{"id":14371,"date":"2023-05-15T15:32:26","date_gmt":"2023-05-15T15:32:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/?p=14371"},"modified":"2023-05-15T15:41:31","modified_gmt":"2023-05-15T15:41:31","slug":"why-is-my-puppy-dragging-their-butt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-behavior\/understanding-your-puppy\/why-is-my-puppy-dragging-their-butt\/","title":{"rendered":"Help! Why Is My Puppy Dragging Their Butt?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Scooting, not just something rolling along on two wheels, it\u2019s the name for puppies and dogs when they do that wild thing of dragging their butt on the floor. We know it\u2019s pretty comical and rubbing their butt on the floor is normal for a lot of dog. Sometimes they\u2019ll scoot across the entire floor, whereas sometimes they\u2019ll just drop down for a quick butt drag. So should you be worried?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Training dragging on? Try our app! <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Well, in this article we\u2019re going to be exploring the reasons that puppies scoot on their butts, what you should do if you see your puppy scooting, how your vet will treat puppy scooting, and how you can treat puppy scooting at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Before we get into butt scooting, download the Zigzag puppy training app<\/a> and get started on your puppy training journey today. We have a team of professional dog trainers<\/a> ready to help you with any of those paw-nic moments you might have, as well as a personalized puppy training program that\u2019s based around your pup\u2019s age of development and their breed type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Leiada Krozjhen<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why do puppies scoot on their butt? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Puppies drag and scoot on their butt primarily to relieve irritation. This can be caused by worms, anal gland problems or impaction, simply scratching an itch they can\u2019t get to, or wiping off any cling-ons that might be left behind after a not-so-great poop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Worms and parasites <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Worms can cause your dog to rub their butt on the floor because these horrible parasites burrow themselves into your dog\u2019s bottom area, and make it very itchy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


Read our full articles on worms<\/a>, roundworms <\/a>and tapeworms<\/a>, or all about puppy flea treatment<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expressing their anal glands <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your dog is scooting, chances are they\u2019re expressing their anal glands. These are little glands either side of their anus that contain a strong smelling fluid which dogs release and are used to mark territory and pass on information to other dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Normally they are emptied when dogs poo, but they can often become full and impacted if dogs are not fed the correct diet,<\/a> or for other medical reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why not try out our app? <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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If your dog is scooting a lot, and licking or biting around their bottom, they may have impacted anal glands, which can be really painful and sore, so best to get them to the Vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Check out our article why is my puppy biting their tail<\/a>, if they simply can\u2019t leave that area alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scratching an itch they can’t get to <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Allergies and inflammation can cause an itchy bum, so it might be that their butt area is irritated. It\u2019s also quite hard for a dog to scratch their own bottom in general, so they\u2019ll often scoot or rub their butt on the floor just to have a good old itch of the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just wiping that butt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yeh, kinda gross, but poop nuggets aka Klingons are a thing, especially in long haired breeds like Cockapoos <\/a>and Shih Tzus<\/a>, where it can get stuck in the fur around their bum. This can be due to having a stomach bug and diarrhea<\/a>, or just because the hair is too long around that area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should I do if I see my puppy scooting? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your pup is scooting, you\u2019re gonna have to take a look at their butt – sorry not sorry! Taking a look round the back and checking for any irritation, sores, lumps, bumps or yes cling-ons or worms. 
If your dog has worms,<\/a> you\u2019ll likely see what looks like grains of rice, either stuck to their bottom or in their poo. Puppies need regular worming<\/a>, so check what worming schedule the breeder has advised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Michael Kucharski<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How your vet will treat puppy scooting <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your puppy is scooting and dragging their butt, your Vet<\/a> will carry out a physical examination and also ask you about your dog\u2019s symptoms. Depending on what they find, they might do any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n