Dear Dr. Forsythe: My Cocker spaniel is constantly scooting on his butt all around our house. I have had his anal glands emptied by the groomer, so I’m wondering what else could be making him so miserable. Incidentally, he almost always scoots around whenever company is over or when someone is at the door. It is more than a little embarrassing and it messes up the rugs. Since the anal glands weren’t the problem, what else could be going on?
Boot scoot dad
Dear Boot Scoot Dad: I agree scooting dogs can be really embarrassing, especially when they come rectally gliding through an elegant dinner party causing mouths to drop and debutantes to gasp. Groomers are not supposed to insert a finger into the pet, so sometimes it is more effective to have the veterinarian empty these glands. Using a well-lubricated, gloved finger and expressing the entire grape-like gland should make the pet feel relief and end most of the itching and “carpet grazing.” However some dogs have other reasons for the itchiness on their rump. Allergies and parasites can also cause dogs to rub their bottoms as well. If the glands are emptied properly and are not infected, I’d recommend you talk to the veterinarian about a fecal exam to rule out parasites.
Allergies are also a common culprit causing much itching and licking too, so that must stay on the differential until your scooter finds relief. Cocker spaniels are considered among the most oil-producing breeds, so their anal glands do fill up quickly. Hopefully making sure the glands get emptied on a monthly basis and ruling out these other potential causes of scooting will help solve this problem in short order. Then maybe the children will want to start playing marbles on the carpet again!
Dr. F.
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My Chihuahua has baby teeth which never fell out. She is a year old now and I’m worried her mouth will be crowded and it can cause problems for her. What do you say about this?
More than a mouthful
Dear More than a mouthful: The retained baby teeth should be extracted. If they are left in they can, and will likely, cause deviation in the position of the permanent teeth and crowding. These changes to the position and shape of the dental arcade can affect the pet’s bite and oral health. I say have them removed safely and in short order. I am unanimous in that vote!
Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: I am writing to give you my opinion on dogs wearing all kinds of jewelry. My uncle buys his Yorkie more jewelry than you would believe. Last time they came over she couldn’t even lift her head up because the necklace was too heavy. I think this is cruel to a dog. I know he thinks it is cute, but can you tell your readers putting things that are too decoration-like is bad and could even be harmful? Thanks for hearing my complaint.
Valerie,
Novato
Dear Valerie: I agree too much jewelry on a pet can be a problem. I have seen pets with garments and accessories which nearly kept them from moving. I ask myself “why would a person dress their little doggie up like this?” Then I realize the answer, “Because they ADORE their pet.” They just want to spoil their little pet as much as possible and this is their outlet. Rather than judging it negatively, I try and see the sweetness in the bond they have with their little friend. Some clients bring their dogs in for exams dressed up for a night on the town, but they take all the stuff off before I do my exam. How could I hear the heart if the Hope diamond is in the way? It is almost as if the pet were a little dolly and they have a whole lot of fun playing dress up. If you are really concerned and feel that your uncle’s dog is in danger of a neck injury or other problem, I recommend finding a kind, thoughtful and non-threatening way to express your concerns to him about the way he is fawning over the pet. Acknowledge what a generous and loving pet owner he is and tell him your concern. Perhaps you could even bring a simple and tasteful collar over as a gift – one that is not diamond studded or weighs too much. Make sure you are not acting on jealousy: some people who are struggling with money find it quite irritating to see others “waste” money on frivolous items for a “dog.” I say people have the right to do what they want and the real issue is weather or not the pet is suffering or in danger. Hopefully soon, your uncle will start bringing you some tasteful jewelry and leaving it off the poor puppy! Thanks for a very good question.
Dr. F.
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