Why Is My Golden Dragging Its Butt?

Seeing your Golden Retriever drag their butt along the carpet is obviously gross, but did you know that it could be a sign of a serious health problem? If your Golden Retriever is dragging their butt around, you need to find out if it’s something to see your vet about.

There are other issues that can cause Golden Retrievers to be dragging their butts, including allergies. Food allergies which some Golden Retrievers suffer can cause digestive issues, which can cause vomiting, flatulence, and issues like an itchy backside.

Another common issue for your Golden Retriever dragging its butt is parasites. Parasites like tapeworms come from fleas that a dog eats. Once the larvae are eaten and fully grown, they will use the anal area to exit the dog’s body.

When parasites exit the Golden Retriever’s body, it can cause itching, inflammation, and other issues which cause a Golden Retriever to drag their butt. Poor grooming habits or skin allergies can cause Goldens to drag their butt.

Anal Sacs

Anal sacs are glands on either side of the butt, they contain fluid that is expelled when the dog poops, and if they are not working properly because they are clogged, it can cause issues.   This issue will cause a Golden Retriever to drag its butt and other issues like pain and discomfort from the blockage.

If this is suspected, it is best to consult their veterinarian so the Golden Retriever can have their anal glands expressed by a professional. Some groomers will do this, and some parents might not have an issue, but unless they know for sure that is what it is, it’s best to take them to the veterinarian first.

Parents can try warm compresses to the area if anal sac issues are thought to be the cause of the Golden dragging its butt. In some cases, ointments may be prescribed.

Food Allergies

Food allergies can cause a Golden to drag its butt. If they suffer from digestive issues where their stool isn’t hard, which is needed for natural anal gland expression, they could have a food allergy. If this is the suspected cause, parents should investigate their diet and remove anything unhealthy, including excess treats.

Feeding a Golden Retriever a bland diet of lamb or chicken and rice for a few days and ensuring plenty of water can help diagnose this issue. Similar to an elimination diet for humans, this diet removes anything unhealthy in favor of plenty of protein and gives the digestive tract time to heal.

One by one, every four or five days, new items can be added back to the diet, but they should always be low allergy and healthy, which means leaving behind anything with fillers or unnecessary additives.

If the butt-dragging stops, the parents will have their answer; if not, they may need to take their Golden Retriever to the veterinarian.

Parasites and Fleas

Parasites enter the dog’s body in various ways, including their food and their drinking of unhealthy water, to name a few. These parasites use the Golden Retrievers’ body as a host to grow, and once they are done, they leave the body through the butt, which can cause itching, burning, pain, swelling, and butt dragging.

While it can be hard to continually watch what a Golden Retriever eats and drinks, there are signs of parasites around the anus and in their dog bed and poop. If signs of parasites are noted, taking them to the veterinarian is necessary for medications and their overall good health.

If there is no sign of parasites anywhere, that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have them, and it could be that the parasites haven’t fully developed yet. Giving it a few days and continuing to inspect these areas for evidence may prove itself.

Poor Grooming and Skin Allergies

Poor grooming habits, including excess grooming and using sprays, perfumes, and other chemicals, can irritate a Golden Retrievers’ skin and anal area.   In this case, your Golden Retriever dragging its butt is superficial, and there is no internal issue.

However, these chemicals and poor grooming habits can turn chronic if left untreated. They can cause skin irritation and issues, which can affect the anal area and cause a Golden to drag its butt, as well as other problems.

Can My Golden Dragging Its Butt Simply Signify A Dirty Behind?

Yes, your Golden dragging its butt can also signify a dirty behind. Dogs don’t need baths as often as we do, and most times, they will clean this area on their own. For this reason, it can be easy for some of us to forget to bathe a Golden Retriever regularly.

If this is the case, a simple bath with a gentle shampoo can be exactly what is needed to fix the problem. Still, in some instances, there is always the case that your Golden simply has an itchy butt, and it’s no cause for alarm.

Are There Any Serious Health Issues That Cause A Golden To Drag Its Butt?

Yes, some serious health issues cause a Golden to drag their butt; they are less common but need medical attention. Such issues include rectal prolapse and tumors.

Rectal prolapse is rare, but it can mimic the appearance of a swollen or inflamed anal gland. This is another reason why it’s best to take your Golden to the veterinarian if either is suspected.

If your Golden has tumors, there will be other symptoms, lack of appetite, weight loss, excess sleep, and other symptoms. Butt dragging, accompanied by other physical symptoms, is a sign they should see the veterinarian.

Closing Points

Goldens dragging their butts is something that happens to every dog and parent at one time or another. Its cause can be various, and most are treatable.

Some issues can be a sign of a serious problem, and most need to be addressed with their veterinarian. While it can be surprising to see and difficult to deal with when it happens, be proactive and know that, most often, it’s treatable.