Why Is My Dog Scooting? Understanding Anal Gland Problems and Other Causes

Seeing a dog drag its bottom across the floor can be amusing at first, but repeated scooting is usually a sign of irritation or discomfort. Although anal gland problems are a common cause, they are not the only possibility.

Allergies, parasites, skin infections, digestive problems and irritation around the rectum can produce similar behaviour. For this reason, repeatedly scooting pets should be examined rather than treated automatically with anal gland expression.

At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we encourage owners to watch for accompanying symptoms that may help identify the source of the problem.

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What Does Scooting Mean?

Scooting occurs when a dog sits down, lifts its back legs slightly and pulls its bottom across the ground using its front legs.

A single brief episode does not necessarily indicate a serious condition. A dog may occasionally scoot because a piece of stool, grass or debris is caught in the surrounding fur.

However, repeated scooting suggests that the area is itchy, painful or irritated.

Other signs may include:

• Licking or biting beneath the tail

• Suddenly turning to look at the hind end

• A strong or fishy odour

• Difficulty sitting comfortably

• Redness or swelling beside the anus

• Pain while passing stool

• Blood or discharge around the rectum

• Reluctance to have the tail lifted

• Changes in stool consistency

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What Are Anal Glands?

Dogs have two small anal sacs located beneath the skin on either side of the anus. These sacs contain a strong-smelling fluid that is normally released in small amounts during bowel movements.

The fluid contributes to scent communication between dogs. Owners may occasionally notice the distinctive fishy smell when a dog becomes frightened, excited or startled.

In some dogs, the sacs do not empty normally. The material inside may become thickened, and the sacs can become full, inflamed or infected.

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Anal Gland Impaction

Anal gland impaction occurs when the sacs become overly full and the material cannot exit normally.

Possible signs include:

• Scooting

• Licking under the tail

• A fishy smell

• Discomfort while sitting

• Straining to pass stool

• Sensitivity around the rear end

Small dogs are commonly affected, but anal gland problems can occur in dogs of any size.

Soft stool or diarrhea may contribute because it may not place enough pressure on the sacs during defecation. Obesity, anatomical differences and underlying skin allergies may also play a role in recurrent cases.

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Anal Gland Infection or Abscess

When impacted material remains trapped, bacteria may multiply and cause an infection. An infected sac can become painful and swollen.

If the infection progresses, an abscess may form. The abscess can eventually rupture through the skin beside the anus.

Signs of a possible infection or abscess include:

• Significant pain

• Red or purple swelling beside the anus

• Pus or bloody discharge

• A visible wound near the anus

• Reluctance to sit

• Crying when passing stool

• Reduced appetite

• Low energy

• Fever

• Sudden aggression when the hind end is touched

An anal gland abscess requires veterinary treatment. Treatment may include emptying and flushing the affected sac, pain relief, antibiotics when indicated and treatment of the open wound.

Do not attempt to squeeze a swollen or painful area at home. Excessive pressure can cause significant discomfort and may worsen tissue damage.

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Allergies Can Cause Scooting

Dogs with environmental or food-related allergies may develop irritation around the anus in addition to itching elsewhere on the body.

Clues that allergies may be involved include:

• Paw licking

• Recurrent ear infections

• Red or itchy skin

• Rubbing the face

• Seasonal itching

• Recurrent skin infections

• Irritation around the groin or anus

Allergic inflammation may also contribute to recurrent anal gland problems. Simply expressing the glands may provide temporary relief without addressing the underlying skin disease.

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Intestinal Parasites

Certain intestinal parasites can cause irritation around the rectum. Tapeworm segments are sometimes seen near the anus or on bedding and may resemble small grains of rice.

Other possible signs of intestinal parasites include:

• Diarrhea

• Weight loss

• A dull coat

• Vomiting

• Visible worms or segments in the stool

• Abdominal discomfort

Scooting alone cannot confirm that a pet has worms. A stool test may be recommended, and parasite treatment should be selected according to the organism involved.

Over-the-counter deworming products do not treat every type of parasite.

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Skin and Coat Irritation

Dogs with long hair around the hind end may develop irritation when stool, moisture or debris becomes trapped in the coat.

