Expert: Christine Puetz - 3/10/2009

Question
I have a few questions about my bulldog. He is 11 months old, and I have recently noticed that he scoots around on the floor on his bottom and barks, I say there is a problem but my b/f says that he just has an itch. Also, what is the easiest way to cut our dogs nails. when we try, he fights and trys to bite and won't let us near him. One last question. we have noticed that under our dogs fur there are some white things I thought it was dry skin, and i tried to get it off of him, and it was a crusty white ball, and when i pulled it off it took his hair off and now he has a little bald spot, do you know what this could be?

Answer
Misty,

Scooting is usually a sign that his anal glands need expressed.  You most likely want to see a vet for this.

You could have your vet trim his nails too.  They could show you the right way and make sure you have good nail clippers.  The most important thing is not to trim too much off.  That hurts and that might be why he has learned to fight you when you want to trim his nails.

Again, your vet should look at your dog's skin problem.  If needed, he will do a skin scrape to make sure it is not something serious.  It doesn't sound like it is, but you should have him checked out just to make sure.

Christine Puetz