We've all been there: you're enjoying a quiet evening with your pooch when suddenly, they start scooting across the floor like a canine breakdancer on a mission. As a loving pet parent, you might be left wondering if your dog is auditioning for "America's Got Talent: Doggy Edition" or if something's just not right.
Fear not! This article is here to save the day (and your floors) by exploring the concerning world of dog scooting and providing you with some effective home remedies to put an end to your pup's booty-shuffling antics.
So, buckle up and join us on this informative, and ever-so-relatable journey through the realm of dog scooting solutions! 🐾
Are There Home Remedies for Dog Scooting?
Yes! There are quite many home remedies for dog scooting, depending on the cause. Some may involve changes in your dog's diet and lifestyle, while others involve the application of treatments.
What Makes Dogs Scoot?
The most common reason why dogs scoot their butts on the floor is to relieve itching from their rear end. If you find them dragging their butts all the time on the floor, look out
For the following reasons;
Food Allergies
Food allergies can be the reason your pup is scooting. Most commonly, proteins in the food can cause an allergic reaction whereby the anal sacs and glands become inflamed as the stool passes through. Your dog can also be allergic to a certain food. For instance, they can react negatively to wheat after constant consumption of the same.
Some of these allergies may cause serious skin diseases in dogs, such as Yeast or Malassezia dermatitis.
When there is an overgrowth of yeast in their skin that causes such infections as yeast dermatitis, their skin becomes dry, itchy, and flaky. This irritation and itching may make your pup scoot its butt on the floor or carpet when they are home.
If you notice this, it is to take some poop to the vet to determine whether food is the cause of the scooting. Dog food allergy symptoms can make their poop runny, making it hard for the dog to empty their buts well. Generally, the allergy makes all the glands along their digestive system inflamed and itchy, but you'll notice it in the anus since that's the accessible area to the dog.
Dirt on a Dog's Bum
Dirt around the anal area can make the dog uncomfortable. If the dog's bum is not well cleaned, there may also be some remaining poop.
This may result from a dog having diarrhea or passing watery poop that's likely to stick on the bum. It can also stick to the hairs around the anal area.
Also, if your dog plays and accidentally sits on dirt or other dogs' poop, they will become irritated, and scooting may be a way out.
If your dog has long hair around the butt, like the long-haired Chihuahua, you'll need to trim it to avoid dirt or poop sticking around the bum.
Before you take the step to call your vet, take some time and ensure the dog's butt is well-cleaned. Not worth taking your dog to a vet for a dirty bum.
Fleas or Ticks Infestation
Parasites commonly cause itching in the infected area. If there are ticks or fleas on the back end of your dog, they will always try hard to remove them or at least scratch their backs to relieve the itching, which will not go away unless the parasites are completely removed and the area treated.
Skin Infections
Skin infections are common in dogs. Bacterial and fungal infections around the anal area can irritate, thus making the dog scoot. This condition can be treated using antibiotics or topical treatments. However, you need to seek a vet’s intervention for a proper prescription.
Intestinal Parasites
Another culprit for dog scooting could be intestinal parasites such as tapeworms. Scooting may be an indication that your pup is fighting intestinal parasites and needs immediate help.
They can get these parasites when they swallow fleas carrying tapeworm larvae. When the worms mature in the stomach and exit, they cause irritation and itching in the dog’s anal area.
If you think this might be the reason for your dog’s scooting, look for the parasites closely in the dog's poop. You can also find them on their bedding. The parasites may appear as small grains.
If the scooting persists, you might need to take your pup to the vet for an examination.
Impacted or Clogged Anal Glands
Inside the dog’s anus sits a pair of small sacs known as the anal glands. The sacs are filled with strongly smelling fluids used to make the territory. Naturally, anal glands empty any time a dog poops.
Often, anal glands tend to block, especially in overweight dogs or those with weak body muscles around the bottom area. Also, dogs born naturally with narrow gland openings have difficulty emptying.
Although this condition is easy to treat, it can develop into a more serious concern if left untreated.
When these glands are blocked, they trap poop any time the dog passes it. These blocked glands might be the reason your dog is scooting.
Constipation
When a dog is constipated, it experiences difficulty passing out stools. This comes with pain and discomfort.
Constipation may result from a dog ingesting an indigestible substance, a disease of the colon, inadequate exercise, fear and anxiety, pelvic injuries, neurological diseases, the use of dehydrating drugs, and much more.
Your dog may experience itching and irritation when it tries hard to pass stool. This may result in scooting in an attempt to ease the irritation and pain. A simple diet change may help the dog pass the poop more easily again.
What Home Remedies Can Help My Scooting Dog?
If your dog is frequently scooting, it might be suffering from one of the conditions listed above and might need attention. Some of the reasons for scooting as we’ve seen above, may be less serious and can be treated at home.
Although some will go away with a simple cleaning, ensure to keenly observe your pup to see if the behavior persists and seek veterinary intervention when necessary.
Below are some of the remedies you can take to treat your dog at home. However, as I said, ensure to contact your vet if the behavior doesn't go away after home treatment. Perhaps it's a serious underlying condition that needs an expert’s attention.
