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For the love of you pet: Many reasons for dog to drag behind

By John Beck
Jan. 17, 2013 at midnight
Updated Jan. 16, 2013 at 7:17 p.m.



They are more likely to move when the dog is sleeping. A total infestation might cause them to become more active during the daytime hours. Usually, with an infestation or intestinal parasites the dog shows other signs before you would notice it dragging its behind on the ground.

Signs of intestinal parasites are weight loss - even with an overzealous appetite - vomiting, worms in stool, poor hair coat and eventually anemia and poor appetite. If you have your dog on a heartworm preventative that you give every month (living in south Texas, you should), this will also protect your pet from intestinal parasites.

The most common reason for a dog to drag its behind on the ground is anal glands. Dogs have two glands located at the 4 and 8 o'clock position just inside of their rectum. These glands were originally designed to lube the stool during bowel movements and provide an individualized scent for each dog.

An animal that is well known for its anal gland function is the skunk. Unlike skunks, dogs do not have the ability to express their anal glands whenever they feel like it or need to. Not all dogs have problems with their anal glands; some can go their whole life without ever needing assistance. Others might need a veterinarian, technician or groomer to help them once in awhile.

If they do not regularly express on their own, they can become infected, impacted and or abscess under pressure. Signs that your dog might have problems with their anal glands include dragging the rear, suddenly jumping up like something has bit them in the behind or pushing their hind ends up against walls or other hard surfaces.






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