will most likely have a matted, messy back side. This is called fecal contamination, and if it’s not taken care of in a timely manner, it can lead to an infection. However, as long as infection hasn’t occurred yet, you can correct the problem on your own by cutting away the dirty hair and cleaning the area using warm water.
#2. Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse occurs when part of the rectum, which is the portion of the large intestine closest to the anus, protrudes through the anus. This can occur from straining due to constipation, or after a case of severe diarrhea. If your dog has rectal prolapse, there will likely be a mass that is long and cylindrical poking out of your dog’s anus, and if you see this, it’s essential to call your veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian can replace the prolapse, which is then typically followed by one of the following treatments:
- Stool softeners to prevent your dog from straining.
- Partially stitching the anus closed to prevent the rectum from prolapsing again.
- Surgery may be required if the prolapse repair is necessary.
#3. Tapeworms
Dogs can get tapeworms if they swallow a flea that is infested with it. Scooting is a common sign of tapeworms, and if you notice that your dog is scooting, visually inspect their rear end for signs of small, white worms. These worms often look like tiny grains of rice, and they might or might not be moving around. Luckily, tapeworms are easily treated using either injectable or oral medication. But in order to prevent tapeworms from coming back, you’ll need to control the fleas, which is done with topical or oral medications.
If your dog has been scooting, don’t put off getting treatment.
Whatever the reason why your dog is scooting, you shouldn’t make them wait any longer than necessary to get treatment. Scooting is a sign that your dog is irritated or in pain, and no doggy mom or dad wants their furry friend to be uncomfortable longer than they have to. If your dog has been scooting, schedule your appointment with East Meadow Veterinary Center. Although we are located in East Meadow, we proudly serve the surrounding areas, including Levittown. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.