What Does It Mean if Your Puppy Is Scratching His Butt on the Carpet?

Watching your puppy scratch its butt on the carpet may seem odd, but it helps relieve the canine. However, allowing the dog to continue the behavior can cause new problems such as skin ruptures and infections. Dogs may scratch their butts on the carpet to relieve an itch, but it often indicates that the canine has swollen anal glands. When you notice this behavior in your dog, consult your veterinarian immediately so they can rule out the causes of the behavior.

  1. Anal Sacs

    • The anal sacs collect the secretions from the glandular tissue around the sacs, commonly referred to as the anal glands. The sacs are located between the muscle rings of the anus. Sarah Hoggan of Washington State University states that the sacs empty through the two openings on the sides of the anus, so that when the stool passes the muscles squeeze the sacs and force the oily secretions onto the stool surface. When the glands become clogged or infected, the pressure causes the dogs to become uncomfortable.

    Built Up Secretions

    • A dog's anal glands often swell due to fluids or wastes building up. The anal glands become uncomfortable so the puppy relieves its discomfort by rubbing its butt on the carpet. Samantha Coe of Vet Base suggests taking the dog to the vet. The veterinarian will release the build up inside the glands and provide relief for your canine. Failure to take your dog to the vet can result in serious complications and ruptures.

    Complications

    • Sometimes the dog can relieve the swollen glands by scooting on the carpet, but you do not want this to be the solution. When puppies scoot on the carpet, they can tear the skin and get an infection. When anal glands are not treated properly, a rupture or infection can occur. The swollen glands are painful to the dog, and you do not want to cause any more discomfort. Always contact your veterinarian when you notice the scooting behavior.

    Causes

    • Anal glands become swollen for a variety of reasons such as infections and illnesses. Loose stools can prevent the sacs from emptying properly. Changes in the diet can cause loose stool and inevitably lead to swollen glands. Overweight animals also have a difficult time emptying the sacs because they have more fat tissue that gets in the way when the animal needs to relieve itself. If your pet has a recurrent health issue that causes frequent secretion removal, your veterinarian may instruct you to relieve the glands yourself. Only your veterinarian can tell you the cause of the swollen glands, so never diagnose the dog yourself.