If you've ever noticed your dog dragging their bottom (often called scooting or tobogganing) along the floor, you might be wondering what's going on. While it might look funny, scooting is a sign of irritation that may be linked to anal glands. Anal glands aren’t the most glamorous topic, but they play an important role in your dog’s health, and it’s important to be educated about them and what problems they can cause. What are anal glands? Anal glands, though not often discussed, are essential to your dog’s health. These two tiny sacs, located on either side of the anus, produce a strong-smelling fluid that dogs use for communication. Think of it as their version of leaving a voicemail for other dogs – except it’s more like a personal message about who they are and where they’ve been. When dogs leave these scent marks, they’re sharing information about their identity, sexual status and even their territory. ...

If you've ever caught your dog snacking on their own poo – yep, we said it – you’re not alone. As gross as it seems to us, it’s a surprisingly common behaviour in dogs. But why on earth do they do it? Let’s dig into the reasons behind this unappetising habit, from instinct and diet to boredom and health concerns, and explore ways to address it. Why do dogs do it? First things first: your dog isn’t just being weird (well, maybe a little). Poo-eating – otherwise known as coprophagia – is normal, especially in puppies and nursing mums who instinctively clean up their den. Most pups grow out of it, but some dogs keep the habit. A study by researchers from the University of California-Davis, found that one in four dogs (24%) has dabbled in poo-eating at some point. So, if you thought your dog was the only one, rest assured they’re in questionable ...