Dog Scooting (Dragging) Butt on Floor: 7+ Reasons & Remedies

‘Dog scooting’ is when a dog drags their bottom against the floor or ground. This is a behavior that many pet parents observe. It is typically caused by full or impacted anal glands, but it can also be due to intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, allergies, loose stool, and other reasons.

In this Sploot Vets guide, we discuss various reasons for dog scooting their butt and the next steps to take for each issue.  

1. Full or Impacted Anal Glands

Anal glands in dogs are two small internal scent glands located on either side of a dog’s anus; these release a strong-smelling fluid for scent marking and identifying other dogs. 

Anal glands normally empty out during bowel movement. However, sometimes, these glands don’t release the fluid naturally, leading to full or impacted anal glands. This is likely to occur alongside the following: 

• Chronic soft stools or diarrhea – stools don’t apply enough pressure to express the glands
• Allergies – inflammation can block normal gland drainage
• Obesity – excess weight reduces muscle tone around the anus
• Small or toy breeds – narrower anal ducts make natural emptying harder
• History of anal gland issues – once impacted, dogs are more prone to recurrence

How Full Anal Glands Lead to Dog Butt Scooting:

When anal glands are full or impacted, they create pressure and irritation around the anus. Scooting helps dogs temporarily relieve discomfort and itching. If the anal gland is infected,

Clues & What to Do Next

Common clues of full or impacted anal glands include frequent scooting, licking of the rear, a strong fishy odor, swelling near the anus, and signs of discomfort when sitting. 

If you notice these symptoms, schedule a veterinary visit for a complete evaluation and safe anal gland expression that restores your dog’s comfort and prevents further infection. Having anal glands expressed when signs are early can prevent complications or worsening of the condition, such as an anal gland abscess. 

Note: It’s always safest to bring your dog to the veterinarian for anal gland expression. Unnecessary or improper expression can irritate the anal glands, cause inflammation, or make dogs dependent on manual emptying. A veterinarian can best determine whether expression is needed and address any underlying causes.

2. Canine Intestinal Parasites

Worms in dogs are fairly common and can come from sources like contaminated soil, feces, infected fleas, and so on. Typically, the intestinal parasites that cause scooting in dogs include tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

Why Do Intestinal Parasites Cause Dog Scooting?

Tapeworms in dogs release small segments called ‘proglottids’. While most proglottids are released into the dog’s stool, some may trigger direct irritation and scooting as they linger near the dog’s anus or wiggle as they exit the body. They are mainly transmitted from the ingestion of the common flea, which is why monthly flea prevention is advised.

Roundworms in dogs can also directly irritate the anus and cause scooting as they are expelled (especially in high-volume infestations). Additionally, roundworms and hookworms can cause intestinal inflammation, leading to anal discomfort and scooting. Most monthly heartworm preventatives for dogs also cover intestinal parasites, which are found ubiquitously in the environment.

Clues & What to Do Next

If you suspect that your dog’s scooting is caused by intestinal worms, here are additional symptoms to look for: 

• Tapeworms → Rice-like segments around the anus, stool, or bedding 
• Roundworms → Visible worms in stool or vomit, diarrhea, and bloating
• Hookworms → Bloody diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, pale gums

If you notice these signs, schedule a vet visit for fecal testing and targeted deworming. Your veterinarian may also recommend preventatives for certain intestinal parasites, which can be included in some flea and tick preventatives for dogs (i.e., Simparica Trio, Revolution).

3. Diarrhea & Constipation

Diarrhea and constipation are common gastrointestinal issues in dogs. Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by diet changes, food intolerance, parasites, infections, stress, or eating something inappropriate. Meanwhile, constipation in dogs may result from dehydration, low-fiber diets, lack of exercise, or ingestion of foreign material.

Why Does Diarrhea Cause Dog Scooting?

Frequent loose stools can irritate the skin around the dog’s anus and/or lead to full or impacted anal glands (soft stools do not exert enough pressure to empty the anal gland naturally). This leads to inflammation, itching, and discomfort, causing dogs to scoot for relief.

