Why is dog doing this?

[kissmelittleass]

Our rescue dog a shih tzu came into our life's only a few weeks ago and this past week I've noticed he shuffles his bum occasionally along the rug.
He was wormed before he came to us so not due for worming again until September, so does this mean he is just relieving an itch?
Maybe all dogs do this I don't know it's the first time we've owned a dog so all new to me!

Could be something to do with his anal glands? Has he been to the vet for a once over?

www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/pet-health-hub/symptoms/scooting-in-dogs

I think most dogs do it occasionally - I might spot mine doing it once every week or two and I guess he just has a big itch that needs to be scratched.

If they do it a lot then it can indicate a problem - usually the anal glands need expressing.

Mine sometimes does this if he has a piece of poo stuck to his bum fur. It can just be an itch……..but if it’s happening a lot then maybe anal glands need checking.

It is usually anal glands need expressing. Our little dog was doing it a lot. I asked the groomers to express them but it didn't really help until we had the vet tech do it. We can bring him in regularly and it costs less than a vet visit.

He is now much better.

Probably his anal glands - hopefully he's registered with a vet?

Some dogs do it because it's a nice feeling but it's always worth checking as full anal glands can be quite uncomfortable (and if they leak they absolutely stink 🤢)!

What's his breed? Some dogs find it very hard to reach round to clean their bums so it could be that.

Thank you everyone! Yes he has been to vet for a once over and I had him neutered, so it could possibly be his anal glands?
I've just looked it up and as you've all said it does sound like it is, I have him on a cancellation list to be groomed as the poor fella hasn't been done for a while by the looks of it and I see on their website that they do anal glands expression if that's the correct term.
I will ask if they can do it when he's groomed, can I ask is it something that needs to be done a few times a year? Or only if you see them scooting along?

It depends on the dog. Some need it more often than others but I wouldn't leap straight into doing it regularly. Have it done once and see what happens.

Food that produces firmer stools can help prevent anal gland problems.

Scooting can also mean an itchy bum which is sometimes a sign of a food intolerance/allergy. Something to consider.

Most groomers won't do anal glands - it's a really messy and smelly job and most dogs hate it - it's a job for the vet/vet nurse unfortunately.