Sliding

Question
Why does my 8 month old puppy slide on her rear end once in a while?

Answer
Hi Elaine!

The "scooting" you describe often is a result of impacted anal glands. The discomfort that your dog feels is temporarily relieved and soothed by licking the area or rubbing it against something -- usually the floor.

Anal sacs, or glands, are small pouches located on both sides of the anus of a dog. These sacs are filled with a brown, watery, foul-smelling secretion that is believed to have been used by wild animals to mark territory.

Normally, anal glands are emptied when a dog has a bowel movement. Occasionally the sacs are suddenly expressed when an animal is frightened or stressed. This can be a particularly unpleasant experience because of the foul odor.

Medical problems with the anal glands can occur when the glands become full or the ducts inside the sacs be come clogged. The result is an impacted anal gland. This causes the dog or cat a great deal of discomfort, and the pet will "scoot" or lick itself in an attempt to get some relief.

Sometimes an impacted anal gland becomes infected, forming a large, swollen, bloody, pus-filled abscess that should be treated by a veterinarian.

Periodic expression of anal glands is important to keep them from becoming infected or abscessed. Most veterinarians recommend routine manual expression of the anal glands. This unpleasant job can be done by a veterinarian, groomer or someone who is trained in doing the procedure. However, improper emptying of the anal glands can force matter deeper into the tissues and cause additional problems.

Expelling the anal sacs is something you can do yourself. Even if you don't want to attempt it, you may want to read about it here:
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_anal_sacs.html

I hope this has been helpful and I wish you the best of luck!Please keep me posted and give that puppy tons of kisses for me!Sending wagging tails your way!
Nicole.D.