Dog Scooting: Why it Happens and How to Stop It

It’s a behavior that all pet parents dread: dog scooting. Picture your adorable dog dragging his butt across the carpet and the gross biting and licking that often comes with it. Not a pretty sight to see.

Dog scooting is a sign that your canine companion is experiencing discomfort and it’s often related to anal gland problems, allergies, or irritation. 

“Scooting is when a dog drags their bottom along the floor while in a seated position. This is a dog’s way of saying something isn’t right with their butt,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack of Animal Acupuncture in NYC. “It could be itchy or painful. It could be indicative of something mildly concerning or a sign of a more serious medical issue.”

To get to the bottom (pun intended) of your dog’s scooting, we asked veterinarians why dogs scoot, what causes this behavior, and what pet parents can do to help get their dogs some relief. 

Why Do Dogs Scoot On Their Butt? 

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As previously mentioned, dogs scoot their butts on the floor or carpet if they are experiencing discomfort. 

“Scooting is most commonly caused by anal gland problems, and the action of scooting is typically the dog’s attempt to relieve soreness,” says Dr. Shawna Garner, U.S. lead veterinarian at on-demand video consultation platform, FirstVet.

A dog’s anal glands are located below their tails. They are two small sacs located near the anal opening. These glands release a scent and send signals to other animals. “Each time a dog defecates, a small amount of the scent is emptied from the sac,” explains Garner. “When these glands become irritated, or inflamed, the scent liquid is trapped inside the glands and dogs may try to relieve the pain by scooting.”

If you suspect impacted or irritated anal glands are to blame for your dog’s scooting, look out for other symptoms, too. “Chewing or licking at the bottom, thighs, tail base, or groin are all symptomatic behaviors,” says Garner. “You may also notice a strong fishy odor, usually around the bottom.”

But anal gland problems aren’t the only reason dogs may scoot their butts. According to Barrack, other causes of dog scooting include:

• General irritation (often seen after grooming) 
• Allergies 
• Parasites (especially tapeworms) 
• Neoplasia (an abnormal growth of cells)

What Should You Do If You See Your Dog Scooting?

“If you see your dog scooting, lift up their tail and check for anything that might be causing the irritation. Unless you see an obvious and easily fixed cause (such as a piece of stick or poop stuck to their fur), get them checked out by a vet,” says Dr. Victoria Strong, a veterinarian, lecturer, and content writer. “Don’t leave it too long. Left untreated, blocked anal glands can develop into more serious issues such as infections and anal gland abscesses.”

Pet parents should not try to express or empty their dog’s anal glands at home or by taking a dog to the groomer, says Barrack. “This can cause trauma and more harm,” she says. 

In fact, dogs should not regularly have their anal glands expressed as part of professional grooming services. “Normal dogs do not require frequent manual anal gland expression as they do this on their own when they defecate,” Barrack explains. 

How Your Vet Will Treat Dog Scooting

If your dog’s butt dragging is caused by anal gland problems, your veterinarian will likely empty your dog’s glands after a thorough physical exam, says Garner. 

“In persistent cases, an anti-inflammatory may be prescribed to prevent swelling arising, and anal gland infections will require a course of antibiotics,” she adds. “In the most severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the anal glands. But this is a serious procedure and comes with significant risk, so it is important to discuss these risks with a vet before deciding on the best course of action for your pet.”

If your veterinarian treats your dog’s anal glands, your canine companion may start feeling relief rather quickly and the scooting should stop. “Relief from emptying the anal glands can be almost instantaneous,” says Strong. “In some dogs it might take up to 24 hours for the irritation to settle.” 

Even the healthiest dogs may encounter issues with anal glands from time to time. Should your dog have anal sac issues related to scooting, a policy from a pet health insurance company like Lemonade may be helpful. Depending on the plan you choose, treatment costs for accidents illnesses, and preventative care are covered at 70 to 90 percent.

Home Remedies for Dog Scooting

If your dog is already scooting and showing signs of discomfort, it’s always a good idea to visit your veterinarian for a thorough exam, proper diagnosis, and effective treatment plan. 

However, there are some things that pet parents can do to help prevent scooting and anal gland problems from occurring.

Feed a high quality diet

“Feeding your dog a good quality, well-balanced diet can help prevent scooting by ensuring their stools are firm enough to squeeze and empty the anal glands as they pass through the rectum,” says Strong. “A good diet will also help you prevent obesity, which increases the risk of anal gland problem in dogs.” 

Don’t skip parasite protection

Since parasites such as tapeworms can cause dog scooting, it’s important to keep your dog on a parasite control product, such as Interceptor Plus, that protects against tapeworm infection. Interceptor Plus is a monthly chew for dogs that protects against five major worms, including tapeworm and heartworm disease.

One way a dog can get tapeworms is by ingesting an infected flea while grooming themselves, so flea and tick protection, such as Credelio, is also important.

You can achieve 360-degree protection for your pup by using both a monthly dewormer for dogs and tick and flea medicine.

Consider a fiber supplement 

Adding fiber to your dog’s diet can help prevent some digestive issues and anal gland problems. “Adding fiber to your dog’s diet can help to maintain their digestive health, firm up their stools, and prevent their anal glands from becoming inflamed,” says Garner. “There are commercially available fiber supplements, or you could add dry [unsweetened] bran flakes, oats, or cooked brown rice to their meal.” Plain canned pumpkin for dog scooting is also a good option many dog owners take.