Quick answer: Scooting, when a dog drags their bottom along the floor, is most often caused by full or irritated anal glands. Other common causes include itchy skin from allergies, worms such as tapeworms, diarrhea or soft stool, matted or dirty fur around the bottom, grooming irritation and, less often, infections, tumors or back pain. Occasional scooting after pooping may be harmless, but frequent scooting, licking or biting at the rear, a bad fishy smell, swelling, redness, blood or pain mean it's time to see your vet. Never squeeze your dog's anal glands at home unless your vet has shown you how.

What is scooting?

Scooting is when a dog sits down and drags their rear end along the ground using their front legs. Dogs may scoot on carpet, grass, rugs or any surface that provides friction.

An occasional scoot after pooping can simply be a dog wiping themselves. But repeated scooting, especially several times a day or over several days, usually means something is bothering them. It's often paired with licking or biting at the rear, chasing their tail or sitting down suddenly.

Scooting can also spread bacteria onto floors and furniture, so it's worth addressing for hygiene as well as comfort.

What are anal glands?

Dogs have two small sacs, called anal glands or anal sacs, located just inside the anus at about the 4 and 8 o'clock positions. They produce a strong, fishy-smelling fluid that dogs use to mark territory and communicate. That's one reason dogs sniff each other's rear ends when they meet.

Normally, the glands empty a little every time your dog poops, as firm stool presses against them. When the glands don't empty properly, fluid builds up and they can become full, impacted, infected or abscessed. That causes discomfort, and scooting is a common response.

If you've ever noticed a sudden fishy smell from your dog, especially when they're scared or excited, that's often the anal glands releasing fluid.

Is occasional scooting normal?

A single scoot after pooping, or now and then on a rug, isn't usually anything to worry about. Dogs sometimes drag their bottom to wipe away a bit of stool or relieve a passing itch, much like we might scratch an itch without thinking.

What matters is frequency and context. If your dog scoots once and then carries on happily, keep an eye on them. If they scoot several times in a day, keep doing it over a few days or seem bothered, that's a sign something needs attention.

Keeping a quick note of when your dog scoots, after meals, after walks, after grooming, can help your vet figure out the cause faster.

Common causes of scooting

Here are the most likely reasons your dog is dragging their bottom:

• Full or impacted anal glands. The most common cause.
• Anal gland infection or abscess. Painful swelling, redness or discharge.
• Allergies. Food or environmental allergies often cause itchy skin around the rear.
• Worms. Tapeworms and other parasites can cause itching.
• Diarrhea or soft stool. Can irritate the skin and prevent glands from emptying.
• Dirty or matted fur. Poop stuck in long fur can cause irritation.
• Grooming irritation. Clipper burn or razor rash after a groom.
• Skin infections. Bacterial or yeast infections around the bottom.
• Fleas. Flea bites can make the rear itchy.
• Back or hip pain. Less commonly, discomfort in the lower back.
• Tumors. Rare, but growths around the anus or glands can cause scooting.

Cause 1: Anal gland problems

Anal gland issues are by far the most common reason for scooting. Small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Shih Tzus, Cavaliers and Beagles are more prone, but any dog can be affected. Overweight dogs and dogs with soft stools are also at higher risk.

Signs of anal gland problems include scooting, licking or biting at the bottom, a strong fishy smell, swelling or redness on one or both sides of the anus, discomfort when sitting and, in severe cases, a painful lump or a rupture with discharge or blood.

If you notice these signs, your vet can check and express (empty) the glands. If they're infected or abscessed, your dog may need antibiotics, pain relief or other treatment.

Cause 2: Allergies

Allergies are a very common cause of itchy skin in dogs, including around the bottom. Dogs with food or environmental allergies often lick their paws, scratch their ears, rub their face and scoot. Allergies can also lead to inflamed anal glands.

If your dog scoots and has other itchy signs, talk to your vet about allergies. Treatment may include allergy medication, special diets or managing environmental triggers. Our guide to seasonal allergies in dogs explains common causes and treatments.

Cause 3: Worms and parasites

Tapeworms are a classic cause of scooting. You may notice small, white, rice-like segments around your dog's bottom or in their poop. Dogs usually get tapeworms by swallowing infected fleas while grooming.

Other intestinal parasites can also cause itching and diarrhea. Keep up with deworming and flea prevention as your vet recommends. The CDC's page on tapeworms in dogs explains how they spread. Our guide to flea and tick prevention for dogs covers prevention.

Cause 4: Diarrhea and soft stool

Soft or loose stool can't press on the anal glands enough to empty them, which can lead to buildup. Diarrhea can also irritate the skin around the anus, making your dog want to scoot.

