If your dog has been dragging its rear end across the floor—a behaviour known as "scooting"—you’re probably wondering what’s causing it and how to help. Scooting is not just a quirky habit; it’s often a sign of discomfort or a potential health issue. Here’s what you need to know about why dogs drag their butts and how to address it.
Common Causes of Scooting in Dogs
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Anal Gland Issues: dogs have two small anal glands that can become impacted, inflamed, or infected. When these glands aren’t expressing naturally, your dog may scoot to relieve pressure or discomfort
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Worms: intestinal parasites, particularly tapeworms, can cause itching and irritation around your dog’s rear end
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Allergies: food or environmental allergies can lead to skin irritation, causing your dog to scoot.
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Fecal Residue: sometimes, scooting is as simple as your dog trying to clean its rear after a particularly messy bathroom trip
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Skin Irritation or Infection: cuts, scrapes, or infections around the anus can make your dog uncomfortable, prompting them to drag their bottom to find relief
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Full or Overgrown Hair: long-haired breeds may have hair matting or debris stuck near their rear, leading to scooting.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Scooting
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Check Their Rear: look for visible issues like swelling, redness, or fecal residue. If you see anything unusual, consult your vet
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Visit the Veterinarian: your vet can check for anal gland problems, worms, or other underlying health issues causing the scooting
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Keep Anal Glands Healthy: some dogs need regular anal gland expressions, either by a groomer or veterinarian. Ask your vet if this applies to your dog
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Treat Parasites: use preventative parasite prevention such as Nexgard Spectra, Bravecto or Simparica Trio can help avoid future issues
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Feed a High-Fiber Diet: fiber can promote healthy digestion and help anal glands express naturally. Feed a super premium food such as Hill’s Science Diet or Advance
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Practice Good Hygiene: keep your dog’s rear clean, especially after bathroom breaks. The Tropiclean Deep Cleaning Wipes may help to wipe away any dirt or odour. Trim the hair around their bottom if necessary to prevent matting.
How to Prevent Scooting
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Regular Vet Checkups: Stay on top of routine wellness visits to catch potential problems early
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Maintain a Healthy Diet: Ensure your dog gets proper nutrition to support digestive and gland health
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Use Parasite Preventatives: Keep your dog on a year-round parasite prevention plan
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Grooming: Schedule regular grooming sessions, especially for long-haired breeds
When to See the Vet
Scooting occasionally may not be a cause for alarm, but persistent or frequent scooting should always be checked by a veterinarian. Signs like swelling, bleeding, excessive licking, or foul odours around the rear end indicate a more serious issue that requires immediate attention.
While scooting may seem amusing at first, it’s often a sign that something’s wrong. With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular vet visits, you can keep your pup happy, healthy, and scoot-free!
