Dog Scooting: Why Dogs Drag Their Bottoms

If you’ve seen your dog dragging their bottom along the floor, they’re likely scooting. It may look amusing, but it’s usually a sign of itching or discomfort around the rear. Scooting can happen for simple reasons like dirt or fur getting stuck, or it may point to full anal glands, worms, allergies, or skin irritation.

Because the cause isn't always evident, knowing what to look for and how to help is crucial. This article will explain why dogs scoot, what it signifies, and how to keep your dog happy and healthy.

The Most Common Cause: Full or Impacted Anal Glands

Dogs often scoot due to swollen anal glands. These tiny glands inside your dog's bottom empty when he poops. Too soft faeces or improper gland drainage might irritate and cause scooting.

You may also smell fish, see licking, or see tail enlargement. These are gland-expression indicators. Some dogs, especially smaller breeds or those with delicate digestion, are more susceptible.

If your dog keeps scooting or seems uncomfortable, take it to a vet or groomer. Expressing glands and checking for infection is safe. Avoid doing it yourself without proper instruction.

Other Reasons Dogs Scoot

Dogs may scoot owing to inflammation, itching, or other pain besides full anal glands. Understanding these typical causes helps you solve the problem quickly and keep your dog comfortable.

Worms or Parasites

Tapeworms and other parasites can cause itching around the bottom, leading to regular scooting.

Allergies or Skin Sensitivity

Reactions to food, grass, dust, or cleaning products can irritate the skin under the tail.

Matted or Stuck Poop

Especially in long-haired dogs, dried poop can cling to the fur and cause discomfort.

Bacterial or Yeast Infection

Infections can create redness, swelling, or a bad smell around the area.

If your dog is scooting often, checking for these causes can help you figure out the problem sooner. Addressing irritation early prevents the skin from becoming sore or infected.

How to Help Your Dog at Home

Simple home remedies can reduce scooting and keep your dog comfortable. Gentle, safe ways promote intestinal health and hygiene.

Trim the Fur Around the Bottom

Dirt and irritation can accumulate in long or thick fur. A simple trim or grooming can keep things clean and prevent discomfort.

Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Wipes After Toileting

Wipe gently after your dog uses the toilet to avoid residue from drying and irritating. Pet wipes are gentle on sensitive skin, so always use them.

Add Fibre to Their Diet

Fibre firms stools, allowing anal glands to empty normally. Add fibre with high-fibre dog food, digestive treats, or supplements.

Watch Their Poop Consistency

Very soft or runny stools are often linked to scooting issues. If you notice this happening often, it may be worth adjusting their diet or discussing it with your vet.

These simple techniques might improve your dog's comfort. If your dog frequently scoots or seems in pain, a vet visit is still the safest and fastest way to diagnose the issue.

Product Highlight – Natural Animal Solutions Anal Gland Support

What it is: A specialised supplement for dogs and cats to support healthy anal-gland expression, digestive balance, and gut health, especially while scooting or experiencing anal discomfort. 

Key features:

• Contains psyllium husk & inulin (natural fibre) to help firm stools and thus assist natural gland expression. 
• Includes goat’s milk & postbiotics to support gut health and digestion. 
• Uses turmeric & quercetin for extra support in wellness and comfort. 
• Easy to administer — mix into your dog’s meal or moisten slightly to form a paste. 

Why it’s helpful:

Anal gland pressure or poor stool consistency can promote scooting in dogs. Improving stool firmness and gut health directly supports gland function. Together with clipping fur and washing after toileting, this supplement offers a proactive strategy for home hygiene.

How to use:

How to Prevent Scooting in the Future

Once you’ve addressed the cause of the scooting, a few small habits can help prevent it from returning:

Keep Your Dog’s Bottom Clean

Regular wiping after toileting helps reduce irritation and prevents residue from drying on the fur.

Maintain a Consistent, High-Quality Diet

A balanced diet with adequate fibre supports healthy digestion and natural anal gland expression. Sudden diet changes can lead to soft stools, so always transition foods gradually.

Schedule Regular Grooming

Trimming the fur around your dog’s bottom makes hygiene easier and reduces the chance of poop getting stuck in the coat.

Encourage Regular Exercise

Movement supports digestion and bowel motions, which help the anal glands empty as they should.

Monitor Scooting as a Habit

If scooting becomes frequent, note when it happens — after meals, after walks, after grooming — and share these patterns with your vet. It helps identify the underlying cause more quickly.

Taking a preventative approach keeps your dog more comfortable in the long run and reduces stress for both of you.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable and Healthy

Scooting may seem funny, but it's your dog's way of warning you that something's wrong. Early treatment of full anal glands, allergies, worms, or irritation can prevent discomfort and larger health complications. You can keep your dog happy and at peace with regular hygiene, a balanced diet, and constant attention to behaviour changes.

For extra support, especially if your dog is prone to soft stools or repeated anal gland issues, you may want to consider a gentle daily supplementTry Natural Animal Solutions Anal Gland Support for Dogs & Cats, designed to help promote healthier stool consistency and natural gland function:

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Your dog will thank you with tail wags, comfort, and confidence — every day. 🐾💛