Most dog owners have had to scrub a rug or two after their pooch dragged his backside through the house, but why is your dog dragging his butt on the ground? The most common reason for dogs dragging their butt is impacted anal sacs. This problem is fairly easily avoided by having your dog’s anal sacs expressed, usually by a vet or groomer.
But impacted anal sacs aren’t the only reason dogs do the booty scoot. Bottom dragging can be the result of anything from a mild irritant to anal tumors and tapeworms, though your vet should be able to check for those causes and rule them out fairly quickly. Fleas or ticks can also cause itchiness, and diarrhea or fecal contamination might also lead to dragging. But one cause of scooting that you might not be aware of is allergies.
Dogs may have skin conditions like rashes, dryness, or itchiness caused by allergies. If your pup is chewing on his paws or licking parts of his skin excessively in addition to butt dragging, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction to something in his environment. This is called allergic dermatitis. Allergens can also be present in food. If your dog has a food allergy and he eats that food, it may cause the allergens to pass into your dog’s poop and irritate the anal region.
If you’ve ruled out other causes, it may be time to see a veterinarian who specializes in pet allergies. Depending on what your dog is allergic to, the vet may prescribe medication or recommend removing the allergen. Pay attention to what your dog eats and comes into contact with.
Has your dog ever done the booty scoot in your home? What was the cause? Let us know in the comments below!
