Why Is My Dog Scooting on the Ground? Causes and Solutions
Causes, Gland Issues, and What to Do
If you’ve ever caught your dog dragging their bottom across the floor, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not imagining things. This behavior, known as scooting, can be a sign that something’s off with your dog's health—often related to their anal glands.
Sometimes, a dog may scoot simply because their bottom is dirty after a trip outside. However, if your dog's scooting persists, it could indicate more serious issues that may require veterinary attention.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
What it means when your dog is scooting
The role of anal glands in your dog’s body
Common causes of gland discomfort
Signs your dog may need help
What you can do at home—and when to see a vet
How Scenthound helps maintain your dog’s hygiene and gland health
What Is Scooting and Why Do Dogs Do It?
Scooting is when your dog drags their rear end along the floor, often in an attempt to relieve itchiness, irritation, or pressure. While it might seem like a quirky behavior, it’s often a red flag for an underlying issue—especially one involving the anal glands.
What Are Anal Glands and Why Are They Important?
Anal glands (also called anal sacs) are two small sacs located just inside your dog’s anus, near the rectum. These glands release a smelly, oily substance that dogs use to mark their territory and communicate with other dogs.
Normally, the glands empty naturally during bowel movements. But when they don’t empty properly, they can become impacted or infected, leading to discomfort—and scooting.
Common Causes of Scooting in Dogs
There are a few reasons your dog might be scooting. The key point to remember is that anal gland problems are a leading cause of scooting in dogs:
Full or impacted anal glands The most common cause. If the glands fill up and can’t release on their own, your dog will feel pressure and irritation.
Anal gland infection or abscess If left untreated, blocked glands can become infected—often with swelling, redness, or even discharge. In some cases, you may notice a bloody discharge, which requires prompt veterinary attention.
Allergies or skin irritation Food allergies or environmental triggers can cause inflammation and itching near your dog’s rear.
Parasites (like tapeworms) Intestinal parasites can also make your dog scoot. Check for rice-like segments near your dog’s rear or in their stool.
Something stuck back there Sometimes, a piece of grass, hair, or debris gets caught and causes discomfort.
In addition to scooting, watch for other signs of anal gland issues, such as behavioral changes, swelling, or abnormal discharge.
Beyond Anal Glands: Could It Be an Adrenal Gland Disorder?
While anal gland issues are the most common reason for dog scooting, it’s important to remember that other health problems can also be at play. One less common but significant cause is an adrenal gland disorder. Adrenal gland disorders can affect your dog’s hormone levels, leading to a variety of symptoms—including scooting. If your dog continues to scoot after anal gland problems have been ruled out, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of an adrenal gland disorder. These disorders can impact the way your dog’s body functions, so early diagnosis and treatment are key to keeping your pet healthy and comfortable.
Understanding Adrenal Glands and Their Role in Dog Health
The adrenal glands are two small but mighty glands that sit on top of your dog’s kidneys. They play a crucial role in your dog’s overall health by producing important hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones help regulate blood pressure, maintain the right balance of electrolytes, and manage your dog’s response to stress. When the adrenal glands aren’t working properly, it can throw off these hormone levels and lead to a range of symptoms. Dogs with adrenal gland disorders might experience changes in appetite, weight, or behavior, and their bodies may struggle to keep everything in balance. Keeping an eye out for unusual symptoms can help you catch adrenal disorders early and get your dog the care they need.
Common Adrenal Gland Disorders in Dogs
There are a few adrenal gland disorders that can affect dogs and potentially lead to scooting or other symptoms.
Here are the most common ones to watch for:
Cushing Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is a well-known adrenal gland disorder in dogs, caused by the body producing too much cortisol. Dogs with this disorder often show symptoms like increased appetite, weight gain, thinning skin, and sometimes scooting due to skin irritation. Treatment options for Cushing’s syndrome can include medication to control hormone levels, surgery to remove tumors if present, and adjustments to your dog’s diet and daily routine. Your veterinarian will help determine the best treatment plan based on your dog’s specific needs.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is a rarer adrenal gland disorder, but it can have a big impact on your dog’s health. This disorder happens when the adrenal glands don’t make enough cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms can include lethargy, weight loss, changes in appetite, and sometimes scooting. Treatment for Addison’s disease usually involves injectable medication to replace missing hormones, along with careful monitoring and adjustments to your dog’s treatment as needed. With the right care and regular check-ups, dogs with Addison’s disease can still enjoy life—whether that means hiking in the mountains, exploring wild trails, or just soaking up the sun in the backyard.
If you notice ongoing scooting or other unusual symptoms in your dog, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of adrenal gland disorders can help your pet stay healthy and happy, ready to enjoy all the best locations nature has to offer.
Signs Your Dog May Have a Gland Issue
Besides scooting, keep an eye out for:
Excessive licking or biting at the rear
A strong, fishy odor near the tail
Swelling or redness under the tail
Trouble sitting or signs of pain when defecating
Behavioral changes like restlessness or irritability
Unusual lumps or growths near your dog's anal area
What to Do if Your Dog Is Scooting
Step 1: Observe
If scooting happens once and stops, it may just be a one-time itch. But if it happens repeatedly or comes with other symptoms, it’s time to take action.
Step 2: Check for visible signs
Look for swelling, redness, or discharge around the anal area. Applying warm compresses to the area may help relieve mild discomfort while waiting for veterinary care. A strong odor may also be present.
Step 3: See a vet if needed
If your dog is showing signs of infection, discomfort, or continues scooting, your veterinarian may need to manually empty the glands or treat an infection. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories to address infections. Medicine may be required to manage more serious or chronic conditions. In cases of severe inflammation or immune-mediated conditions, steroids may be used as part of the treatment plan. Stool softeners can also be recommended to help prevent further impaction or discomfort.
How to Help Prevent Gland Issues
While some dogs never have problems with their anal glands, others—especially small breeds—may need regular care to prevent discomfort or infection. A healthy diet with enough fiber can also help your dog produce firm stools that naturally empty the glands.
Regular hygiene care that includes attention to your dog’s backside can go a long way in preventing gland buildup and irritation.
How Scenthound Helps Dog Parents Stay Ahead of Gland Issues
At Scenthound, we know that taking care of your dog goes beyond brushing and baths. That’s why we include anal gland checks as part of our routine hygiene services. Our approach helps dog parents stay ahead of potential issues before they become painful problems. We take care of the essentials—Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth (SCENT)—to support your dog’s whole-body health and well-being.
When your dog feels better, they behave better. And when you know they’re clean, comfortable, and healthy, you feel better too.
Conclusion:
Scooting might look silly, but it’s often a signal that your dog needs help—especially when it comes to gland health. By knowing what to look for and how to respond, you can catch small issues before they turn into big problems. And with a little help from Scenthound, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your dog is getting the regular care they need to stay happy, healthy, and scoot-free.