My dog has been acting strangely.  He's always scooting around the floor on his rear.  Why is he doing this?  Should I be concerned?

Anal sac disease.

Anal sac impaction is a common reason that dogs scoot. Full anal sacs cause irritation and pressure around the anus. Dogs scoot in an attempt to relieve the sensations. Your veterinarian can check your dog's anal sacs and express them, hence eliminating this as a potential problem.

Your dog should be checked for tapeworms and other intestinal parasites, as these may also cause dogs to scoot. Tapeworms commonly appear as "white rice"segments around the dog's anus or in the stool. If you have seen this, tell your veterinarian.

Other potential causes of scooting can include sensitivity to diet, flea allergy, or skin infection.

Consult with your veterinarian for a specific diagnosis.

For more information about anal sacs, please read our encyclopedia article, "Anal Sac Disease."

06/06/03