Dear VetBabble,
I have a 4-year-old English Bulldog who sits on the floor and rotates in a 360-degree circle. Should I be worried about this behavior? Is it possible that he has an itch on his rear end from worms or an anal gland problem? Have you treated him for worms recently or had his anal glands expressed?
Why Dogs Scoot or Rotate on the Floor
Hello pet owner! It’s great to have you reaching out about your Bulldog’s behavior; it shows that you are attentive to his habits and well-being. When a dog sits and rotates in a circle on the floor, it could be due to an itch or discomfort on their rear end. In most cases, this can be linked to worms or an issue related to their anal glands. Let’s dive a bit deeper into these concerns and how you could address them.
Understanding Anal Glands in Dogs
Anal glands, also known as scent glands, are located on either side of a dog’s anus. These sac-like structures produce a pungent, oily substance that dogs use to mark their territory. Normally, the anal glands empty when your dog defecates. However, sometimes the secretion process doesn’t work as it should, leading to the glands becoming full, irritated, or even infected. This is when your dog may experience discomfort and scoot or rotate on the floor to alleviate the itchiness or pain they are feeling. To better understand the role of anal glands in dogs, as well as how to express them (if necessary), have a read through our article on Anal Glands: What Are They and Do I Need to Express Them?.
As you’ve noted, it is possible that your dog may need his anal glands expressed to relieve the discomfort. This is a task that can be done by a veterinarian or a professional groomer. If you are considering doing it yourself, we have an instructional article on How to Express Dog’s Anal Glands that will guide you through the steps. But, we highly recommend consulting your veterinarian first, especially in cases where it’s your first time or if you suspect your dog is in pain or has an infection.
How Worms Cause Rear End Discomfort
Another cause of your dog’s scooting or rotating behavior could be intestinal worms. In this case, the itchiness or discomfort could be caused by worms irritating the area around the anus. These worms can be tapeworms, roundworms, or other internal parasites your dog may have picked up from their environment or through ingesting infected feces. To learn more about worms in dogs and how to prevent and treat them, refer to our article on How to Prevent and Treat Worms in Dogs.
If you suspect that your Bulldog has worms, it’s essential to take him to the veterinarian for a proper examination and treatment. Regular worming treatments are necessary for all dogs, even if they don’t show any signs of having worms. Your vet will recommend the appropriate treatment and schedule based on your dog’s individual needs and risk factors.
Other Causes of Scooting or Rotating
While worms and anal gland issues are the most common causes of a dog scooting or rotating on the floor, they are not the only possibilities. Your dog may be experiencing diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset, which can lead to itching and irritation around the anus. To understand more about what can cause diarrhea in dogs and how to help them, consider reading our article on Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?.
Any time you’re unsure about your dog’s behavior, it’s always a good idea to visit your veterinarian for an evaluation. This way, you can be sure that you’re properly addressing your dog’s needs and ensuring their overall comfort and well-being. We hope this answered your concerns and that you find the best solution for your Bulldog’s scooting issue.
