PLANS

Products

Help

Blog

About Us

Light brown poodle scraping bum across floor. Two white shake lines near dog's bum to show itching.

Why is my dog scooting?

By Deanne
- October 29, 2024
- 3 MIN READ

Table of Contents

What is scooting?

Why is my dog scooting?

Worms in dogs

What causes worms?

How to treat worms

How to prevent worms

Caught your dog scooting across the floor? It’s likely they have worms. Let’s dive into all the reasons your dog might be scratching their bum and how you can treat their symptoms!

What is scooting?

Scooting is a behaviour in cats and dogs, where they drag their bums across the floor or ground, often in a sitting position. It usually looks quite funny, but it often indicates that something is bothering them in that area.

Why is my dog scooting?

There are a few reasons behind why your dog is scooting across the floor, it could be one of these:

Worms: Intestinal parasites, like tapeworms, can cause itching or irritation around your dog’s bum, so if they are caught dragging their bottom on the ground, they probably have worms.
Anal gland issues: A dog’s anal glands occasionally need to be expressed. If they become impacted or infected, the discomfort can cause your dog to scoot to relieve the pressure.
Itching or irritation: Skin irritations, such as allergies, dermatitis, or even an insect bite, may be leaving your dog feeling itchy around their bum.
Dietary issues: In some cases, scooting can be caused by constipation, diarrhoea, or poor digestion.
Faecal matter stuck to fur: Especially for long-haired dogs, poop can get stuck to the fur around their bum, making scooting a way to clean themselves.

Worms in dogs

Worms, in the context of dogs, are internal parasites that infest their digestive or respiratory tracts. Common intestinal worms include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms. Different types of worms can affect different parts of the body, causing a range of symptoms and health issues.

What causes worms?

Worm infestations can occur in dogs for lots of different reasons, such as:

Your dog ingesting contaminated food or wood

Worm eggs or larvae can be in water, soil, or food anywhere and once ingested by your pooch, will cause issues. It’s likely your dog will find contaminated food or water on a walk or in a park.
Fleas giving your dog worms

Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae, so when a flea-infested dog grooms themselves, the worms are ingested.
Mummy dog transmitting to puppies

Puppies can be born with worm infestations if their mother is infected or pick it up via their mum’s milk shortly after birth. Worming puppies is crucial, save down our puppy worming calendar here.
Eating worm-infected prey

If your dog hunts or loves to scavenge in the woods, they are likely to be exposed to prey that is infested by worms.

How to treat worms

For fast acting treatment for worms in your dog, use vet-approved worming tablets like the Itch Wormer for Dogs. The specific treatment and dosage will depend on the type of worms and your dog’s age, weight, and health condition. It's crucial to follow the treatment recommendations and administer the medication as directed.

How to prevent worms

Treating worms isn’t a very glamorous part of being a pet parent, so why not prevent them entirely. We recommend taking these preventive measures to protect your pet:

Regular deworming: Follow a regular deworming treatment schedule, this can be easy and convenient with subscriptions to worming tablets like Itch Wormer for Dogs. Puppies often require more frequent deworming due to their susceptibility and developing immune systems. For more info on this, read here.
Flea control: Most people aren’t aware that fleas can transmit tapeworms, so by protecting your dog from fleas, you also keep them worm-free. Try using a regular spot-on flea treatment like Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs to stay on top of pesky parasites!
Hygiene: Good hygiene is crucial to keeping worms at bay. Make sure to always clean up your dog’s waste promptly and wash your hands after handling any pets.
Clean living environment: Keep your home and garden clean to reduce the risk of exposure to worm eggs and larvae. We’d suggest vacuuming regularly and often washing your dog’s bedding at 60 degrees.
Visit your vet: Regular check-ups allow your vet to monitor your dog’s health and detect worm infestations early.

Itch Wormer Tablets

Triple-Action Worming Treatment

Itch Wormer for dogs, triple-action worming tablets, image of Itch Wormer dog packaging

From £4.00

Itch Wormer tablets for dogs has a fast-acting formula that kills common dog intestinal worms ... Find out more

What the vet says

"Itch Wormer’s combination of ingredients eradicates both roundworms and tapeworms. Regular worming treatments are essential for your pet’s overall health. The convenience of the Itch Wormer being delivered to your door when required promotes an ideal worming regime."
Dr. Zoe Costigan Itch Head Vet
BVSc BSc(hons) Cert AVP MRCVS

itching for more?

Worming General

How do pet worming tablets work?

Pet worming tablets are an integral part of maintaining your furry companion's health and well-being. These tiny yet powerful medications play a crucial role in preventing and treating worm infestations in dogs and cats. But have you ever wondered how pet worming tablets work? Look no further as we delve into the world of deworming tablets, exploring their mechanisms, effectiveness, and the options available for both dogs and cats. We'll also address the perennial question of tablets vs. liquid dewormers and explore natural worming alternatives. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how these treatments work to keep your pets healthy and thriving.

Flea Treatment

How to get rid of fleas

Fleas – those pesky little insects that can turn our furry companions' lives (and ours) upside down. If you've ever experienced a flea infestation, you know just how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be. These tiny creatures are not only a nuisance but can also pose health risks to both pets and humans. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the world of fleas, from understanding their origins to effective methods for getting rid of them. So, if you're tired of the itching, scratching, and constant battle against the blighters, read on to discover how to reclaim your home and your pet's comfort.

Flea Identification

Can A Puppy Get Fleas?

The wonderful world of puppies… the boundless energy, the adorable antics, and, yes, the potential for pesky fleas. Fleas are tiny but mighty nuisances that can make your puppy's life less enjoyable. This article explores the possibility of puppies getting fleas, how it can happen even if they don't venture outdoors, and, most importantly, how to prevent and treat these unwanted critters.