Sunday, December 30, 2012

Dog Dragging Butt on Carpet


Many clients have wondered "why is my dog dragging his butt" leaving nasty marks on the carpet?  While it might seem odd or amusing, the dog is uncomfortable and trying to relieve the itch or pain.  Thus, it's  important to understand what causes dog butt scooting, so that you can help them feel better. 

What Causes Butt Scooting In Dogs?

There are various reasons why dogs drag their butts on the ground, carpet or floor. Here are some common reasons why dog butt scooting:

Anal Gland Issues - Your dog has small sacs, located on either side of the anus, that can become impacted or infected, leading to discomfort.  Dog butt scooting may be an attempt to express their anal glands and relieve the discomfort. In healthy dogs, these glands empty naturally during bowel movements, but some dogs may require manual expression if their glands do not empty adequately on their own.

  • Treatment: Expressing the anal glands may be necessary. This can be done manually by a veterinarian. In severe cases or recurrent issues, dietary adjustments or fiber supplements might help regulate bowel movements and promote natural expression. 

Worm Infestation- Intestinal parasites, such as tapeworms, can be irritating around the anus, leading to your dog butt scooting. If you look closely, visible segments of tapeworms may also be present in the feces or around the anal area.

  • Treatment: Deworming medications prescribed by a veterinarian can address the underlying parasitic infection. Regular parasite prevention measures are essential for long-term health.

Allergies or Skin Irritation- Skin allergies or irritation, particularly around the anal area are a common reason why a dog is dragging his butt.  This may be a result of an allergic reaction to food, environmental factors, or contact irritants that may contribute to discomfort.

  • Treatment: Identify and address the underlying allergy. This may involve changing the dog's diet, using hypoallergenic grooming products, and addressing environmental factors. Topical or oral medications or supplements can help relieve itching.

Fecal Contamination- Residue from feces left around the anal area can cause itching and discomfort, leading to scooting.

  • Treatment: Ensure thorough cleaning of the anal area after bowel movements. Regular bathing and maintaining good hygiene practices can prevent fecal contamination.

Perianal Fistula- This is a painful condition involving the formation of tracts or openings in the skin around the anus. Dogs with perianal fistulas may scoot as a response to the pain and discomfort.

  • Treatment: May require surgical intervention, and medications, such as immunosuppressants or antibiotics, to manage inflammation and infection. It is important to see your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Rectal Prolapse- Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum protrudes through the anus. This condition is painful and may cause scooting. 

  • Treatment: Rectal prolapse often requires immediate veterinary attention. Treatment may involve manual reduction of the prolapse and addressing the underlying cause, which can include dietary adjustments, medication, or surgical intervention. 

Infections or Tumors- Infections or tumors in the anal or perianal area can lead to discomfort and scooting. 

  • Treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve antibiotics for infections or surgery for tumor removal. Your veterinarian will be able to accurately diagnose your dog and help formulate a treatment plan. 

These are all reasons why dogs drag their butts and it's best to consult with a veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnosis. The underlying cause may vary, and proper treatment will depend on the specific issue identified.


Natural Remedies For Butt Scooting In Dogs

Fortunately, veterinary-approved probiotic supplements such as Power Probiotic can stop the scooting and dragging of the rear-end.

What we have found is that dogs that have anal sac problems can frequently have an allergy to food and also need digestive support.  Many times dogs that are scooting and dragging their butt also are itching, getting ear infections, and may have bouts of loose stool and gas. . Once you address the dietary issue and add the natural supplements, the problem usually goes away. 

The first step is to add the Power Probiotic to your dog's regimen.  This will repopulate good flora in your dog's intestines, boosting immune function and reducing odors overall.   Power Probiotic is a veterinary-approved probiotic that is 3rd party tested for potency and is easy to give both cats and dogs--just open the capsule and sprinkle on food.  Even if you have tried other probiotics, this one will greatly help to improve the dragging and scooting and digestive problems.

Feeding a low carbohydrate, novel protein diet is also helpful for dog butt scooting.  Raw frozen diets are the gold standard for dogs with allergy problems.  They contain vegetables, omegas and a variety of protein options--without the high carbohydrate content.  Adding fiber in the form of pumpkin, squash or other pet fiber products can greatly help. Dogs that have anal sac issues are often eating dry kibble that is high in carbohydrates which can lead to yeast, allergic reactions and itching.

