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Why is my dog dragging her rear end on the carpet?

Mary Jo

why is my dog dragging her rear end on the carpet?

Symptoms: Itching & Scratching

• Master Advisor Matthew says:

  December 01st, 2007 at 12:25 PM

  Hi there, It is highly likely that Mary Jo needs her anal glands emptied. Dragging the backside on the carpet is known as 'scooting' and usually means the anal sacs are full. You can try to empty them yourself, by squeezing at 4'o'clock and 8'o'clock in relation to the anus, or your veterinarian will do it for you. Another possibility to rule out is worms (by deworming Mary Jo), but this is far less likely. Please read my article: Anal Gland Problems in Dogs for further information.

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• User suggests:

  January 29th, 2009 at 11:27 PM

  Interesting answer Matthew, I had not heard of the anal sac problem before. I usually used this as a sign of worms as would most people. I agree that findng a vet would be a good idea to rule it out and if not, to find out what kinds of worms they are as not every OTC medication treats all worms. I personally use a three day broad range treatment with my beagles that treats roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and hookworms. What is a way to examine the anal sacs if necessary (with gloves on of course for sanitary reasons)? Dan

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• Eliza suggests:

  January 30th, 2009 at 05:10 PM

  I just think they have an ichey butt, I wouldn't wory too much inless it becomes a habit but you can alway's say no if it bothers you alot. :)

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• Eliza suggests:

  January 30th, 2009 at 05:13 PM

  P.S. Or one of the above wich I have never herd about.-ELIZA (the one Above)

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•   Jackie Hogan says:

  February 16th, 2009 at 05:15 PM

  In our clinic anal glands is the problem is 9 out of 10 "rear dragging" instances.   It is a fairly common occurance in dogs of all shapes and sizes.

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•   Staci Bell says:

  March 10th, 2009 at 02:31 PM

  Butt scooting is almost always the anal sacs ( in my experience) so the first advisor who answered you is probably right on track. In the clinics I have worke at, the majority of anal sac issues are limited to smaller breeds, but not exclusive to them.

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• Debra suggests:

  March 25th, 2009 at 07:12 AM

  Beware of emptying the anal sacs it really really smells bad lol good luck xx

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• Jazzy suggests:

  April 08th, 2009 at 07:27 PM

  My dog does that to and i have been curious.

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• Fran suggests:

  August 17th, 2009 at 03:50 PM

  My dog's groomers usually empty her anal glands everytime she goes for a bath.

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