Why Does Constipation Cause Dog Scooting?

Constipation can cause straining and pressure around the rectum, leading to irritation or discomfort. In addition, hard but infrequent stools may not empty the anal glands effectively. Both of these can lead to scooting in dogs.

What to Do Next

Monitor your dog’s stool quality and watch for additional symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or blood. If your dog’s abnormal stools last more than a day or worsen, contact an urgent care veterinarian.

4. Food Allergies & Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Food allergies in dogs are fairly common, with the most common triggers including beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, wheat, and soy. Dogs can also develop seasonal allergies from environmental allergens like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. 

Why Do Canine Allergies Cause Scooting?

Allergies in dogs (food and environmental) can cause skin inflammation and irritation around the rear, leading to scooting. Allergies can also contribute to anal gland issues or chronic loose stools, both of which increase irritation and trigger scooting.

Clues & What to Do Next

Watch out for other signs of canine allergies, including itching, paw licking, ear infections, or digestive upset. A veterinary exam can help determine whether food or environmental allergies are involved and determine the treatment your dog needs.

5. Matted Fur & Stuck Objects (Poop, Burrs, Gravel)

Why Does Matted Fur & Stuck Objects Cause Dog Scooting?

Tangled fur, dried feces, burrs, or small debris near the anus pull on the dog’s skin and cause irritation or pain. This constant tugging or poking sensation leads dogs to scoot in an attempt to remove the discomfort.

What to Do Next

Gently check and clean the area if your dog allows it. Regular grooming and sanitary trims help prevent recurrence. If the area looks swollen, painful, or infected, we recommend consulting a vet.

6. Razor Burn from Grooming

Razor burn can occur after grooming, especially if the skin is sensitive or closely clipped.

Why Does Razor Burn Cause Dog Scooting Butt?

Razor burn causes redness, inflammation, and a stinging or itchy sensation around the anus. Dogs may scoot to relieve irritation as the skin heals.

What to Do Next

Avoid further grooming until the skin heals and prevent licking if possible. If irritation in the area worsens or develops a secondary skin infection, contact your veterinarian.

7. Fleas & Ticks

Why Do Fleas & Ticks Cause Scooting in Dogs?

Fleas commonly bite near the tail base and rear end, causing intense itching and inflammation, which can lead to scooting in dogs. Ticks can cause localized irritation if attached near the anus, though this is less common.

What to Do Next?

Check for fleas, flea dirt, or ticks and ensure your dog is on consistent flea and tick prevention. Ongoing scooting should be evaluated by a vet to rule out secondary skin or anal gland issues.

8. Growth or Tumor Near the Anus

Tumors near the anus (e.g., anal sac tumors, perianal tumors) are less common but a possible cause of scooting in dogs. This issue is more common in older dogs and certain breeds, and may also be associated with chronic inflammation in the area.

Why Do Tumors & Growth Cause Dog Scooting?

Growths can press on surrounding tissue, interfere with bowel movements, or irritate the skin. This creates discomfort that leads to scooting in dogs.

Clues & What to Do Next

A few signs to watch out for include visible lumps, swelling, bleeding, straining, or pain when sitting. Any new or changing growth near the dog’s rear should be evaluated and treated promptly by a veterinarian.

How Sploot Vets Treats Dog Scooting

At Sploot Vets, treating dog scooting starts with a thorough physical exam or wellness exam to evaluate the anal area, skin, and overall health. We also use in-house diagnostics when needed (e.g., fecal testing for parasites, cytology for infections), and review your dog’s full medical history to identify underlying causes of scooting. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan for your dog’s long-term relief.

Sploot Vets: All-in-One Vet Care

Whether your dog is scooting or showing other concerning symptoms, we’re always here to help! 

Sploot Veterinary Care is your go-to all-in-one vet, with primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services all under one woof™! With our experienced veterinary team, state-of-the-art facilities, and Fear Free veterinary approach, you can count on us for next-level care.

Visit one of our vet clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Chicago today! Our doors are open 365 days a year with extended vet clinic hours to fit your schedule. 

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