If your dog has ongoing diarrhea, talk to your vet. Diet changes, food sensitivities, infections and other conditions can all play a role. Our guide to dog upset stomach explains when to seek help.

Cause 5 and 6: Dirty fur and grooming irritation

Long-haired dogs can get poop stuck in the fur around their bottom, which irritates the skin and leads to scooting. Matted fur can trap moisture and bacteria too.

Regular sanitary trims keep the area clean. Ask your groomer for a "sanitary trim" or "potty patch." If your dog starts scooting right after a groom, it may be clipper irritation; this often settles within a day or two but call your vet if the skin looks red, raw or swollen.

Our guide to grooming your dog at home in winter covers safe trimming tips.

Less common causes

Bacterial or yeast skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis and injuries can make the area around the tail and bottom itchy or sore. Back pain, hip problems or tail issues can sometimes cause dogs to sit or move oddly, which may look like scooting.

Rarely, tumors of the anal glands or the skin around the anus can cause scooting, swelling or changes in stool shape. These are more common in older dogs. Any lump near your dog's bottom should be checked by a vet.

Breeds and dogs more prone to scooting

Any dog can scoot, but some are more likely to. Small and toy breeds, including Chihuahuas, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Beagles, are often mentioned as being prone to anal gland problems.

Long-haired breeds can get fecal matter stuck in their coats, and breeds prone to allergies, such as French Bulldogs, Labradors, Golden Retrievers and West Highland White Terriers, may scoot due to itchy skin.

Overweight dogs are also at higher risk, because extra weight can make it harder for glands to empty properly. Keeping your dog lean is one of the simplest ways to reduce scooting.

Other signs to watch alongside scooting

Scooting often comes with other clues. Pay attention to licking or chewing at the tail or rear, a fishy smell, red or swollen skin, hair loss around the tail, sudden sitting or turning to look at the bottom and changes in stool.

If your dog is also licking their paws, scratching their ears or rubbing their face, allergies may be part of the picture. If you see rice-like segments in poop or around the bottom, tapeworms are likely. If your dog cries when sitting or pooping, an abscess or impaction could be painful.

Telling your vet about these extra signs helps them find the cause faster and choose the right treatment.

When to see the vet

Make an appointment if your dog:

• Scoots more than occasionally, or for more than a day or two
• Licks or bites at their rear often
• Has a strong fishy smell
• Has swelling, redness, a lump or discharge near the anus
• Seems painful when sitting or pooping
• Has blood around the bottom or in the stool
• Has worms visible in stool or around the rear
• Has diarrhea, constipation or straining

A swollen, painful lump next to the anus may be an abscess and needs prompt care.

If you're unsure, a quick call to your vet's front desk can help you decide whether to book a visit or watch at home for a day or two.

Bring a note of how often your dog has been scooting and any other changes you've noticed.

Should you express your dog's anal glands at home?

It's best to let your vet or a trained groomer handle anal glands unless your vet has shown you how to do it safely. Expressing glands incorrectly can cause pain, injury or inflammation, and it can be hard to tell when glands are infected.

Some dogs need their glands expressed regularly, while others never do. Routine expression in dogs who don't need it can sometimes cause more problems. Talk to your vet about whether your dog needs it and how often.

What happens at the vet

Your vet will examine your dog's bottom, check the anal glands, look at the skin and ask about diet, stool and any other symptoms. If the glands are full, they can be expressed gently, usually in just a few minutes. If they're infected, your vet may flush them and prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.

Your vet may also check a stool sample for parasites, look for fleas and discuss allergy testing if itching seems to be the main issue. For dogs with recurring anal gland problems, they may recommend diet changes, regular gland checks or, in rare cases, surgery to remove the glands.

Ask your vet how often your dog should have their glands checked. Some dogs need it every few weeks, while others never need it at all.

How to prevent scooting

Many causes of scooting can be reduced with a few simple habits:

• Add fiber. Firmer stool helps glands empty naturally. Ask your vet about fiber-rich diets or plain pumpkin puree.
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Overweight dogs are more prone to anal gland problems.
• Stay on top of parasites. Use vet-recommended flea prevention and deworming.
• Keep the area clean. Regular sanitary trims and gentle wiping after messy poops.
• Manage allergies. Work with your vet to control itchy skin.
• Exercise regularly. Activity supports healthy digestion and weight.
• Change food gradually. Prevents diarrhea from sudden switches.

Our guides to is my dog overweight and how to choose the right dog food can help with weight and diet.

Regular checkups help catch gland and skin issues early.

Fiber and diet: what helps

Fiber helps bulk up stool, which puts gentle pressure on the anal glands as your dog poops. Many dogs with recurring gland issues improve on a higher-fiber diet. Your vet may recommend a prescription food, a fiber supplement or a small amount of plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling).

