Dear Scooter: Even though the idea that a dog scoots around on his butt because he has worms is an urban legend in the dog world, your question raises two important aspects of canine health: worms and what is most likely causing your dog to scoot … his need to clean his anal glands.

Worms

Dogs can get worms (or internal parasites) in a variety of ways. Many parasites (such as round, pin, and whip worms) need the dog to continue their life cycle. When the larvae (eggs) enter the dog’s body through ingestion, the young parasites turn to adults, lay eggs, which are then sent back out into the world through excretion by the dog. Other dogs come along and lick up larvae left behind and continue the cycle.

Some worms, like tapeworms, can be found hanging around the anus and in some instances would cause a dog discomfort and possible scooting. Dogs can get worms from just about anywhere. That’s why it’s important to have your vet do a fecal check for parasites at his annual check up. If worms are detected, then treat accordingly.

However, the more likely reason your dog is scooting is either his anal glands need to be expressed (a form of cleaning), they might be impacted (causing pain) or he could be leaving his scent around (a form of dominance) for the benefit of other dogs.

Cleaning Anal Glands

A dog’s anal glands are located on either side of the anus opening. They contain a rather smelly fluid that is usually excreted as a way to clean out or to leave a calling card. Occasionally, if the fluid isn’t expelled at a regular interval, it can become impacted or if there is hair blocking the openings.

For the novice, it is very difficult to locate these glands and even more delicate to try and expel them or clean them out yourself. I would recommend you take the dog to the vet and have him show you how to do this type of cleaning, or visit a professional groomer and request the service. After they have been cleaned keep an eye on his scooting behavior. If impaction becomes a regular occurrence, then either schedule regular grooming sessions or learn the procedure yourself.

Lisa’s Pick of the Litter

The “Search for the Stinkiest Pet in America” contest is now on!

Pet owners nationwide are asked to submit their smelly stories of foul animal ownership. SeaYu® Enterprises, makers of Petrotech Odor Eliminator®, is sponsoring the contest to promote it product. They want to hear about, “your dingy dog … or a rug that reeks from your pet’s frequent accidents. Yes, you name it, if it stinks; we want to hear about it!”

The Search for the Stinkiest Pet in America is an online contest. Participants are asked to log onto www.sea-yu.com and submit their smelly stories. Descriptions of pet odors are limited to 200 words each. The contest will run through July 31, when the winners will be announced.

SeaYu Enterprises will award a $300 first-place prize to the smelliest story and $150 to the second-place winner. The third-place winner will receive a one-year supply of Petrotech Odor Eliminator. Twenty-five runners-up will win a free can of Petrotech Odor Eliminator.

The product is made entirely from organic substances. The all-natural product contains no harsh or toxic chemicals, and is non-carcinogenic, non-corrosive, and nonflammable, making it safe for people, pets and the environment. Petrotech Odor Eliminator has been tough for consumers to find since its market debut in 2002.

 

Lisa Peterson, a long-time breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds, is the Club Communications Manager at the American Kennel Club. Contact her at ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.