Matted fur can pull on the skin and create a moist environment that encourages inflammation or infection.

Check for:

• Stool caught in the fur

• Matted hair

• Moist or red skin

• Small wounds

• Fleas

• Swelling

• Unusual discharge

Do not use scissors near the anus when the dog is moving or uncomfortable. Skin in this region is delicate and can be cut easily. A veterinary team or experienced groomer can clip and clean the area safely.

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Digestive Problems and Stool Quality

Normal, well-formed stool may help apply pressure to the anal sacs as it passes. Dogs with persistent soft stool or diarrhea may experience incomplete emptying.

Possible causes of abnormal stool include:

• Sudden dietary changes

• Eating garbage or table food

• Food intolerance

• Parasites

• Inflammatory intestinal disease

• Infection

• Medication side effects

• Pancreatic or other digestive disorders

If your dog repeatedly develops anal gland problems, tell your veterinarian about any changes in stool frequency, shape, colour or consistency.

Adding fibre is not appropriate for every dog. The correct diet depends on the cause of the digestive problem and the pet’s overall health.

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Could Scooting Be Caused by a Mass?

Less commonly, a lump or tumour may develop in or around an anal sac. These masses can interfere with normal drainage or cause swelling, discomfort, straining and scooting.

Possible warning signs include:

• A firm swelling beside the anus

• One side appearing larger than the other

• Difficulty passing stool

• Blood near the anus

• Persistent pain

• Increased thirst and urination

• Weight loss

• Reduced appetite

If a veterinarian detects an anal sac mass, a fine-needle sample may be recommended to collect cells for microscopic evaluation.

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Should Anal Glands Be Expressed Routinely?

Not every dog needs routine anal gland expression. Healthy anal sacs normally empty on their own.

Unnecessary or overly frequent expression may irritate the tissues. However, some dogs with recurrent impaction do require periodic veterinary or grooming support.

The appropriate schedule depends on:

• How often the problem occurs

• Whether infection is present

• The thickness of the material

• The dog’s anatomy

• Stool quality

• Allergies

• Weight and mobility

• Previous abscesses

A dog that suddenly begins scooting should be assessed before starting routine expressions, particularly if the behaviour is accompanied by pain, swelling or discharge.

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Why Home Expression Is Not Always Recommended

Online videos can make anal gland expression appear simple, but owners may not be able to determine whether the sacs are impacted, infected or abscessed.

Home expression may be inappropriate when:

• The area is swollen

• The dog is painful

• Blood or pus is present

• A lump is felt

• The dog may bite

• Previous expression did not help

• The problem repeatedly returns

There are also different expression techniques, and incomplete emptying may leave abnormal material behind.

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When Should Your Dog See a Veterinarian?

Arrange a veterinary examination if:

• Scooting occurs repeatedly

• Your dog is licking or chewing under the tail

• A fishy smell keeps returning

• The area appears red or swollen

• Your dog is uncomfortable while sitting

• Scooting continues after the glands were expressed

• Stool is consistently soft

• Skin or ear problems are also present

• You notice blood, pus or an open wound

• The problem is recurring frequently

Seek prompt care when your dog has severe pain, significant swelling, bleeding, weakness, fever, reduced appetite or difficulty passing stool.

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What Happens During the Examination?

The veterinarian may examine:

• The skin and coat beneath the tail

• The anal sacs

• The rectum

• Stool consistency

• Signs of parasites

• Evidence of allergies or skin disease

• Any swelling or mass

Depending on the findings, treatment may involve:

• Anal gland expression

• Flushing the sacs

• Pain medication

• Treatment for infection

• Parasite testing and treatment

• Dietary management

• Allergy investigation

• Treatment of diarrhea

• Sampling a lump or abnormal tissue

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Do Not Ignore Persistent Scooting

Scooting is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Although full anal glands are common, repeated bottom-dragging may indicate infection, allergies, parasites, digestive disease or another painful condition.

Contact Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic if your dog is repeatedly scooting, licking beneath the tail or showing discomfort around the hind end. Identifying the cause can provide relief and help prevent a minor irritation from progressing into a painful abscess or recurrent problem.