Last Updated on September 13, 2021 by Marco
Folks wondering why do dogs rub their butts on the carpet will find all the answers for their pets’ strange behavior in our article!
There are going to be times when your pooch’s uncanny behavior is going to surprise you. Perhaps, even embarrass you a little too. You see, it’s an unwelcome sight to many pet parents when they witness their canines rubbing their bums along the ground, grass, or carpet. But, you have to understand that your precious new addition to the family isn’t rubbing its butt on the carpet without good cause.
You may feel the urge to scold your furry friend. Yet, doggos have their reasons for scooting. So, without further ado, let’s look into why dogs rub their butts on the carpet.
Why Do Dogs Drag Their Butts?
When a dog drags its anus along the ground, it is a phenomenon called scooting. Scooting is pretty standard in canines and felines too. And, scooting is a clear sign that something is irritating your pet. In general, the cause behind the irritation, itch, or pain may vary from worms to infections. You can read on to discover the various impetus that will provide answers to the ever-important question – why do dogs rub their butts on the carpet.
1. Clogged Anal Sacs
Canines have two anal sacs on either side of their butts. These anal sacs release a foul, fishy-smelling liquid when dogs poop. The odor from the liquid functions as a biomarker that leaves a form of ‘poop print’ for other canines to smell. Fundamentally, it’s one of the ways that dogs mark their territory.
In short, when a dog poops, these anal sacs are emptied. However, there are times when these anal sacs don’t work right. And, when the anal sacs are inflamed, the liquid is solidified, making the release of the liquid difficult. When the anal sacs are full or not emptying properly, it can be an excruciating time for your doggo.
According to Sarah Ochoa (DMV), if your dog’s glands are enlarged or have a bloody discharge, it’s time to see the vet. When a dog’s glands are full, the glands need to be expressed. But, if the glands are infected, then your four-legged friend needs antibiotics and pain medication.
Learn more about: Can Mosquitoes Bite Dogs; Keep Your Pet Safe From The Flying Menace
2. Skin Irritation From Grooming
Another circumstance where you’ll find your pooch scratching its bum across the floor is when your pet has frequent visits to the groomers. You see, dogs tend to experience clipper burns or suffer from oversensitiveness from grooming products, sprays, and perfumes when these products get under their tails and around their butts.
A warm compress helps with pain alleviation. But, there is also a possibility that the groomer needs to change the brand of products used for your pet. Hypoallergenic, sensitive skin, oatmeal-based products, or organic bath products work well to soothe canine skin irritations.
3. Intestinal Parasites
Dogs get worms in their tummies, much like humans. Intestinal parasites, like tapeworms, can cause scooting in doggos too. You see, when a dog ingests a flea carrying immature tapeworm larvae, your dog will feel intense irritation when the tapeworms exit through the anus after maturing.
But, intestinal parasites have other symptoms as well, such as stomach ache, itchy bottom, rice-like worms around your dog’s anus in their feces and bedding. Your canine may have worms even though you may not be able to see them, a trip to the vet and some dewormer will help relieve your dog’s pain.
4. Food Allergies
Now, there are certain types of dog food brands that may not suit your pooch’s stomach. Hence, it will provoke food allergies or intolerances. So, why do dogs scoot on their butt when they have food allergies? These food allergies give doggos watery or soft stool. If there isn’t enough pressure to release the liquid from the anal sacs when your dog poops, that will lead to full anal sacs, which invariably results in pain for your doggy.
In most cases, a change in your canine’s diet will help. You can use professional advice from a vet to help you out. Your dog may need more fiber in its diet, and you may need to get rid of specific grains such as soy or wheat from your pet’s meal too. According to some vets, canned pumpkin helps in such a scenario or the use of Glandex, a product that decreases anal gland material.
5. Trauma To The Anal Sacs
Now, if you’re thinking, why do dogs rub their butt on the ground when their glands are expressed, then you have to consider that these anal glands are delicate. If a groomer expresses your dog’s anal glands unnecessarily or too much in an attempt to make your doggo feel better, they might do more harm than good. And, it is very much possible to injure a canine’s glands while expressing them. It is even possible for your dog to undergo tissue damage when hurt while expressing the anal gland.
6. Fecal Contamination
If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, then your doggo may wind up with dirty hair around its bottom. And, the fecal contamination under your dog’s tail might be bad enough to irritate your pooch’s skin around the anus. Hence, your furbaby might try to find some relief by stretching its bum on the ground.
However, you need to ensure that you cut away the dirty hair as soon as possible and treat your pet companion’s loose stools. If the problem isn’t addressed immediately, then your dog might get an infection.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you won’t find yourself asking again why do dogs rub their butts on the carpet after reading through the article. You see, if your puppy scoots once or twice, then you might not have any reason to worry. Yet, there are times when you’ll find that your doggo can’t resist scooting over and over again. Now, the reason for the irritation may be as simple as fecal contamination. However, it helps to keep a close eye on your pet and get your dog to a vet if your pooch is going through pain due to worms or inflamed anal glands.
