Typically, an animal rolls on its bottom on the floor to relieve an itchy anus. This can be caused by a variety of factors.
The dog feels discomfort, but there are probably no threats to its health.
- Dermatitis after grooming. Irritation usually due to clippers, sprays, perfumes or other grooming products that come into contact with the pet’s skin.
- Insect bite. If a mosquito, midge, or flea bites your pet in the anus, the dog rub its bottom on the carpet to relieve the itching.
- Sticking of various substances or objects to the fur. This could be, for example, dog feces (especially with diarrhea), plant particles or various debris that cause irritation of the anus and the desire to scratch.
Dangerous causes
They are serious disorders in themselves and can lead to various health problems for your pet if you do not contact a veterinarian in time.
- Blockage of the paraanal glands. These are small sacs located on both sides of the anus on the inside. The paraanal glands contain a smelly secretion that is released during bowel movements . Normally, they clear themselves during defecation, fear, or stress. But it happens that too much secretion , it thickens and cannot leave the glands. As a result, the dog experiences discomfort and scoots on its bottom.
There may be many reasons for this: previous diarrhea, obesity, low activity, poor nutrition, anal muscles, infections, etc. Also, dwarf breed dogs (Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Spitz) are prone to increased accumulation of secretion in the glands.
Blockage of the paraanal glands can be complicated by an abscess, which hurts and in some cases opens up on its own. In this case, an appointment with a surgeon is required for treatment, cleaning of the inflammation and prescription of appropriate therapy.
- Intestinal parasites. They not only weight loss, changes in appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, but also irritation of the rectum. In addition, worms can come out during defecation, which causes severe itching in the dog.
- Trauma to the anal sacs. This situation if the paraanal glands are unnecessarily or incorrectly cleaned.
- Perianal fistula, or anal furunculosis. This a condition where wounds and holes form on the skin around the anus. The exact cause is unknown, but to be an autoimmune disease.
- Allergies. Research that perianal itching often affects dogs with allergic diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis. It can be caused by a variety of irritants, from pollen to food .
What symptoms require you to contact a veterinarian?
If your dog rarely rolls on its bottom, reason to worry . When this behavior is observed constantly, it is worth playing it safe and visiting a veterinary clinic. Regular rolling of the dog on the floor itself can lead to anus trauma, secondary infections and dermatitis.
In addition to the main symptom, you should also be alerted by other :
- swelling, redness, ulcers, cracks, sores in the anus area;
- a foreign smell from the dog that was not previously observed;
- parasites in feces;
- loss of appetite;
- straining when going to the toilet;
- licking or biting the anus more often than usual;
- apathy.
What can a veterinarian do?
First, the specialist will examine the pet and conduct the necessary tests, such as a parasitological analysis of feces or a rectal swab, a blood test, or an ultrasound.
Therapy will depend on the reason for rolling on the floor. So, if worms are detected during the examination , the specialist will prescribe antihelminthic drugs. And dogs with atopic dermatitis are prescribed drugs to relieve itching. If the paranal glands are blocked, the veterinarian will clean them.