Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 11/12/2005

Question
I noticed my 6 yr old lab has been dragging his bottom on the
grass the past couple weeks.  Could he have worms?  He hasn't lost
any weight,  and has a normal appetite.  I checked his stool and
didn't see anything unusual.

Answer
If he is rubbing his bottom, it could be an allergic dermatitis or it could be his anal glands having a problem.  If there are worms, they may be tapeworms, which come from fleas and they crawl on the rectal area.  Other worms are not visible and require a microscopic examination of the dog's stool to be sure.  Have your vet check the dog to see what is causing all of the itchiness.