Why does a dog drag its bottom on the ground?

A dog dragging its rear across the ground; it can look a bit strange or even funny. Often, the dog moves by sliding along the ground, which is why this behavior is also called "sledding." However, a dog does this not for fun but for a reason. In this blog, we will explore why a dog drags its bottom across the ground and how you can prevent it.

Causes why dogs drag their bottoms across the ground

The first thought many dog owners have when they see their dog dragging its bottom across the ground is that the dog has worms. Worms are indeed one possible cause of this behavior, but there are many other causes as well. We will go through them in more detail below:

The dog needs to poop
We start with the simplest cause: some dogs drag their rear across the ground simply because they need to poop. Note: if a dog indicates it needs to poop by dragging its bottom across the ground, it usually only does this briefly. If your dog exhibits this behavior more frequently and for longer periods, there is likely another issue at play.

There are residues stuck to the dog's bottom
A dog may drag its bottom across the ground if something is stuck to its rear or fur that shouldn’t be there. This can happen, for example, if the dog has eaten grass. Grass does not digest in the dog's body and comes out in the same strands. It can also happen that (especially in long-haired dogs) feces get stuck in the fur. When this dries, it can pull on the skin, causing discomfort. In an attempt to remove it, the dog may drag its bottom across the ground. Therefore, keep a close eye on your dog's rear and clean it if you see dirt on your dog's bottom.

Blocked anal glands
For the above reasons, you usually don’t need to worry, as the dog often resolves it on its own. Blocked anal glands are a different matter. This is by far the most common reason dogs drag their bottoms across the ground.

The anal glands are two small sacs located in the dog's anus sphincter. These sacs normally empty automatically when the dog poops, as the stool presses on them. Dogs that have recently had diarrhea may suffer from blocked anal glands because loose stool does not press the sacs empty. Blocked anal glands can cause itching. To relieve the itch, the dog will drag its bottom across the ground; after all, they cannot scratch their rear with their paws. Blocked anal glands cause the sacs to become overfull, which can even lead to infection. This is extremely painful for a dog, so if you suspect your dog is suffering from anal gland issues, it is advisable to visit the vet.

There are dozens of online guides on how to empty anal glands yourself, but this is absolutely not recommended. Pressing glands that are not overfull can stimulate extra production of anal fluid, which can cause even more problems.

Worms/parasites
Intestinal parasites such as tapeworms can cause itching around the anus. Initially, you may not notice anything with a worm infestation; symptoms only appear with a severe infestation. Worms may be visible in vomit or stool, and the dog may drag its bottom across the ground due to itching. A worm infestation can also cause other symptoms, such as weight loss, poor coat quality, diarrhea, and increased appetite.

Irritated skin
If the dog has recently had diarrhea (or suffers from recurring diarrhea due to, for example, a food allergy), the skin around the anus can become inflamed. As the skin heals, it can cause itching. To relieve the itch, the dog may want to drag its bottom across the ground.