- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
From getting the zoomies to digging a hole in the garden, our dogs might do things that confuse us. But when you see your dog dragging their butt along the floor, you might be wondering what on earth they’re doing. “When a dog starts scooting, it’s a sign that something’s bothering their rear end,” explained Dr. Sabrina Kong, a veterinarian at We Love Doodles.
The most common reasons dogs scoot their butts are blocked anal glands, infections, allergies, or parasites. More rarely, it can also be caused by health conditions like neoplasia, a type of tumor.
Thankfully, many underlying causes of scooting are highly treatable. If your dog scoots due to itching, you may even be able to treat it on your own with home remedies. Let’s get to the bottom of butt scooting with some common causes and treatments.
5 Reasons Dogs Drag Their Butts
While many cases of scooting are due to anal gland issues, Dr. Kong says it’s not the only cause. “In some populations, only about half of scooting cases are directly related to anal gland problems,” she says. Let’s take a look at those other causes below.
Anal gland issues
More often than not, butt scooting is caused by anal gland issues. Dogs have two small sacs, or anal glands, one on either side of their butt. These contain a strong-smelling liquid, a little of which is released each time they poop. It’s thought that this liquid is a way for dogs to leave their scent behind when they do their business.
Sometimes, a dog’s anal glands can become inflamed or irritated, which may trap the liquid inside or solidify it. Both scenarios cause discomfort for your dog, which they may attempt to relieve by dragging.
Is this issue more common in some breeds? Yes! Dr. Kong says smaller dog breeds, like Toy Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Lhasa Apsos, tend to be more prone to anal gland issues.
If your dog is prone to anal gland blockages, you might start to notice some other signs alongside scooting. Look out for:
- Chewing or nibbling the area around the tail, thighs, or butt
- A strong fishy odor
General skin irritation
If your dog is groomed regularly, they may occasionally suffer from clipper burns around their butt. These can cause irritation, and you might see your dog scoot their butt occasionally.
Sometimes, dogs can suffer irritation from grooming products like overly-scented shampoo or perfumed sprays.
Allergies
Food allergies can change the consistency of your dog’s poop, which in turn can cause their anal glands not to empty properly. Usually, the glands express naturally when your dog does a firm poop. But if their poop is consistently soft, there won’t be enough pressure for the glands to empty fully.
Environmental allergies to things like pollen or dust can cause general skin irritation, making your dog itchy. Their reaction might include butt scooting as a way to relieve this irritation.
Parasites
Tapeworms can cause butt scooting. Dogs can catch these intestinal parasites if they ingest fleas, which can sometimes carry tapeworm larvae. These larvae mature in your dog’s digestive system, and the adult worms can cause irritation and itching around your dog’s butt.
One telltale sign of tapeworms is small white worm segments in your dog’s poop, although these can sometimes be hard to spot.
Neoplasia
Dr. Kong explains that anal neoplasia refers to benign or malignant tumors that can develop in or around the anal area.
These tumors are unusual, and while they can be seen in any breed, they’re more common in Cocker Spaniels. Regular examinations of your dog’s anal glands can help detect any small changes which may improve the long-term prognosis of this disease.
Dr. Kong says other symptoms of anal neoplasia besides butt dragging include the following.
- Visible lumps
- Bleeding
- Unusual discharge
- Discomfort
- Changes in bowel habits
How Do You Treat Butt Dragging Due to Anal Gland Issues?
Concerned about your dog’s butt scotting? Dr. Kong recommends pet parents inspect the area for any visible issues. “If your dog’s butt scooting continues or if there’s any sign of redness, swelling, or discharge, it’s time to see the veterinarian.
Home remedies for blocked anal glands
“Diet plays a significant role in many aspects of a dog’s health, including their anal glands,” Dr. Kong says. Her recommendation? Increase the amount of fiber in your dog’s diet; she says supplements, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can also help reduce inflammation.
While some pet parents might choose to express their dog’s anal glands at home, it’s usually best to leave that task to a veterinarian.
Anal gland expression at the vets
After an examination, your veterinarian may recommend anal gland expression. “This is a procedure where the glands are gently squeezed to release the built-up fluid,” Dr. Kong explains. “It’s a quick process, but it can be a bit uncomfortable for the dog.”
How often will your dog need their anal glands expressed? It depends. Dr. Kong says that while some dogs may never need their glands to be expressed, others might need it done regularly. Talk to your vet to determine the best schedule.