Clean Your Dog’s Bottom Regularly
If you notice your pup scooting its butt on the floor, you may be surprised to find out that all you need to do is maybe just clean its butt area.
As we just said, poop and dirt may be trapped around the dog's anal area and cause irritation, itching, and discomfort, making them want to scoot and relieve the feeling.
Your pup might have been playing in the backyard and accidentally sat on dirt or other dogs' poop; no wonder they're irritated and need their butt cleaned.
Learn to clean your dog's rear area regularly to avoid dirt accumulation. You can clean them using warm water and soap. However, we highly recommend using dog shampoo, which will not only remove particles, but also soften the dog's dry and flaky skin in cases of infection.
Apply anti-inflammatory treatments
If your puppy’s butts are red and inflamed, anti-inflammatory treatment can provide some relief.
Witch hazel is one such effective treatment you can use on your dog. The treatment can also ease the pain due to excessive scooting.
Ensure you get unscented and alcohol-free witch hazel, wet a few cleansing towels, and wipe your dog's bottom gently. Using the natural form of the treatment will help you avoid burning and painting the already sore and itchy area of your pup.
Apply Some Vaseline on Your Dog’s Butt
Although vaseline can trap bacteria around the anal area of your puppy, it can provide temporary irritation relief around the area.
The use of Vaseline to ease dry skin is effective in humans, but not scientifically proven for dogs. However, you can use a small amount for temporary and quick relief of inflammation as you seek further treatment.
Check on the Diet of Your Dog
As you've seen above, one of the common causes of dog scooting is constipation and allergic reactions resulting from a particular food. The best way to avoid this is to ensure you feed your dog healthy, fibrous food to avoid constipation. Also, ensure to give your dog water accordingly.
Besides, feeding your dog fibrous food prevents general anal gland infection, which is another common cause of scooting in dogs. When choosing your dog's food from the shelves, ensure you go for food that contains high fiber or fiber supplements.
Include Probiotic-Rich Food in Your Dog’s Diet
Another way to avoid dog scooting is by including probiotics in their diet. Sometimes, the scooting may result from digestive tract complications that cause diarrhea or constipation. Preventing the two is a way out of anal infections.
You can offer your dog probiotics in the form of supplements or treats. Yogurt, sour cream, or Yakult are some of the probiotic-rich foods you can give to your dog. However, ensure they are not allergic to dairy products before feeding them to avoid creating other complications.
Ensure Your Dog Gets Sufficient Exercise
Do not overlook good exercise when it comes to dogs. If you are a dog parent, you must have noticed how helpful exercise is for your pup. At least, you must be able to tell the difference between when you had time to take them out for a walk and when they remained curled on the couch for the whole day.
A dog that gets sufficient exercise tends to be happier and healthier compared to those that remain inactive most of the time. Exercise helps your pup develop a stronger immune system and can fight diseases and infections that lead to scooting.
Besides, exercise improves their joints, hearts', lungs', and general body organs' health. Also, infections are common in overweight dogs. Thus, exercise comes in handy in keeping them fit.
Does Pumpkin Help in Dog Scooting?
Pumpkins are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. As such, it softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. If your dog is scooting as a result of constipation, adding a small portion of pumpkin to its diet may be important.
Also, this vegetable is low-calorie; you can use it to aid in weight loss if your dog is walking in that direction.
Administering it in the form of a supplement will be easier than determining the portion you need to feed your pup. Also, supplements come with other healthy fiber sources such as psyllium husk, flaxseed, and dandelion root.
How Can I Help My Dog Express His Glands Naturally?
If your dog is struggling with anal gland issues, you can opt to help them through expression. However, this is not advisable, especially if you're not knowledgeable about the procedure.
A natural expression is achievable with a small twist in your dog’s diet. Below are some of the most important ways to help your dog express their glands naturally;
- Give them water regularly to help with bowel regularity
- Add a good percentage of fiber to their diet to help in stool formulation
- Add pet-formulated probiotics to their food for a healthy digestive system, and more
When To See a Vet
Oftentimes, dog scooting is not an alarming occurrence. However, if you notice your dog scooting several times a day or scooting for more than a day or two, you need to contact a vet for a proper examination.
The vet will perform a physical examination to determine the cause of the scooting. If it's the infected glands, they may need to do an expression to relieve your pup’s pain.
Do not overlook the behavior for more than a few days since there might be a serious underlying condition that might cause irreversible damage if not attended to immediately.
Final Thoughts
As much as dog scooting is a common behavior in most dogs, it might be an indicator of a serious underlying issue that needs attention.
While home remedies are a helpful way for temporary relief of itching, irritation, inflammation, or pain, some are a long-term treatment of the underlying conditions that cause scooting in dogs, such as those remedies that involve your dog's lifestyle and diet.
For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi.com's Off Leash blog.
And don't forget to check out TryFi's innovative Fi Dog Collar, which offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts to keep your furry friend safe. Try the Fi Dog Collar today!
