Scooting in Australian Shepherds: Why It Happens and What to Do
If you’ve seen your Australian Shepherd dragging his bottom across the floor, you’re not alone. This behavior, called scooting, is a dog’s way of trying to relieve an uncomfortable or itchy rear end. The most common causes are anal gland issues, allergies, parasites (like worms), or simply dirty fur. Below, we’ll walk through each cause and what you can do.
1. Anal Gland Problems
Australian Shepherds have two small scent sacs on either side of their anus. Normally, these glands empty when they poop, but sometimes they become impacted, infected, or abscessed. When that happens, the dog scoots to try to express them.
Signs to watch for:
– Frequent scooting
– Licking or biting at the rear
– A foul, fishy odor
– Swelling or redness near the anus
What to do: Have your vet check the glands. They can manually express them and check for infection. Do not try to express them yourself unless your vet shows you how, as improper technique can cause pain or injury. If your dog has recurrent issues, your vet may suggest increasing fiber in the diet or using a supplement.
2. Allergies
Australian Shepherds are prone to environmental and food allergies. Allergens like pollen, dust mites, or certain proteins can cause skin inflammation, including around the rear. This leads to itching and scooting.
Signs of allergies:
– Itchy skin, paws, or ears
– Red, inflamed skin
– Chronic ear infections
– Scooting after eating or during certain seasons
What to do: Work with your vet to identify the allergen. They may recommend a food trial (e.g., a novel protein or hydrolyzed diet) or allergy testing. Antihistamines, special shampoos, or fatty acid supplements can help manage symptoms.
3. Intestinal Parasites (Worms)
Tapeworms and other parasites can cause anal itching. Tapeworm segments may be visible around the anus or in stool, looking like grains of rice.
Signs of worms:
– Scooting
– Visible worms in stool or on fur
– Weight loss despite normal appetite
– Sometimes diarrhea or vomiting
What to do: Collect a fresh stool sample and take it to your vet for testing. They can prescribe a dewormer. Preventative heartworm medication often also covers common intestinal worms.
4. Dirty Fur or Matting
Long-haired dogs like Aussies can get feces, debris, or matted fur stuck around the anus. This irritates the skin and causes scooting.
Signs of hygiene issues:
– Visible matted fur or dingleberries
– Fecal odor
– Skin irritation under the matted area
What to do: Gently trim the fur around the anus using blunt-nosed scissors (be very careful) or take your dog to a groomer. Keep the area clean with pet-safe wipes. Regular grooming prevents this problem.
When to See a Vet
If your dog scoots more than occasionally, if you see blood, pus, or a swollen anus, or if your dog seems in pain, schedule a vet visit. Scooting can sometimes indicate a more serious issue like a tumor or anal sac rupture. Your vet will do a physical exam and recommend treatment.
Home Care and Prevention
- Keep your Aussie’s rear end clean and trimmed.
- Feed a high-quality diet with adequate fiber (pumpkin, green beans, or a vet-recommended fiber supplement).
- Maintain regular vet checkups and stool checks.
- Consider a hypoallergenic diet if allergies are suspected.
Scooting is usually not an emergency, but it’s a sign something is off. Addressing the root cause will make your dog more comfortable and keep your floors clean.
Key Takeaway
Scooting in Australian Shepherds is usually a sign of anal gland issues, allergies, parasites, or hygiene problems, so have your vet rule out serious causes and treat the underlying issue.