My pit bull has begun to scoot on the rugs. I read that it could be worms, but I haven't found any evidence in his 'piles'. I also read that his anal glands might need to be cleaned. I planned to take him to a groomer and have this done, but a friend told me the dogs he's had his whole life never needed to have this done and that the need for it is a myth. I have also been told that people interfearing with a dog's anal glands can harm them. I have never seen him clean the area with his tongue. Maybe he's too lazy to clean it himself, so he rubs it on the carpet? Does anyone really know if its okay to have the anal cleaning thing done? It doesn't look like a big deal from what I've read, but everyone is trying to talk me out of it. My poor puppy looks uncomfortable, and its kind of disgusting, causing frequent carpet cleanings.

First, I suspect it is worm...because usually dog who has itchy butt has a worm...try to observe him more...but if he hasn't I think go to an expert and asked why your dogs behave like that...

You have to squeeze his anal glands.. thats usually the problem.. My girlfriend is a dog groomer, and thats what she said is the problem.. Also i found this on another website. Hope it helps


f your dog's anal glands fail to properly express, they may actually become impacted, making your dog very uncomfortable. Watch for these signs:

* Your dog begins scooting or dragging his rear across the floor.
* Your dog keeps licking or chewing near his rectum.
* Your dog's stools have become soft and mushy.

If you are noticing one or more of these signs, it may be a good idea to take your dog in for a check up with his vet. The dog anal glands may actually need to be manually expressed, a job best left to the professionals. Some professional dog groomers will also perform this procedure for you at your request.

We have not had issues with the anal glands, but from my understanding a common cause is due to regular (moreso, more often) soft stools, quite commonly due to the dogs diet. From my understanding, if you can harden the stool up a bit, it may assist in expressing them without, or at least reduced, human intervention. (this is just my basic understanding anyway)

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by nattiej1976

We have not had issues with the anal glands, but from my understanding a common cause is due to regular (moreso, more often) soft stools, quite commonly due to the dogs diet. From my understanding, if you can harden the stool up a bit, it may assist in expressing them without, or at least reduced, human intervention. (this is just my basic understanding anyway)

Nat is correct, diet plays into whether a dogs anal glands become impacted and do not express naturally. Impacted anal glands are not a myth but a very common occurrence especially in smaller breeds but all breeds are prone to it.
By changing up the diet you can reduce this. If you are not seeing signs of worms in the stool, then impacted anal glands is the most common other issue. In addition, if not resolved they will ulcerate and can blow meaning they will cause a huge swelling and pop like a large pimple producing blood and stool.
Best to get this taken care of promptly.
Good Luck.

Brindle Baby.. What kind of dog food do you use? Please dont say the crappy store bought stuff.. I use Nutro. Try and get the all natural foods.. I also only feed my 3 dogs dry food, no wet stuff..

Originally Posted by Kemonuts

You have to squeeze his anal glands.. thats usually the problem.. My girlfriend is a dog groomer, and thats what she said is the problem.. Also i found this on another website. Hope it helps


f your dog's anal glands fail to properly express, they may actually become impacted, making your dog very uncomfortable. Watch for these signs:

* Your dog begins scooting or dragging his rear across the floor.
* Your dog keeps licking or chewing near his rectum.
* Your dog's stools have become soft and mushy.

If you are noticing one or more of these signs, it may be a good idea to take your dog in for a check up with his vet. The dog anal glands may actually need to be manually expressed, a job best left to the professionals. Some professional dog groomers will also perform this procedure for you at your request.

I agree with Kemonuts, and it is definitly something that you want to have done by a professional. They normally express themselves, but sometimes need help. Changing food might help, and I agree that a good dog food is very important for their health. There are many available, and are worth the extra price, for the health of your dog. I use Wellness brand, and I love it. A breeder I know uses Canadae, and she swears by it. Check them out and see which one is best for you and your dogs. Good luck!

your vet will also express them, just be sure whomever does it, does so with one finger inside. many times someone will only squeeze the outside which can leave some remaining.

if he has tapes, unless you should see one on him, you are not likely to know.
they look like pieces of rice & will dive to the inside of the poop instantly, so you would not see any if you walked up a minute later. you may see one or two around his anus until it falls off

I'm done

[lil mutt]

Originally Posted by Kemonuts

If you are noticing one or more of these signs, it may be a good idea to take your dog in for a check up with his vet. The dog anal glands may actually need to be manually expressed, a job best left to the professionals.

i totally agree... your vet can know if your dog has worms or not and if ever it has worms he can give your dog some deworming meds...