Causes of Scooting In Dogs
Scooting is when a dog drags his anus and has his hind legs extended out in front of him. This type of dog scooting can have a few different causes such as anal sac disease, irritation or parasites. While most people think that scooting is only caused by worms in dogs, this is not the only, or even the main cause. Anal gland infections, tumors of the anus or injuries near the anul region are also frequent causes of dragging or scooting the anus in dogs.
Another cause of irritation to the anus region is a flea bite allergy. One symptom of this problem is the dog may try to bite at the anus region. The dog drags the anus region on the ground because he cannot reach the place of irritation any other way.
Cestodiasis in dogs is the condition caused by tapeworms. If the dog is not treated in time, tapeworm segments are passed into the stool which causes crawling like activities near the anus. Such tapeworm crawlings lead to a severe itching around the anus region which causes the dog to start pressing the anus region on the ground and then to drag it on the ground with the typical extension of the rear legs.
A scooting dog needs to be tested for tapeworms, which look like rice when the pieces are found in the fecal matter. When a fecal sample is examined under the microscope, a packet of eggs can be visible. However, the flotation technique will lead to the breakage of these packets and cause them to burst. This makes diagnosis difficult. Tapeworms may be seen in motion near the anus under the tail region. The best way to see them is when the dog is still or, better yet, asleep, at night. Use a flashlight to take a look. The segments are white in color and turn yellow when taken from the body. If you do see worms, make sure you consult your veterinarian for specific cures.
