Is your dog suffering from an itchy bum? Itchy bum?
It’s something we all have seen: A dog sitting on the floor and moving his rump across it. This is not only bad for the floors (think bacteria, odor, and possibly even blood), but it can also be dangerous for your dog. Dog scooting is a sign that there is an anal problem. This article will explain why dogs scoot, and what home remedies are available to combat dog scooting.
Why do dogs scoot?
dog scooting occurs most often from irritation around the dog’s rear end. It could be itching, pain, or a more serious condition.
It could be anal gland problems, parasitic infections or skin infections around the rear, or even symptoms of allergies. Dr. Gavin Casper is a holistic veterinarian at Hometown Animal Hospital, Weston, Florida.
Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian who specializes in integrative medicine and the owner of Naturally Healthy Pets New Jersey, says that dogs will also lick at their anal areas and scoot across a floor if they see stool stuck to their perianal area.
You must get to the root cause of your dog’s irritation and stop him from scooting. The best place to begin is to take your dog to the vet. You can determine the cause and provide relief for your dog by going to the vet.
Are home remedies for dog scooting safe?
Dr. Casper does not recommend home remedies for dog-scooting. They can make the problem worse or mask the symptoms. There are safe and effective home remedies that can be used once your vet has addressed the root cause.
Root causes for dog scooting include:
- Grooming sensitivities Trimming the hair and cleaning the perianal area of your dog may be enough to relieve irritation. In the event that irritation is causing it, check for any nicks or razor burns after grooming. Look for grooming products that don’t irritate sensitive skin.
- Allergies It may take some detective work to identify the environmental (e.g. Flea saliva, pollen, and dust mites are all possible causes of allergic reactions. You should see a change in your dog’s behavior after eliminating the irritant. A veterinarian can be a tremendous asset in finding the allergen.
- Anal gland problems: The most common reason for dog itching is anal sac or gland issues. Dr. Morgan states that well-formed stool is the best defense in this situation. She says that a firm stool can put pressure on the anal glands and help them empty.
What can I give my dog to stop him scooting?
Pumpkin puree is a good food for dogs because it contains fiber. This helps to relieve anal gland discomfort. (c)MelissaKauffman
Experts recommend giving dogs a high-quality diet rich in moisture and insoluble fiber to ensure firm stool. Dr. Morgan suggests adding a lot of fiber to your dog’s diet, like pumpkin puree, coconut chips or ground pumpkin seed, to increase stool bulk.
Canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling), is a safe and effective way to increase dog’s intake of digestible fiber. It has been proven to decrease scooting behavior by increasing anal gland expression. This can be purchased at your local grocery store. Or you can buy pumpkin puree made for dogs at Weruva’s Pumpkin patch Up. or Fruitables’ Pumpkin SuperBlend Digestive Supplement.
Can Metamucil be used to help dogs scoot?
Metamucil, a fiber supplement, is designed to increase fiber intake in humans. Metamucil for dogs can be used as a fiber-increasing supplement to increase the dog’s bowel firmness for natural gland expression. Some Metamucil products may contain extra sugar, while some sugar-free products can contain aspartame. Neither of these are good for dogs. Before you give Metamucil to dogs, consult your veterinarian. The correct dosage will depend on your dog’s age, weight, and health.
Calendula can help with dog scooting
Warm compresses are helpful for dogs suffering from swelling and discomfort. Warm compresses can be made with calendula tincture or mixed with warm water.
Dr. Casper states that Calendula is naturally anti-inflammatory and can be mixed with warm compresses to reduce discomfort.
While there may be some evidence that home remedies can reduce dog scooting, Dr. Casper states that few studies have been done to support their effectiveness and safety. He mentions Silicea and Hepar Sulph as homeopathic remedies that can reduce inflammation in the anal glands.
How can I tell if my dog is scooting because of his anal sacs?
Two small pockets, known as glands or anal sacs, are located inside the dog’s genital area. One on each side. These sacs are made up of an oily fluid that contains a distinct odor or scent mark. Dogs use these small pockets to communicate with other animals when they are stressed, afraid, or pooping.
Healthy anal glands naturally empty with stool passing. They may need manual expression if they become inflamed. Anal sac problems can be identified by:
- Dog scooting
- You are constantly biting and licking the tail.
- Foul, fishy odor in the rectal area
- Inflamed or swelling anus
- Troublesome, painful or difficult bowel movements
- Bloody stool, pus around the rectum, or wherever he was resting
- Anal sac fluid thick, brown or grey
Notifying your vet immediately if your dog exhibits any of the above symptoms is a good idea. Dr. Casper states that your veterinarian will determine whether the anal cells need to be expressed. This is based on your dog’s history and a physical examination. It can cause anal gland diseases that can be very painful if they aren’t expressed when necessary.
Impaction and abscessation are the most common problems dogs experience from anal gland issues. Dr. Casper states that impacted glands make it difficult for the glands in order to release their contents. This causes discomfort. He continues: An abscessed anal gland can lead to pus or blood leaking through the anal sac. This can be seen on the skin and hair around the anus.
Is it possible to express the anal glands of my dog at home?
Manual expression can be done to your dog’s anal sacs by gently pressing the delicate glands internally or externally. Some groomers offer external expression as an option. To push the fluid out, they gently compress the sacs.
To express internal emotions, insert a gloved, lubricated fingers into the dog’s anus. Then squeeze each sac (finger in and thumb out) gently to empty it. Anal gland expressions are usually left to the veterinarian. Some dog owners are brave enough to tackle this messy, smelly task themselves. If you are interested in taking on this task, ask your vet for help. If you find blood or pus in the fluid, your dog has an infection in his anal glands and should be seen by a vet.
Anal gland expression should not taken at home
Experts recommend that anal sac expression be done by a veterinarian because most dogs don’t need it or only rarely do.
Dr. Morgan warns that trauma can lead to significant damage such as bruising, tears and tearing of the rectal area. She also said that anal glands shouldn’t be expressed simply because the dog is being groomed. You should not express them if your dog has a medical condition, such as an abscess or impaction.
Your veterinarian may recommend anal sacculectomy or home remedies for dog scooting and anal gland expression. If symptoms don’t resolve, your veterinarian may recommend anal sac removal. After inflammation and infection have been resolved, either one or both anal sacs will be removed.
Dr. Morgan states that anal glands should be kept in place unless there is a cancer or a chronic abscessation that cannot be treated with diet changes. She adds that she has removed six of these in her 38-years of practice.
Dog scooting can be unpleasant for both your dog and you. You can prevent your dog from suffering serious health issues by knowing the causes of dog scooting and how to treat it at home.