Why Is My Dog Scooting? Anal Glands and Other Causes

A dog that drags its bottom along the floor is trying to ease itchiness, pain or pressure. It looks funny, but it's a sign something is wrong. The most common cause is a problem with the anal glands, though not the only one.

Where the anal glands are

Dogs have two small pouches, called anal sacs or anal glands, on either side of the anus at about the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. They make a strong-smelling, fishy fluid that dogs use to mark territory. Normally a little is squeezed out each time the dog passes a stool. Some dogs also release it when they're scared or excited.

Causes of scooting

• Full or blocked anal glands (impaction). One of the most common causes. The fluid thickens, the sacs swell and become uncomfortable.
• Infection (sacculitis) and abscess. Bacteria get into a blocked sac. The area becomes painful, red and swollen, and an abscess can burst through the skin and release pus or blood.
• Allergies. Food allergy and atopic dermatitis can cause itching and contribute to anal gland disease.
• Worms. Tapeworm is a well-known cause of an itchy bottom.
• Skin problems around the anus.
• Tumours. Older dogs can develop a cancer of the anal sac (adenocarcinoma). Signs look like an infection, so don't assume it's a simple blockage.

Things that make anal gland problems more likely include soft or loose stools, constipation, a low-fibre diet, being overweight and allergies. Small dogs are affected more often than large ones. In one study Chihuahuas were the most common, and German Shepherds may be over-represented among larger dogs.

Signs to look for

• Dragging the bottom along the floor or grass
• Licking or biting at the anus or the base of the tail
• A fishy smell or spots of discharge on the floor
• Holding the tail low, or reluctance to sit or pass a stool
• Swelling, redness or discharge next to the anus

When to see a vet

Go the same day if you see a red, hot or swollen lump beside the anus, blood or pus, or an open wound. Do the same if your dog seems in pain, is tired, off its food or has a fever, strains to pass a stool, or has tissue sticking out of the anus.

Book an appointment if your dog scoots repeatedly, licks the area a lot, has a strong smell or has a change in its bowel habits. Any scooting in a puppy is worth a check. Only an exam can tell a blockage from an infection or a growth.

Our clinic is open Monday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 to 16:00, and Tuesday and Wednesday 09:00 to 17:00. Outside opening hours, a dog in severe pain should see an emergency vet clinic.

What the vet does

The vet looks at the area and does a rectal exam to feel the glands. They may check a stool sample for worms, look at the fluid under a microscope and, if needed, run blood tests or imaging. If they suspect a lump, they may take a biopsy.

Treatment

• Blocked glands. The vet empties the sacs, and may flush them. This can be uncomfortable, and some dogs need sedation.
• Infection. The vet empties the sacs and gives antibiotics and pain relief. A warm compress can help at home if the vet recommends it.
• Abscess. An abscess that hasn't burst may need to be lanced under sedation or anaesthetic. Your dog will need antibiotics, pain relief and usually a cone collar to stop licking.
• Allergies or worms. The underlying cause is treated, with a diet trial, allergy treatment or deworming.
• Dogs that keep having trouble. The vet may advise emptying the glands at regular intervals.
• Surgery. If problems keep returning, the glands can be removed (anal sacculectomy). Removal is a delicate operation, and some vets refer to a specialist surgeon. Some dogs have loose stools or poor bowel control for one to three weeks afterwards. In rare cases, nerve damage is permanent and causes incontinence.

Prevention

• Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Overweight dogs have more anal gland trouble.
• Ask your vet whether more fibre in the diet would help firm up the stool. Weight loss and added fibre can both be useful.
• Get allergies and diarrhoea or constipation treated.
• Keep up with worming.
• Have your vet check the glands at routine appointments if your dog has had problems before.

What not to do

• Don't squeeze the glands yourself without training.
• Don't use human creams or ointments.
• Don't ignore scooting that keeps coming back.

Book a check

If your dog is scooting, book a visit with our veterinary service or contact the clinic. Most dogs with non-cancerous anal gland disease do well with treatment.