Do you have an older dog at home? If you do, you’ve probably noticed that they scoot across the floor from time to time when they pee or poop. The first time it happens, most pet owners don’t even know what they’re seeing, but once they realize what their dog is doing, they want to help them feel better. Here are several causes of this common behavior and how to deal with it.

What is Dog Scooting

Dog scooting is when a dog drags behind on the floor. It can be frustrating to see your pet suffering, but thankfully there are ways to help! As with any medical condition, it’s important that you take your pup to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They will likely prescribe medication to relieve pain or discomfort as well as identify underlying causes such as infection or parasites. In some cases, surgery may be required if an underlying problem is identified like an enlarged prostate gland in male dogs or an anal sac tumor in female dogs. With proper care and treatment, your pup should feel much better soon!

Reasons for Dog Scooting

Dogs scoot for a variety of reasons. Some dogs scratch at itchy skin, others are more sensitive to certain surfaces, while some may have worms or other parasites in their intestines. Whatever the reason for your dog’s scooting, there are ways to help him feel much better. The first step is finding out why he is doing it. If he has an infection, his vet can prescribe antibiotics that will clear up the problem quickly. If he has an allergy to something like pollen, you can try giving him Benadryl which will reduce his itchiness and allow him to sleep peacefully through the night without scratching himself raw.

The Quickest Solution (when all else fails)

Dogs may scoot when their anal sacs are too full of fluid. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from worms to infections to allergies. The easiest thing to do is to take the dog to the vet and get them checked out. If they have an infection or a parasite, they will prescribe medication that will help them feel better right away. Other times, it could be caused by something as simple as constipation. In this case, all you need to do is add more fiber to their diet and keep a close eye on their stools (especially after eating) so you can catch any signs of discomfort before it becomes too much for your pup.

The 3 Most Common Ways to Help Dogs Stop Dog Scooting (and the Order in which you should try them)

1. Provide the appropriate amount of bedding in their crate.
2. Give them something to lay on that is comfortable, like a yoga mat or tarp.
3. Clean your pup’s anal glands if they are still scooting after trying both of the previous methods. It may be that the pooch has an infection that needs to be taken care of before it can stop scooting. Your vet will help you do this with medications or surgery.

Things NOT To Do When Treating Dog Scooting

Avoiding these five things will go a long way in helping your dog stop scooting.

• Avoid harsh chemicals, antibiotics, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which can irritate your dog’s skin.
• Avoid bathing your dog more than once a week as this will dry out the skin and lead to increased scooting.
• When treating an open wound with a topical ointment, apply only enough ointment to cover the area of injury.
• Do not use products that contain zinc oxide because they are very irritating and may cause additional problems for your dog’s skin and lead to increased scooting.

If you have any questions about what is best for your pet, please contact your veterinarian!

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