Dog Scooting: Why Dogs Drag Their Butts and What to Do About It

Have you ever wondered why your dog is dragging their butt (often at the most embarrassing of times) or why your dog’s butt gives off a fishy odor?  

While it may look silly, scooting is almost always a sign of discomfort. The most common cause is irritation due to full anal glands, but scooting can also happen because of infection, allergies, tapeworms, or even tumors. 

Understanding why scooting happens and what you should do next can help your dog feel comfortable faster and prevent more serious problems down the road. 

Why Is My Dog Scooting?

The No. 1 cause of dog scooting is full anal glands. Dogs have two anal glands (also called anal sacs) located just inside the rectum. Anal glands release a fluid with a strong odor that dogs use for marking things with their scent. They can often become full to the point of being uncomfortable.  

This is more common for smaller breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Miniature Poodles, and Shih Tzus, because small breed dogs have narrower anal gland ducts, which increases their risk for impaction. That said, all dog breeds can be affected.

Other Possible Causes of Scooting

While scooting is often due to full anal glands, it could be a sign of other issues: 

• Anal gland abscess (infection that causes swelling near the anus) 

• Perianal fistula (openings form in the skin around the anus) 

• Anal gland mass 

• Parasites such as tapeworms 

• Generalized allergies 

• Skin infections or irritations

If your dog is scooting frequently, shows signs of pain, or has swelling or discharge near their rear end, schedule a veterinary exam right away.

Other Signs of Anal Gland Issues

Scooting is usually just one part of the picture. Dogs with anal gland problems may also show signs that are more subtle. 

Behavioral Signs 

• Reluctance to sit 

• Whimpering or crying during bowel movements 

• Straining to defecate 

• Frequent licking, chewing, or biting at the rear end 

Physical Signs 

• Swelling or redness around the anus 

• Hair matting near the rear 

• Strong, foul odor 

• Oily or brownish discharge on bedding or floors 

• Hot spots near their back end 

Signs of More Serious Problems 

• Bloody discharge or pus (possible abscess) 

• Small holes near the anus (perianal fistula) 

• Increased drinking or urination (possible anal gland tumor) 

Soft stool or diarrhea may worsen anal gland problems because firm stool normally provides pressure needed to empty the glands. If your dog has been having loose stools, their glands should be checked. 

What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Scooting?

If your dog is scooting, the safest approach is to schedule a veterinary visit. Your veterinarian can determine the cause—whether it’s full anal glands or something more serious—and recommend the best course of treatment. 

Scooting shouldn’t be ignored. Left untreated, minor anal gland irritation can progress into infection or significant discomfort.

What's the Best Treatment for Dog Scooting?

Treatment depends on what’s causing the scooting. Your veterinarian will recommend the appropriate therapy based on exam findings. 

Full Anal Glands 

A member of the veterinary team, such as a vet tech, can do a simple procedure to express your dog’s anal glands, and this is often an out-patient procedure. 

Anal Gland Abscesses or Impaction 

Anal gland impaction or abscesses may require additional medical therapy, including the following:  

• Antibiotics, such as clindamycin  

• Anti-inflammatories, such as Previcox 

• Warm compresses to relieve discomfort, like the Pet Fit For Life Cooling & Heating Pad 

• Topical medications, such as Animax ointment 

• Surgery 

For dogs that require frequent expression or have had multiple abscesses, consult with your veterinarian or veterinary surgeon to discuss having their anal glands removed in a procedure called an anal sacculectomy. 

Perianal Fistula 

Dogs diagnosed with perianal fistula often benefit from the use of immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclosporine, azathioprine, tacrolimus, or even steroids like prednisone.  

They may also need antibiotics, a stool softener like NaturVet Stool Ease Soft Chews, or a veterinary diet like Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food. 

Anal Gland Tumor 

For dogs suffering from an anal gland tumor, surgical removal is often the first choice of therapy, followed by chemotherapy or radiation.  

Treatments aimed at softening the stool and alleviating discomfort are also utilized. Dogs with anal gland tumors may also suffer from elevated blood-calcium levels, which can be treated with fluid therapy or diuretics, such as furosemide if needed. 

Tapeworms 

The treatment for tapeworms includes deworming with medication such as praziquantel.

Allergies 

Dog allergies can be managed through a change of food, medications, consistent flea control, or even an allergy injection. 

All of these would require further testing by the veterinarian. 

Is There a Home Remedy for Dog Scooting?

Your vet may suggest fiber supplements such as Glandex, canned pumpkin, or other fiber sources that increase fecal bulk and aid in natural expression of the anal glands.  

You can also discuss changing your dog’s diet to one that’s higher in fiber or even a hypoallergenic diet. 

Should My Dog Be Scooting After Their Anal Glands Are Expressed?

For most cases, a single expression is sufficient to stop the scooting; however, some dogs may require more frequent expressions to fully empty their glands.  

If your dog continues to scoot for more than a day or two after the expression is performed, you should have their glands re-evaluated. This may mean that your dog has a more serious condition. 

Having the glands checked regularly (such as monthly) would be prudent. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure that this is the right treatment for your pet.  

Helping your dog maintain a healthy body weight may help to minimize their chance of having anal gland issues in the future.