Use natural dog allergy supplements such as AllerEaze which helps to reduce itching and allergic response.  K9 Yeast Defense would also help as many times dogs are licking and chewing on their butt and groin due to allergies.  Many dogs that have ear infections and are licking at their genitals have an overgrowth of yeast.  The K9 Yeast Defense can give your dog relief in a few days. 

If a dog is dragging their butt or displaying butt-scooting behavior, see your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and make a treatment plan that includes both conventional and natural remedies. 
 



Author:  Diane Messenger
Originally Posted:  12/30/2012
Revised and Updated:  3/6/2024
Saturday, December 29, 2012

Interstitial Cystitis in Dogs and Cats



Chronic UTIs can lead to Interstitial Cystitis.  Interstitial Cystitis is a condition in which the bladder wall becomes inflamed and may even hemorrhage. No sooner do you finish a round of antibiotics, your pet starts showing the common “signs” of discomfort which can include frequent urination, straining to urinate, waking up in the middle of the night to urinate, arching the back, urinating outside the litter box and/or blood in the urine. Some pets that are normally house-trained may have accidents or urinate right in front of you because they can’t hold their urine. Some may develop urinary incontinence on a regular basis. With interstitial cystitis, there may be an infection or the “start of infection” and sometimes there may be no infection at all. With chronic UTIs and interstitial cystitis, there may be bleeding in the urine which can be caused by a variety of factors such as bladder stones, crystal plugs, kidney disease, stress and/or a congenital defect. Regardless, your pet’s bladder and urinary system may have a great deal of inflammation and quite possibly infection which can become very hard to treat and very uncomfortable for your pet.

Conventional veterinary treatments for interstitial cystitis and chronic urinary tract infections involve the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Depending upon the other factors that may be involved, your veterinarian may also recommend that your pet be on a special diet that controls the pH of your pet’s urine. Stones, crystals and infections tend to develop depending upon the urinary pH. For example, if your pet’s urine is highly alkaline (pH is 8 or more), there is a possibility that struvite crystals form or that your pet may have urinary tract infection. Having a high urinary pH does not necessarily mean that your pet has an infection. Urinary pH can vary throughout the day as your pet eats, exercises, etc. A normal urinary neutral pH is between 6.5 and 7.0. Consistently high or low urinary pH could be a problem and it is recommended, if possible, that you learn to check your pet’s urine at home using pH testing paper. This will provide valuable information for your veterinarian.

Can holistic care help with interstitial cystitis and chronic urinary tract infections? Absolutely. Holistic care should not be a replacement for conventional veterinary care but rather an extension of it. Holistic care offers you more choices and treatment options to help your pet but it is important to work with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s progress using laboratory tests and even in-home periodic pH urinary test strips that you do yourself.

Supplements for interstitial cystitis include Not Drops  and Power Probiotic as well as Renelix and AkuturClick here to learn more about how to treat interstitial cystitis naturally using holistic pet care

Pet Nutritionist Susan Blake Davis and Her Rescue Dog Legend

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Sunday, December 23, 2012

Yorkshire Terrier Vomits and Has Yellow Bile. Natural Alternative to Pepcid?


Q:   We have a 4 year old Yorkshire Terrier and every morning, she has a small amount of vomit which looks like yellow bile.  We have brought her to the vet and he suggested giving her a snack at bedtime which helps.  He also recommended that we use Pepcid.  I would prefer to use something natural.  Is there a natural alternative to using Pepcid?

A.  Some supplements might help.  Try Gastro ULC and Power Probiotic.    These products really seem to help dogs and cats with acid stomach.  Sometimes pets can vomit bile simply from not eating for a long period of time.  Also, ApoStom is a gentle homeopathic remedy for acid stomach which can help as well.   Be sure to avoid giving your dog too much protein as some Yorkshire terriers can be very sensitive.   Regularly check your yorkie's liver enzymes as well. 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Is Curcumin (tumeric) Safe To Give Dogs? What are the benefits of giving Curcumin to Dogs?

Q:  My 7 year old german shepherd is slowing down.  I  give him glucosamine but had read about curcumin and was wondering if it was safe to give my dog and also would like to know the benefits.  Can you explain why to use curcumin and how it might help my german shepherd?

