Dragging their butts across the grass - what's it really mean?

Okay so recently our dog Zeus, who by the way is a 36 kilo Rottweiller x Alsatian was dragging his butt across any surface, multiple times for a period of a few days. So naturally we assumed it might be worms, so off to the vet we went. Upon further inspection he was diagnosed as having 'full' anal glands, hence all the irritation. So the poor old worms that seem to get all the blame were in fact off the hook.

So poor Zeus was in a bit of discomfort. The vets trip was hilarious. Okay not for Zeus but it was for my husband and I. The vet popped on the infamous white sterile glove and moved around towards Zeus's butt.

My husband had hold of Zeus to keep him still. If I could have freeze framed the look on Zeus's face in that moment. The sheer look of distrust and disgust at a stranger who was loitering around his backside. :)

Seconds later the vet was rummaging around Zeus's butt relieving the anal glands that were seriously full. We were certain Zeus went cross-eyed! :) These grape sized glands that sit just inside their bottom quite often become blocked. And of course then they become itchy and painful.

In fact if you every notice your dog suddenly stop in their tracks to turn around to lick that area, chances are a blockage in these glands is to blame.

So in Zeus's case he needed some oral medication and some cream for the area (applied by my good self) Ah the joy! :) Within a week he was much better and he was going to the toilet normally again. No more itchy and scratchy either. To help your pooch, ensure they get plenty of fibre and there are some great prebiotics on the market too.

Ah the anal gland......such a drag for our dogs if they are full!