Reasons Why A Dog Scoot
Dog owners are frequently perplexed with the weird behavior of the pet. It is not uncommon for pet owners to observe the pet turning around in circles, sleeping with the four legs up like an upended table and chasing the tail. Scooting is one of the bizarre behaviors of dogs. To push the body forward, a dog would use the two front legs not unlike a paddle while dragging the rear end against the carpet or the floor.
The family will certainly be entertained by the dog’s comic act of cocking the head and turning around in circles. No matter how entertaining the dog is, the family would tire of watching the pet. An owner can’t help but think that something must be wrong with the pet.
Scooting can be attributed to boredom. Dogs that don’t get enough attention from the family will either be destructive or will do something to gain the family’s attention. When the dog drags its butt, the family will certainly laugh and encourage the dog to perform. The dog will be encouraged to scoot by the family’s laughter.
The scooting of the pet may not be done to amuse the family. Dragging the butt can mean that the pet is experiencing discomfort. Dogs are indiscriminate eaters thus the discomfort that makes the dog scoot can be caused by a cloth, a string or plastic that gets stuck and dangles from its rectum. The hair on the anal area especially on long haired breeds can have clinging dried up feces. As dogs don’t have hands, the foreign objects on its rear end will be removed with scooting.
Anal gland disorders and worm infestation are other reasons why a dog would rub and drag its rear end on the ground. The severe itching that is caused by the segments of tape worm that pooled around the anal area will make a dog scoot. Another reason why a dog would drag its butt on the ground is anal gland disorders. Anal gland secretions give the dog its distinct odor. The anal gland should empty as the dog defecates but a low fiber diet would result to soft stools. The secretion will become thick if the anal gland is not emptied. A dog with an impacted anal gland will scoot and rub its rear end on the floor in an effort to empty the anal gland that is causing discomfort.
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