Everyone's seen a dog scooting along on his rear end on the grass or the carpet. While this is not exactly a desirable action, your dog may be trying to alleviate itching and pressure caused by inflamed or irritated anal sacs. On either side of your dog's anus, approximately at the 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock position are two anal glands that contain concentrated oil that is normally released when your dog has a bowel movement. Anal sac problems are more common in small dogs and when they occur, you can offer some soothing relief.
Instructions
Empty your dog's anal sacs by hand. Although many dog owners balk at this, it's a sure way to stop the rear-end-on-the-carpet routine and make your dog more comfortable. Dog groomers regularly express the fluid from the dog's anal sacs.
Recruit an assistant to help you're your pooch while you do the anal sac procedure. Wear disposable rubber gloves; you can purchase them inexpensively in most supermarkets. The best time to do this is when your dog is in the bathtub and you can quickly wash away excess oils.
Lift your dog's tail and examine his rear end carefully. If his anal sacs are full, they may be felt as two small bumps, a small distance from the anal opening.
Press on the outside of both anal sacs with your thumb and forefinger or middle finger (whichever is most comfortable for you) and gently press inward and upward. As the sacs drain, the fluid that comes out may be thick or thin and it will have a disagreeable odor. Try no more than twice to express your dog's anal sacs. If you're not successful, call your veterinarian. Pressing too hard may make your dog more uncomfortable.
Switch your dog to dry food that causes him to have firm bowel movements. The anal sacs naturally release a little fluid to mark your dog's territory with ever bowel movement but if his bowels are loose, the anal sacs may not release any fluid. Human food is notorious for resulting in soft bowel movements so ditch the table scraps and find a dry food you dog will eat.