Dear Cathy,
My veterinarian has been trying to help my dog keep from constant scooting since age four. She is more than 13-years-old and still does it, fussing and whining because her anal sacs are irritated. The veterinarian empties the sacs, as needed. I add fiber products in her wet food as advised by my vet. She only eats wet food, not dry. I need your advice. She is overweight, which does not help.
– Pat Bayerowski, East Hampton, Connecticut
Dear Pat,
Dogs and cats often butt-scoot across the lawn or carpet to relieve posterior discomfort, which can be the result of worms, skin allergies, or impacted anal glands. The primary culprit is impacted anal sacs, which, as you know, can become chronic for some dogs.
I trust your veterinarian has been giving you good advice, so will just add a few things here. While your veterinarian or groomer can empty the glands as needed, the glands also can be surgically removed as a last resort.
Keeping your dog fit helps, since fatter dogs tend to have the problem more often. There are some good canine weight loss foods on the market that you can try.
There is also a product called NaturVet No Scoot Plus Pumpkin Soft Chews for Dogs, which supposedly “supports healthy anal sac and gland function.”
Let me know if any of these things helps your dog.
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to moc.tidnuptep@yhtac. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal
