Ah, yes, the dog dragging their rear end across the floor. You’ve probably seen it before on TV or maybe caught your own dog doing it here and there. This is known as “scooting.” It may seem like a hilarious thing they do or something you don’t want them to do on the carpet. Either way, you may be wondering why they do this.
A dog scooting their butt on the floor could mean something. What you might not notice is that it could be an issue that is bothering their anal area. As a result, this scooting could be their way of seeking relief. It may also be a sign that they may be experiencing discomfort. Let’s discuss and understand the reasons behind this behavior and know when veterinary intervention is appropriate.
What Exactly Is Dog Scooting?
Dog scooting is when a dog sits down and drags their bottom across the ground. This can be on a carpet, grass, or other surfaces. A dog will take their front legs and pull themselves forward while their rear end stays close to the ground. It looks like they’re trying to rub or scratch their anal area.
On occasions, dogs can scoot to relieve themselves of slight discomfort. This could be a sign that your dog may be experiencing itching, irritation, and pain in their anal region. However, if it continues to be persistent, it can be a cause for concern.
Common Causes of Dog Scooting
Knowing the cause of dog scooting is vital. It may range from minor inconveniences dogs deal with regularly to something more serious. As such, it may be important to identify the issue beyond their “scooting.” Here’s a look at the common causes:
Anal Gland Problems
One of the most frequent issues causing a dog to scoot their butt on the floor is their anal glands. Specifically, they are two sacs located on either side of the anus. It’s responsible for producing a substance that is oily and smelly. Typically, these glands will empty naturally when a dog poops.
However, there can be instances where such glands can be inflamed, impacted, or infected. If they do not empty properly, it can be uncomfortable or painful for dogs. As a result, they’ll scoot in an attempt to alleviate that pressure. You’ll need to look out for other symptoms that exist, including visible discomfort while they sit, swelling around the anus, and a fishy odor.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites and worms tend to cause significant irritation in the anal region. For example, tapeworms can intensify the itching as the segments are passed in the stool. They stick to the fur around the anus, leading to discomfort and itching, which eventually results in scooting. Other parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms do irritate as well, but they may not trigger scooting behavior.
Allergies and Skin Irritation
Dogs can suffer from allergies that may begin as skin problems. These can include environmental allergies, food allergies, or contact dermatitis that causes itching or irritation. Dogs can resort to scooting to scratch the itch if the skin develops a rash or becomes inflamed. One thing to note is that similar symptoms may also be linked to bacterial or fungal infections. If you are unsure of what the real cause might be, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Fecal Contamination
If your dog appears to have loose stools or diarrhea, there's a good chance that fecal matter may stick to the fur around the anal area. As a result, it can trigger discomfort and irritation. This is an issue that is common in long-haired dogs since their fur can trap such material more easily. Poor grooming or a bathing schedule that is not consistent can exacerbate the problem. As such, ensure regular hygiene maintenance is performed to prevent scooting, especially if you have a long-haired dog.
At What Point Does Scooting Become a Concern?
Occasional scooting is nothing to be alarmed about. However, if it’s more than occasional, that’s when you need to figure out what’s going on and take the necessary actions. There are certain situations where dogs scooting their butt on the floor can be a sign of something major. When to schedule a vet visit is important as well. Here are the signs where sooner is better than never:
- Frequent Scooting: If your dog scoots daily or multiple times a day, it’s a clear sign of an ongoing problem. It would be better to be safe than sorry to make plans for a vet visit as soon as possible. At the same time, you’ll want to look out for secondary signs, such as visible swelling or redness, which may indicate impacted or infected anal glands. This is particularly accompanied by a strong fishy smell.
- Signs of Pain: Look (and listen) for difficulty sitting, whimpering, or reluctance to have their rear end touched. These are clear signs of pain and discomfort and should never be ignored.
- Blood or Discharge: If you notice this around the anal area, notify your veterinarian immediately, as this can be a sign of a serious issue.
- Changes in Bowel Movements: This includes constipation, diarrhea, or visible worms in the stool. A professional assessment will likely be recommended to pinpoint the issue, especially if it’s parasites affecting your dog.
Home Care and Prevention
Even though veterinary intervention is always recommended, providing comfort and preventing scooting for the time being may be possible between now and when it’s time to visit a vet (for less than serious situations). Here are some of the following home care and prevention tips to consider:
- Maintain Good Hygiene: It is important to keep your dog’s anal area clean, especially after they have finished defecating. If you have a long-haired breed, consider trimming the hair around the anal area to ensure no fecal matter sticks. Of course, regular grooming and bathing are also recommended to prevent skin irritation and bacterial buildup, which could lead to much worse problems.
- Make Sure Your Dog Gets Adequate Fiber: Of course, their diet is just as important as anything else. Adequate fiber means well-formed stools that can express the anal glands naturally. Under the Weather has plenty of different bland diet dog foods that will make sure your dog gets excellent amounts of fiber and much more.
- Stay on Top with Parasite Prevention: If you want to prevent parasites from infecting your dog, preventative measures are key. This includes using preventatives for ticks and fleas. You may also perform regular fecal observations to see if parasites are present before they become an even bigger problem.
Professional Treatment Options
There may be situations where home care isn’t sufficient. For this reason, professional treatments are going to be the better option. As such, you may need to request veterinarian intervention, especially for such treatment options as:
- Anal Gland Expression: A veterinarian can manually empty the impacted anal glands. While pet parents can do this at home, the risk of injury and infection exists. If you want to play it safe, it’s best to let the professionals handle it.
- Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is to blame, this is where antibiotics are necessary. This can include oral antibiotics or topical treatments but may depend on the severity and location of the infection.
- Anti-Parasitic Medications: These are designed to eliminate intestinal worms and other parasites that cause anal irritation. Keep in mind that different parasites each have different treatments. However, proper diagnosis through fecal examination is necessary to be able to identify the actual parasite affecting your dog.
- Allergy Management: If your dog is dealing with skin irritation due to allergic reactions, it may be wise to consider making the necessary changes and modifications. This includes changes to your dog’s diet, environment, or any medications they may already be taking for their allergies.
Keep in mind that a professional diagnosis may be done to determine the actual problem with your dog’s anal area. An accurate diagnosis always results in a treatment plan that is effective and ensures better outcomes.
Take the Best Care of Your Dog with Under the Weather
At Under the Weather, we do our best to make sure pet parents like yourself take the best care of your dog. We hope this guide on why your dog is scooting has been helpful. If you’re in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian so you can determine the next actions to take. More importantly, make sure your dog is eating well and can live the most comfortable life possible. If you are wondering what Under the Weather has available for your dog, feel free to check out what’s in stock now.
