Symptom · Dogs
Dog scooting: what it means and when to call the vet
A dog dragging their bottom along the floor usually has itchy or full anal glands. It isn’t urgent, but scooting that continues, a swelling beside the anus, blood or a bad smell needs a vet.
By Maya HartCommon causes
- Full or impacted anal glands
- Anal gland infection or abscess
- Skin allergies causing an itchy bottom
- Worms, especially tapeworms
- Faeces matted in the fur
- Rarely, tumours of the anal glands
What you can do at home
- Check the area for matted fur or faeces and clean gently
- Make sure worming is up to date
- Add fibre if stools are often soft, after checking with your vet
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight
What the vet may do
- Examine and express the anal glands
- Treat infection or abscesses with flushing and antibiotics
- Look for and manage underlying allergies
- Consider surgery for dogs with repeated problems
Prevention
- Firm stools help glands empty naturally
- Regular worming
- Allergy management
The details
The anal glands are two small sacs on either side of the anus that normally empty a strong-smelling fluid when a dog passes stools. If stools are soft, or the ducts are narrow, they can fill and become itchy — hence the scooting. Small breeds and overweight dogs are more often affected.
Regularly expressing glands that aren’t causing problems isn’t recommended, as it can inflame them. Let your vet decide how often, if ever, it’s needed.
Questions owners ask
Is dog scooting an emergency?
Often it can be watched at home for a day, as long as none of the warning signs appear. Go now if you see: a hot, painful swelling beside the anus; a burst abscess with pus or blood; straining without passing stools.
What causes dog scooting?
Full or impacted anal glands; Anal gland infection or abscess; Skin allergies causing an itchy bottom; Worms, especially tapeworms; Faeces matted in the fur; Rarely, tumours of the anal glands.
What can I do at home?
Check the area for matted fur or faeces and clean gently. Make sure worming is up to date. Add fibre if stools are often soft, after checking with your vet. Keep your dog at a healthy weight.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts