A dog sledding is a reaction to itching around the anus, which is one of the few places where your four-legged friend cannot scratch freely. In an attempt to solve this troublesome problem, the dog rubs its croup against the ground, pulling its hind legs as far forward as possible. Since it is usually a condition that in most cases does not go away on its own, it is worth going to the vet for help.
The expression "dog sledding" means that the dog's buttocks are most likely to slide over carpet, floor or grassland, in an attempt to relieve itching in the anus. This behavior is not unique, but tends to occur regularly at greater or lesser intervals. Tobogganing gives your dog a temporary relief but is not a solution to the health problem. The key at this point is to determine the cause of the ailments.
Dogs have two anal glands which are in bags on the left and right side of the anus. The glands produce a mucus that mixes with your dog's feces during a bowel movement to mark territory. It happens, however, that the ducts of the anal sacs become clogged, e.g. due to soft faeces or allergies. As a result, more and more secretions accumulate in them. This causes very unpleasant itching and even a feeling of pain, congestion and swelling of the skin of the anus. Dogs try to get rid of the uncomfortable tobogganing sensation. In addition, they often lick and nibble around the anus. If blocked glands go untreated, an extremely painful infection or a dangerous abscess can develop. Therefore, do not delay your visit to the veterinarian.
Itching, which is the cause of a dog's tobogganing, can also be caused by gastrointestinal parasites. The most common fault for this condition lies with the tapeworms escaping from the organism of the quadruped. The worms migrate from the digestive tract to the anus and lay their eggs there, causing the dog to itch severely. Parasite-induced itching is especially severe at night or in the morning. Infection of the digestive system can occur by eating a flea (which contains worm larvae), dirt or raw meat.
Another common cause of itching in a dog is environmental, food and parasitic allergies. The first type of allergy is caused by environmental factors and is most often manifested by atopic dermatitis, the main symptom of which is itchy skin. An allergic reaction is caused by contact with allergens, i.e. grass, pollen, mites, chemicals (on textiles, furniture, floors, in care products). First of all, the dog starts to scratch, lick its hair, rub against various objects, flap its ears, and it also starts sledding. Food allergy, which may occur after eating food to which the animal is allergic, shows similar symptoms. Allergic dermatitis due to contact with a flea is a very common ailment for four-legged friends. In this case, the allergen is flea venom or saliva. A strong allergic reaction is caused by a flea bite, there is itching, especially around the croup and the base of the tail.
Tobogganing does not always have to be associated with serious health problems. Sometimes a foreign body becomes trapped in the hair around the anus and a four-legged friend tries to get rid of it. Occasionally, the hair is stuck with dried droppings, grass blades or leaves. It happens that a dog that has tasted grass (a sock, tapeworms ...) does not chew it sufficiently and the undigested blade does not want to leave the digestive tract on its own. By looking under the pet's tail, the owner can easily determine if any foreign body in or around the anus is disturbing the pet.
Diseases around the anus are very unpleasant and particularly troublesome for the animal, as this area is extremely sensitive. Therefore, it is extremely important that you relieve your dog's suffering quickly when the tobogganing symptom appears. If the tobogganing is caused by a foreign body in or around the anus, try to carefully remove it from these places. However, if the itching does not stop, we notice redness, anus swelling or other changes in this area, we should take the pet to the vet as soon as possible. After a thorough examination, the doctor can determine and treat the cause of the tobogganing.
Inflammation of the anal glands most often requires the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics. In mild conditions, a vet can empty the anal glands with gentle pressure. Chronic congestion or chronic inflammation of the anal glands may require surgical intervention. In the case of a parasitic substrate, the veterinarian will generally perform a test, perform a skin scrap test, and prescribe measures for deworming. If allergies are responsible for your dog's tobogganing, the type of allergy that determines the pruritus must first be established. In most cases, steroids (anti-inflammatory drugs), anti-itching drugs and antihistamines are given. An individually selected diet and care products for sensitive skin may also provide support.
The key to your pet's health and happiness is careful observation and quick intervention in cases of concern. Prevention also plays an important role in caring for a dog. Each owner should remember about regular check-ups at the veterinary office, deworming and anti-parasitic prophylaxis, as well as preventive vaccinations against infectious diseases. It is also extremely important to take care of a balanced diet, adequate to the age, health and physical activity of your pet.
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