Scooting

[TxDawgGrl]

Hi all. My almost 5 year old female dog has a rather annoying scooting habit. I did research about the anal glands inside her rectum. I know that they do not empty like they are supposed to. I have taken her twice to the vet to have them manually emptied. I even learned how to do it myself (Ewww). She still scoots though. Now she has started chewing on her tail and literally creating noticable bald spots and sores. I have been treating those with Cortaid, A and E ointment, and even Suffodene. I don't know what else to do though. I think she has neurological damage from when she had distemper as a pup. The vet said that the distemper could contribute some to why her anal glands do not empty. Now the biting problem though. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks and Happy Holidays!

Laura :cool:

[lizlandry]

As far as the scooting goes, some dogs just do it. But the main two reasons are the anal glands, and sometimes worm(worms move, making the dog itch). I would assume that your vet has already checked for worms, but if he hasnt, check in on it.

[TxDawgGrl]

I know it isn't worms. I keep her on her annual vaccinations and scoop the poop from the backyard on a regular basis. No worms there.

The vet I took her to a few weeks ago stated that there could be several possible factors with the long-term distemper side effects being #1. But hell I am dying after just 5 years of this. She didn't start scooting until about a yr ago. I'll have lost my mind 10 years from now. :)

[woofshepherd]

Is she a hairy dog? what breed is she? I have a longcoat chihuahua and she occasionally does this, I don't have no clue about the anal glands, could you explain that I wonder if I have to have that done to my dog? :confused:

[quivers]

The anal glands: yes it is a nasty job! Most larger breed dogs do not have near the trouble with them as your smaller breeds. If you have your dog groomed regularly the groomer can do this for you. If they are not emptied they can become infected. Some dogs will express them when frightened or suprized. If this happens you will smell it trust me. PU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! '*' < the glands are on either side of the rectum. If you take your thumb and fore finger to each side and just gently feel the area you will feel to small bulbous glands there. These are the anal glands. I would not recommend you try this on your own without proper training, you cause damage from inproperly expressing them as well.

[TxDawgGrl]

Bayleigh is a short-haired, mix breed. She is about 60 lbs and overweight. I am trying to help her lose weight also. :( The vet also stated that she could be having problems with her anal glands because of her weight. As far as the smell, boy do I know that smell. Terrible smell! You can't miss it! Most dogs empty their anal sacs when they go #2. I even tried a higher fiber diet to help her go potty and also to lose a little more weight off of her. Pumpkin filling is good for fiber. She has been on a pumpkin diet for a few months now.

Well her tail seems to be getting better. It isn't as red or swollen anymore. There are scabs and hair still missing though. I will keep an eye on it and if things don't start progressing in a week so then it is back to the vet. Thanks all! :)

[Dog groomer/trainer]

Also what are you feeding her?
Does she get any canned food or do you add water to her food?
The more moisture in the food the more her anal glands will bother her.