A:  Curcumin is an excellent product for pet joint support, cancer and inflammation.  This product is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is backed by extensive research.  We have seen excellent results with older dogs that are stiff and uncomfortable in helping to improve mobility and reduced pain.  Curcumin (aka as turmeric) is also helpful for cats.  It is easy to administer and economical.

Benefits of Curcumin for Dogs and Cats:
1)  Curcumin stimulates bile production.Helps to cleanse the blood of toxins and impurities by improving liver function.  
2)  Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.  In some studies, it has been shown to work nearly as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.
3) Very helpful for hip dysplasia, arthritis and pets that are slowing down because of it's anti-inflammatory properties
4) Benefits the circulatory system because it is a blood thinner and helps to prevent clots and excess cholesterol accumulation.
5) Powerful antioxidant which can lessen free radical damage
6) Some evidence on turmeric and cancer indicate that curcumin may help control cancer growth

Curcumin would be an excellent addition to any senior pet and especially any dog or cat that shows signs of fatigue, difficulty getting up and down stairs, limping or having trouble moving around.  Older big dogs such as german shepherds would especially benefit from using curcumin.


Monday, December 10, 2012

Holistic Supplements For Puppy With Demodectic Mange (Demodex)

Q:  My puppy has demodectic mange.  What holistic supplements would be helpful for me to use along with the vet's treatment?

A:  Generally, when puppies have demodectic mange, they tend to have a weakened immune system and can have flareups for the rest of their life.  It is very important to give puppies with demodectic mange a high protein, grain-free diet.  Use fresh vegetables and plenty of omega oils to help their coat and skin.  Avoid grains and fillers.

Holistic supplements that will help boost your puppy's immune system and fight the demodectic mange include the following:

Amazing Omegas---delivers therapeutic levels of fish oil which will improve coat quality and reduce inflammation.
 
Colostrum for Pets + Power Probiotic---provides immune support and assists in the recovery of demodectic mange.   Especially helpful if your puppy has had worms or giardia.

Immunitone Plus--- 
Blend of essential nutrients for immune support including arabinogalactans, green tea, beta glucan and a variety of medicinal mushrooms


Sunday, December 9, 2012

Female Dog Licking Genitals Due to Yeast or Allergies

Q:  My girl dog licks her vaginal area and I have brought her to the vet and he said to just wipe with baby wipes....is there anything else I can do? She scratches and itches a lot and I am using a good brand of dog food--Nutromax. Anne in Ohio

A:  Female dogs can be licking their vaginal area frequently due to pain, itching or discomfort.  This could be due to a yeast overgrowth, allergies or urinary tract infection.  Be sure that you get a urine analysis done to rule out a urinary tract infection.  Try switching dog food and using a high moisture, grain-free, hypoallergenic diet such as Instinct raw and canned rabbit.  Nutromax contains grains, beef and poultry and overall, dry food is not nearly as nutritious as canned, raw or homemade dog food.

Here is a list of ingredients for the Nutro Mini Chunks Chicken and Rice Formula:

Chicken Meal, Ground Whole Wheat, Wheat Flour, Ground Rice, Rice Bran, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Corn Gluten Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavors, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Carnitine, Potassium Iodide, Copper Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Manganous Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid

There are quite a few ingredients that can contribute to yeast overgrowth and allergic response in your dog.  The grains:  wheat, rice and corn are definite culprits.  The poultry could also be a problem if your dog has allergies.  Diets that are high in carbohydrates also contribute to yeast overgrowth.  Instead look for brands that are higher in protein and don't contain grains.

Finally, using a few supplements would definitely help relieve your dog's symptoms.

K9 Yeast Defense Package   This package relieves symptoms of yeast overgrowth and also enhances your pet's immunity.  Very helpful for pets with ear infections, scratching and itching and genital licking.

Power Probiotic--superior manufacturing ensures that the friendly bacteria will survive the stomach acid and are third party tested to ensure that the product contains the ingredients promised.  This product is widely used by thousands of cats and dogs with excellent results.  Useful for overall health,digestive support--especially in puppies and kittens as well as for fighting yeast and infections.  Anytime a pet has taken antibiotics or steroids, it is important to replenish the good bacteria using this probiotic.