The truth about scooting
BY NICK BARNETTFor today's blog post, discretion is advised. Some of you may chuckle with recognition; some may learn something useful; some may want to leave the room. For today we will discuss, albeit not without euphemism, one of those traits that other dog owners tend not to tell you about before you get a dog: scooting.
One of my dogs, Phoebe, has scooted very occasionally. For those non-dog-owners who've never seen it, here's what happens: Phoebe sits firmly on the carpet, tilts her hips forward, pushing both rear paws well up in the air and forcing her body into a tight forward-facing curl, like a gymnast on the rings. Then she pulls herself along with her front paws at quite a clip, for quite a distance.
Sue me, but it makes me laugh.
Which is why I smiled at this YouTube video of various dogs scooting, spinning and grinding, to a gentle soundtrack of Bach. At least someone else can see the humour in this ungainly and indelicate practice, and the variety of techniques used.
But it's not all a laughing matter, for two reasons. First, how do I say this ... a tidy-up may be required. Involving sponge and carpet cleaner. My experience is that I do not laugh during this phase of the scooting episode.
Second, and more important, the dog may have a problem that needs fixing. Dogs have glands next to their anus that impart a secretion to their poo and create the unique smell that other dogs always sniff at when they meet. The sacs can become clogged and irritate the dog, who seeks relief through scooting.
So if you dog does a lot of scooting, he or she might need a trip to the vet (or to a groomer who includes emptying the anal sacs as part of the service).
Or ... you can empty the sacs yourself.
This is the point where some might feel tempted to leave the room, but relax, I'm not going into detail. I'm just going to point you to a web page that tells you how to go about this task yourself. (One key sacs education lesson is, "do NOT stand directly behind your pet".)
Maybe some of you have tried your hand(s) at this. Is it as gruesome as one might imagine? Is it really best left to professionals? Please tell me yes.
The dog's diet may be implicated, too. Don't ever hesitate to get professional advice; here's a vet's view.
Join Four Legs Good on Facebook.
Sponsored links
Newest First
Oldest First
"Sacs education"? *Chuckle* Well done, nothing brightens my Monday morning like a bad pun:-)
I would NEVER try to to that myself! My dog needed his done at the vet once and good lord, the smell is like nothing I've ever smelt before! It gets stuck in your nostrils for ages. *vomit*
yup - i have done the gland squeezing thing. first 12 years ago with a 2 year old foxy/aussie terrier cross who had a chronic problem (and his glands were PUTRID - *shudder*) and now with our 16 year old maltese bichon shih tzu cross, who has been scooting for a while before i registered that he may have glandular issues. so out on the deck went i with the dog and a suitable cloth onbject, and trying not to breathe through my nose (my stomach was churning at the thought), and squeezed away. the dog stood very still and let out this little moan/whimper of pleasure and the buildup was released - but strangely, with no smell! he has not scooted since and has been skittering around like a puppy.
My dog scoots occasionally, and I never laugh cos it means a trip to the vet to have his sacs cleaned, and . . . ick!
He's a huge wuss about his bum being touched, to the point that he has to have two muzzles on, to keep the vet safe from his gnashing teeth!
And the smell . . . dear god, the smell.
Still, it's better than poo marks on the carpet, so it has to be done.
Scooting is a sign of attention needed to that area so when I saw my new puppy scooting, [only had him a few days and the breeder insisted he had been wormed], I popped him in the bath and took a look and found what looked like a slightly protruding bundle of straw. So took a grip and pulled gently but firmly. Turned out to be worms alright in a twisted bundle poor fella. He was so grateful and very happy to be rid of them. Never did the anal sacs myself as preferred not to, surprise,.. but the groomer always did a good job and unless you know what you are doing experts are the way to go.
Thanks for that link: a totally new take on peanut butter.
Is there a way to ask a question on this blog? My dog (terrier) has started occasionally attacking other dogs when we're on an off-lead walk (by the river or beach). So now I'm having to walk him on a lead all the time - but would hate to think he can never run free. Could you advise on how I might handle this? I am really worried by the situation.
Our boy scoots REALLY frequently and doesn't have worms and has his anal glands done regularly. His problem is allergies! Lucky him. He's just scratching cos it's itchy.
Scooting, never knew the correct name for this.
Our Bearded Collie does this occasionally, we always make woo woo noises when she does this as she looks like a train going along the tracks :) After worming she is fine again.
Dotcom accused van der Kolk 'flabbergasted'
One dead after SH1 crash near Wellington
Adele's the big winner at Grammys
Body found in Sydney tree identified
Police find woman's body in Manawatu
Woman crushed, friend watched 'helplessly'
Houston died in bathtub - coroner
Tainui leader ousted from board
Second Megaupload co-accused bailed
Top 10 anti-Valentine's Day flicks
Google algorithm measures funny
Making your education investment pay
It can also be a sign the dog has worms - whenever our dogs used to do it, a quick worm treatment cleared it up. Of course, I used to have to be treated too, as I was young & used to play with the dog a lot more directly than my parents!