Why is My Wrinkly Dog Scooting?

Seeing your wrinkly dog rubbing or dragging its butt across the ground may seem funny at first, but it could be a sign that something isn't quite right. Dogs will scoot and drag their rear end on the floor for many different reasons. It could be an anal gland problem, allergy, skin infection, or dirt. They cannot reach their backside, so this is their way of relieving pain or discomfort in that area. In this article, we will discuss the most common reasons wrinkly dogs scoot and what you can do to help relieve their discomfort and stop the scooting.

Anal Gland Problems:

One of the most common reasons wrinkly dogs scoot is because they have an issue with their anal glands. Your dog has two small, grape-sized glands located just inside its anus. These glands produce a foul-smelling liquid that helps your dog mark their territory. If these glands become full, impacted, or infected, they can cause your dog a lot of discomfort.

Impacted or full anal glands can make your wrinkly dog feel the need to scoot in order to relieve the pressure and pain. If your dog's anal glands are infected, they may also be scooting to try to relieve the itchiness and irritation caused by the infection.

If you think your wrinkly dog's scooting might be caused by anal gland issues, the best thing to do is take them to the vet. The vet can express the glands and determine if they are infected. If they are infected, your dog will likely need antibiotics to clear up the infection.

Allergies:

Another common reason wrinkly dogs scoot is because of allergies. Allergies can cause your wrinkly dog to itch all over their body, but the itchiness is often worse around their backside.

Many different things can cause allergies in dogs, including certain foods, pollen, dust mites, the ingredients in certain products, and more. Wrinkly dogs are particularly prone to allergies which can cause their skin to become itchy leading to licking, biting, and scooting.

If you suspect your wrinkly dog is suffering from allergies, it is best to consult with your veterinarian. Also, be sure to feed them high-quality food, keep them well hydrated, and stay away from products that contain common allergens such as lavender, aloe, lanolin, and fragrances.

Skin Infections:

Skin infections are another possible reason wrinkly dogs scoot. As discussed, allergic reactions can cause your wrinkly dog to itch its bum causing it to break the skin which can lead to an infection if left untreated. Bacterial or yeast infections can also cause your wrinkly dog to itch and feel discomfort in its backside area.

If your wrinkly dog has a skin infection, it may also have other symptoms such as red, inflamed skin, excessive licking or biting, hair loss, and more. If you think your wrinkly dog may have a skin infection, get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

If your dog has minor irritation in the area or to prevent an itchy rear end from becoming a bigger problem, using a topical cream that is made specifically for dogs can help to calm and soothe their sensitive skin. 

Squishface Wrinkle Paste is a good option that does not include common allergens such as lavender, aloe, lanolin, or fragrances that are so commonly found in other products. Instead, our Wrinkle Paste includes calming shea butter and protective avocado oil to soothe sensitive skin and form a water-repellent barrier to keep moisture, yeast, fungus, and other bacteria away from the skin.

Dirt and Debris:

If your wrinkly dog has been outdoors a lot or playing in the dirt, there may be simply some dirt or debris caught in its wrinkles or hair. This can cause your wrinkly dog to feel itchiness and discomfort leading to scooting.

If you think this might be the case, bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo might do the trick. In between baths or while you are out and about with your pup, Squishface Wrinkle Wipes are a good option.

Our Wrinkle Wipes are alcohol-free and are gentle enough for even the most sensitive and allergy-prone dogs. Plus they have phytosphingosine in them and no other dog wipes have that. Phytosphingosine is a pro-ceramide with anti-inflammatory and microbe repelling properties. It helps rebuild the natural ceramides found in the skin barrier that are critical in helping keep the skin healthy.

Be sure to dry your wrinkly dog's wrinkles and skin folds well after bathing or using wipes to avoid moisture buildup which can lead to infection.

The Bottom Line:

There are several reasons wrinkly dogs scoot, but the most common reasons are allergies, skin infections, and dirt and debris caught in their wrinkles. If you think your wrinkly dog may be scooting due to anal gland issues, allergies or skin infections, it is best to consult with your veterinarian.

For minor issues, using a product like Squishface Wrinkle Paste or Wrinkle Wipes can help to soothe your wrinkly dog's skin and prevent further irritation.

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