From getting the zoomies to digging a hole in the garden, our dogs might do things that leave us a little confused. 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 vet at We Love Doodles.
The most common reason dogs drag their butts is blocked anal glands. Butt scooting can also be caused by infections, allergies, or parasites. More rarely, it can also be caused by health conditions like neoplasia, a type of tumour.
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 odour
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, which may make your dog itchy all over. 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 tumours that can develop in or around the anal area.
These tumours 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 vet.
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 fibre in your dog’s diet; additionally, 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 vet.
Anal Gland Expression at the Vets
After an examination, your vet 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 while some dogs may never need their glands 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 vet about whether these allergies are environment or food-related. In both these cases, allergy testing can help identify any triggers.
For food-related allergies, switching to a different food can help, as can adding fibre like canned pumpkin. Skin allergies can be soothed by gentle shampoos, supplements, or medication. In both cases, always make any changes with your vet’s advice.
3. Start a Dewormer
Your vet 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 vet will discuss this in detail with you. Sometimes, these tumours can cause kidney failure, which may mean your dog needs additional care pre- and post-surgery. For cancerous tumours, radiation or chemotherapy may also be offered.