How to Treat Other Causes of Butt Dragging
Since many other issues can cause butt dragging besides anal glands, Dr. Kong says getting a proper diagnosis is essential. Let’s take a look at what some of those treatments might involve.
1. Relieve and reduce post-grooming irritation
Check your dog’s butt for any signs of redness or irritation after a grooming session. A warm compress can help soothe any discomfort.
If your dog’s skin seems irritated all over, check which products your groomer uses and switch to something designed for sensitive skin, like oatmeal or a hypoallergenic formula.
2. Manage allergies in dogs
If allergies are the cause of your dog’s anal gland blockages, speak to your veterinarian about whether these allergies are environment or food-related. In both these cases, allergy testing can help identify any triggers.
Switching to a different food or adding fiber, like canned pumpkin, can help with food-related allergies. Gentle shampoos, supplements, or medication can soothe skin allergies. In both cases, always seek your veterinarian’s advice before making any changes.
3. Start a dewormer
Your veterinarian will be able to test for parasites, including tapeworms, and prescribe the right dewormer. Make sure to keep up with a regular schedule to prevent re-infestation.
4. Undergo neoplasia treatment
Surgery is the most common treatment offered for neoplasia, and your veterinarian will discuss this in detail with you. Sometimes, these tumors can cause kidney failure, which may mean your dog needs additional care pre- and post-surgery. For cancerous tumors, radiation or chemotherapy may also be offered.
How To Soothe a Dog’s Irritated Anus
If your dog scoots due to an irritated anus, the following home remedies could offer itch relief and potentially stop the behavior in its tracks.
Fatty acid supplementation
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in flax or fish oil, may reduce inflammation and itchiness in the skin, says Jennifer Sperry, a veterinarian with Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance. You can give your dog a dose of Omega-3 fatty acids by adding fish oil-based foods to their food (like cod liver oil) or by giving them an Omega-3 supplement.
Always consult with your veterinarian before adding a supplement to your dog’s diet, advises Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets.
Soothing baths
Dr. Savageau says an oatmeal bath is one of the best ways to relieve your pup’s anal itching. Here are the easy steps pet parents can do at home when giving their dog a bath:
- Grinding oatmeal into a fine powder
- Add a generous amount to your dog’s bathwater
- Let your dog enjoy a good soak for 10 to 15 minutes
- Get them out of the tub
- Dry them off with a blow dryer or dog towel
Additionally, if you want to go a step further and test your grooming skills, Dr. Sperry suggests clipping hair from around the anal area to help keep it clean and dry.
Zinc oxide cream
Dr. Sperry says a zinc oxide diaper rash cream could potentially soothe irritated skin. You can apply a small amount of a pet-safe cream to the external anal area as needed. However, she adds that zinc oxide can cause issues if your dog ingests a large amount. So, if need be, pet parents should put an E-collar (or alternative) on their pup to prevent licking.
Apple cider vinegar rinses
“Diluted apple cider vinegar can help alleviate itching and soothe irritated skin,” says Dr. Savageau. Just mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar with water, then apply the solution to your dog’s itchy areas with a spray bottle or clean cloth.
Chamomile compresses
Chamomile is a natural anti-inflammatory calming agent that’s safe for dogs. Dr. Sperry suggests soaking a cloth in brewed chamomile tea to take advantage of its anti-itch effects. Apply the cloth to the area three times daily for about 10 minutes per session.
Aloe vera gel
Like humans, Dr. Savageau says pure aloe vera gel can provide itch relief for your dog’s skin and reduce inflammation. Apply it to the anal area as needed for itching.
Use an aloe product specifically formulated for pets. Avoid any products with alcohol on the label, as Dr. Savageau says it may cause further irritation. Lastly, ensure you are only using the gel part of aloe vera; other parts of the plant are toxic to dogs.
Coconut oil
Lastly, coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which Dr. Savageau says may soothe a dog’s itchy rear end.
You can apply a small amount to the affected area as needed. However, she advises pet parents to be cautious and consult their vet first, especially if their dog has allergies or sensitive skin.
Takeaway
“Scooting” doesn’t mean your dog wants to imitate a Vespa. Instead, it typically signals that something is bothering your dog’s bottom, like itching, allergies, or parasites. It’s best to consult with your vet if scooting is a new behavior so they can guide you toward the best treatment to alleviate the underlying issue.