We’ve all seen it – the ole Boot(y) Scootin’ Boogie. Also known as the Stanley Steamer commercial AKA the Bum Shimmy. And despite the fact that literally every dog (a) has them and (b) has likely dealt with problematic ones, we still don’t really like to talk about them. (Case in point: I can’t even bring myself to call them out by name. But here goes.) Good ol’ anal sacs.
(Phew…glad that’s out of the way)
And it’s only now that my little Millie has been through the whole shebang – little shimmies to full-on bum dragging to mom in panic mode to vet remedying – that I’m here to hopefully help a few others navigate the bum scoot. Because, while of course I was worried about my little muffin, what I really wanted to know is how completely disgusting is this?
Totally Normal
So yes, it’s totally normal. I knew it was a thing but as a first time dog parent, I still didn’t really know if it was a “get to the vet asap” thing or an “ewwwww Millie, stop!!” thing. I googled, called my vet and it turns out, it’s really neither. The scoot (or any tactical/frictional attention to that area) is simply indicative of an anal sac issue. Per my vet: Pay attention to the intensity of the scoots, and how many days it lasts – the problem may take care of itself.
What’s Going on Here?
Turns out those things – which are intended to release a unique scent, hence territory marking – can get clogged, often by bacteria entering the glands. The impacted glands can be uncomfortable or worse infected, resulting in an abscess.
Grossometer
Apparently, fluid from a normal anal sac does *not* have a pleasant smell, but if infected the smell can be next-level foul. Further, if the clog turns into a full-blown infection, swelling and/or pus can form and that’s where my grossometer antennae really started to kick in. Millie’s scooting around my beautiful rugs next to my 3 year-old, and while we’re still in the “watch and see” phase, my spidey senses are kicking in.
Take Action (for the pup’s sake)
So yes, according to my research, you most certainly can contract disease from canine fecal particles left behind from the scoot (thank you for the loooong list of diseases, Canadian Public Health Association). But – is this really any different than when Millie sleeps (bum) cheek to (bum) cheek with me in bed? Or licks my toddler after grooming herself? In the end, I resolved we humans in the household were healthy and Millie needed some TLC to get back to her perfectly proper ladylike self. No bums about it.
Stay tuned for our next “How Gross Is It Really….” highly scientific research adventure. Have an idea for us to explore? Send a note to whatthepup@spotandtango.com