Start with small amounts and increase gradually to avoid gas or diarrhea. Always make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water. If your dog has food allergies, your vet may suggest a special diet to reduce inflammation.

Keeping your dog's rear clean and comfortable

Gentle hygiene can make a big difference, especially for long-haired or senior dogs. After messy poops, wipe the area with an unscented, pet-safe wipe or a damp cloth. Avoid human wipes with fragrance or alcohol, which can irritate the skin.

Keep the fur around the bottom trimmed short, either at home with care or by a groomer. If your dog has frequent diarrhea, a quick rinse with lukewarm water followed by thorough drying helps prevent irritation. Our guide to how often should you bathe your dog explains bathing frequency.

If the skin looks red, raw or broken, don't apply creams without asking your vet first. Some human products aren't safe for dogs to lick.

Scooting myths

A few common beliefs about scooting:

• Scooting always means worms. Worms can cause it, but full anal glands, allergies and skin irritation are more common causes.
• It's just a funny habit. Occasional scooting can be harmless, but frequent scooting usually means discomfort.
• You should express glands at home regularly. Only if your vet shows you how and recommends it. Unneeded expressing can cause irritation.
• Small dogs are the only ones who scoot. Any dog can, though small breeds are more prone to anal gland problems.
• Adding fiber fixes everything. Fiber can help some dogs, but it won't fix allergies or infections.

Track when it happens

Noting when your dog scoots helps your vet find the cause. Write down how often it happens, whether it follows pooping, and anything new, like a diet change, grooming visit, flea exposure or soft stools.

Scooting that comes with licking or chewing at the rear, a fishy smell, swelling, redness or blood needs a vet visit soon. A swollen, painful area near the anus can be an abscessed gland, which often needs treatment the same day.

Scooting after grooming

Many dogs scoot for a day or two after a grooming visit. Clipper irritation, a sanitary trim or anal gland expressing can all leave the area a little sore. It usually settles quickly.

Wipe the area gently with a soft, damp cloth, and check for redness or razor burn. If scooting continues for more than two or three days, or the skin looks raw, call your vet. Let your groomer know too, so they can adjust their technique next time. See how to choose a dog groomer.

Why stool quality matters

Firm, well-formed stools help press on the anal glands as your dog poops, which naturally empties them. Soft or loose stools often don't, so glands can fill up and cause scooting.

Feed a complete, balanced diet that suits your dog, avoid sudden food changes and keep treats and table scraps to a minimum. If your dog often has soft stools, ask your vet whether a diet change or added fiber could help.

Cleaning up after scooting

Scooting can leave bacteria and fluid on carpets and furniture. Clean affected areas with an enzyme cleaner designed for pet messes, which breaks down odors and residue. Wash dog beds and blankets regularly.

Our guide to pet-safe spring cleaning explains which cleaners are safe to use around dogs.

• Anal glands are the usual culprit. Full or irritated glands are the most common cause of scooting.
• Other causes include allergies and worms. Itchy skin, tapeworms and diarrhea can all lead to scooting.
• Frequent scooting needs a vet. Especially with licking, smell, swelling or pain.
• Don't express glands without guidance. Let your vet or groomer handle it unless shown how.
• Prevention helps. Fiber, healthy weight, parasite control and grooming reduce scooting.

Image: Product photo

Shop now

Shop this article

Why does my dog scoot on the floor?

Most often because of full or irritated anal glands. Allergies, worms, diarrhea and dirty fur can also cause scooting.

Is dog scooting serious?

Occasional scooting may be harmless, but frequent scooting usually means discomfort and should be checked by a vet.

What are anal glands in dogs?

Two small sacs near the anus that produce a strong-smelling fluid used for scent marking.

How do I know if my dog's anal glands are full?

Signs include scooting, licking the rear, a fishy smell and swelling near the anus.

Can I express my dog's anal glands at home?

Only if your vet has shown you how. Doing it incorrectly can cause pain or injury.

Can worms cause scooting?

Yes. Tapeworms are a common cause. Look for rice-like segments near the bottom or in poop.

Does pumpkin help dogs with anal gland problems?

Plain pumpkin adds fiber, which can help firm stool. Ask your vet before adding it.

Why does my dog scoot after grooming?

Clipper irritation can make the area itchy. It often settles within a day or two.

Which dogs are more prone to anal gland problems?

Small breeds, overweight dogs and dogs with soft stools or allergies.

How can I stop my dog scooting?

Treat the cause with your vet's help, add fiber, keep your dog at a healthy weight and stay on top of parasites and grooming.