The dog scoots his butt across the floor. When he is not scooting, he’s licking his backside. His behavior can be an embarrassment to you if company stops by. Did you know that there very well could be a physical reason for his actions?
A common cause of such behavior can be due to an impaction, infection or abscess of the anal glands, which are also known as anal sacs. The condition can easily be taken care of unless the problem is so chronic that surgery is required.
The anal glands are small, paired sacs located on both sides of the anus between the external and internal sphincter muscles. The anal glands are located at about five and seven o’clock inside the dog’s anus.
Almost all predator animals have anal sacs. We’ve all dealt with the odor of a spraying skunk. The stinky odor is produced by the anal sacs as a mechanism of defense.
Dogs don’t spray for defense, but their anal sacs do serve the purpose of enabling them to mark their territory and identify other dogs. Each dog produces a unique scent. This is one reason dogs sniff the butts of other dogs. It is also why your dog may stop to urinate frequently in areas where other dogs have been. They are trying to show their dominance.
In addition to marking territory, the anal glands help to make defecating more comfortable. The glands usually empty when the dog defecates, lubricating the anal opening. That’s why a proper diet and firm stools are important. Soft stools do not exert enough pressure to cause the anal glands to empty. The anal sacs can become clogged or impacted, causing discomfort.
If you were unaware of the fact that dogs have anal sacs, don’t fret. You’re not alone. Many folks don’t realize they exist until their dog’s anal sacs clog, causing the butt scooting action across the floor.
Small breeds such as poodles, Pomeranians and Chihuahuas are more prone to anal sac impaction and infection. Overweight dogs are also prone to anal sac problems.
While anal sac problems are not life threatening, they are a concern because the dog could injure the anal area of his or her body when scooting across the floor. Another concern is that the dog’s anal sacs could empty onto your floor, leaving behind a strong odor that will have you running for the air freshener.
Veterinarians and dog groomers are adept at draining canine anal sacs when they become clogged. The process is not difficult and it is something you can easily learn to do.
Anal sacs can be emptied externally or internally. To empty them externally, a rag is held up to the anus and equal pressure is distributed on both sides of the anus. Internal emptying of the anal glands requires the insertion of a lubricated finger into the anus for the purpose of squeezing the sac into a tissue held externally. The secretion that comes out of the anal sacs is smelly and brown in color. The consistency can vary from that of water to oil.
Anal sac abscesses need to be lanced by a veterinarian, who will also prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Related posts:
- Why Dogs Have Tails
- Why your Dog Scoots His or Her Butt on the Floor
- Why Your Puppy Licks his Butt
- Top Five Weird Things Pups Do
