What is scooting in dogs?

As a dog owner you’ve more than likely witnessed your dog sitting down and dragging their bottom across the floor. This is a common occurrence and is known as scooting.

It usually indicates that something is irritating your dog, itching or painful, such as worms, anal gland problems, itchy skin or something is stuck around their bottom.

If you notice your dog scooting, gently lift their tail and check for anything out of the ordinary; redness, injury, or swelling. If your dog becomes increasingly distressed and starts scooting often, you should contact your vet.

Why do dogs scoot?

Scooting in dogs is often a normal response to them having an itchy rear end, however it could be down to a more serious issue. Common causes of scooting include:

Intestinal parasites

Dog scooting can also be a sign that worms are involved. Intestinal parasites such as roundworms or tapeworms are common in dogs. Puppies can get infected with roundworms from their mother’s milk while fleas can be the carrier for tapeworm larvae.

Anal gland issues

Scooting in dogs can be caused by full anal glands. If this is the case, your dog dragging his bum along the floor could be their way to try and alleviate some of the painful pressure. Anal gland rupture, infection or even a tumour are other possible issues which make it difficult for the owners to tell exactly what is causing the behaviour. A visit to the vet is recommended for a proper diagnosis.

Food allergies

Your dog’s anal glands might not function properly due to digestive problems caused by food allergies or intolerances. Pay attention to other gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and get in touch with the vet if you suspect they may have ingested something that is not meant for them.

Skin allergies

Skin allergies can cause irritation and therefore intense itching and scratching. Find out more about if you have an itchy dog here.

Neurological causes

Dogs might display unusual behaviour as a sign of cognitive decline. If your senior pooch starts to drag their bum across the floor and you also notice increased restlessness, vocalisation, speak to your vet. View other common signs of cognitive dysfunction here.

Matted hair

Scooting in dogs can be caused by matted hair around their bottom. This is particularly prevalent in long-haired dogs. But with regular grooming this can be avoided.

If you’re worried about your dog scooting and can’t find an obvious cause, speak to your vet who will be best placed to offer advice.

Tips to help reduce scooting

There are a few actions you can take to help reduce scooting, which include,

Exercise

Introducing more exercise into your dog’s daily routine or encouraging more play will help with emptying the anal glands and reduce any uncomfortableness your dog may be feeling.

Add more fibre

A diet with good levels of fibre allows anal glands to express on their own as the stool becomes firmer. Ask your vet about Nutrafibre, which is a natural support to encourage normal bowel movements and assists with anal gland clearance.

Speak to your vet

If you notice a change in your dog’s behaviour, always speak to your vet as they are best placed to assess their health and give advice on the best course of action.