Why Dogs and Cats Constantly Scoot on Their Bottoms
Dogs and Cats have an anal sac on either side of their anus. They serve a very important purpose. The sacs release a very pungent liquid that helps them leave their mark. I like to call it a DNA mark myself. This liquid also attaches itself to any bowel movement deposited.
This liquid helps your pet identify itself to others, which explains why they sniff each others rear when first meeting, which is what they should be allowed to do. They also tend to sniff other dogs’ bowel movememnts, which identifies who left it there.
Sometimes these sacs become clogged and when overfilled, swollen. It creates a very uncomfortable, itchy feeling for your pet. Scooting on the ground, helps give them momentary relief. To alleviate this problem, here are some tips:
-No Human Food: Giving your pet table scraps, increases the chances of stool being watery, thus creating more liquid for the sacs to hold.
Their stool must be firm, or semi-firm to prevent this.
-Express the anal sacs yourself: It isn’t pretty, but you yourself can clear their anal sacs for them. Yes, a Veterinarian can do it as well, but save gas and money and try it at home first. Here’s what you do:
1.Do this while bathing them, that way you can clean them as well as yourself afterwards. fF they won’t get in the tub, go to an area where you can easily clean up afterwards, like outside.
2.Wear Latex Gloves (you’d be amazed that most groomers do not wear them for this. You will be glad you did)
3.Kneel at your pet’s side or standing if you put him on a table. Lift his tail with one hand and a paper towel or cloth in the other to catch any secretions. Most of the time it will be just liquid. DO NOT stand directly behind your pet.
4.The anal sacs are on either side of the anal opening, about the five and seven o’clock positions on the outside of the anus. For Cats they are about four and eight 0’clock positions.
If the sacs are full, you should be able to feel them as hard swellings, like the size of a pea or kernel. With the free hand, place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the anal opening and gently press inward. Just make sure the anus is covered with a towel. You will feel the sacs empty as you squeeze. The fluid that is released can be thin or thick, and shade can vary from light gray to brown to yellow.
If nothing is released, adjust the position of your fingers and try again. If after the second try, nothing comes out, you may want to take a break and try again later, or consult your Vet. Pushing too hard can be painful for your pet.
If your Pet flinches at the simple touch of the sacs, or you see immediate swelling or redness, there may be an infection and you should take your pet to the Vet immediately. If secretions are difficult to express, or if they contain blood, see your Vet right away. In some cases, your Vet may recommend that the anal sacs be removed for your pet’s safety and comfort if their anal sacs become blocked frequently.
