PMD Blog – Why Is My Dog Scooting Its Bottom?

Why Is My Dog Scooting Its Bottom?

It's usually not worms — here's what's most likely going on.

Quick Answer

Scooting — dragging the bottom along the floor — is most commonly caused by full or impacted anal glands, not worms.
Tapeworm segments can also cause scooting by irritating the skin around the tail.
Other causes include allergies, skin irritation, and perianal conditions.
If the area looks swollen, red, or has a discharge, your dog needs a vet check — a blocked anal gland can become infected.
Scooting is rarely an emergency, but it's rarely something to ignore for long either.

It happens at the most inconvenient moments — usually on the carpet, or in front of guests. Scooting means a dog is dragging its bottom along the ground, and it's almost always a sign that something is causing irritation or discomfort in that area.

The first assumption many owners make is worms, but anal gland problems are by far the more common cause. Understanding the difference helps you decide what to do next.

USEFUL TO KNOW

What Are Anal Glands?

Dogs have two small glands — one on each side of the anus, roughly at the four o'clock and eight o'clock positions. They produce a strong-smelling, oily fluid that's normally expressed in small amounts when a dog defecates. This is thought to be a scent-marking function.

In some dogs, the glands don't empty properly on their own. The fluid builds up, becomes thickened and uncomfortable, and the dog tries to relieve the pressure by scooting or licking at the area. If left unaddressed, blocked glands can become impacted and then infected — forming a painful abscess that may rupture through the skin.

Dogs prone to soft stools, obesity, or with narrow anal gland ducts are more likely to have problems. Some dogs need their anal glands expressed regularly by a vet or vet nurse; others never have issues at all.

Common Causes of Scooting in Dogs

01 Full or Impacted Anal Glands

This is the most common cause by a significant margin. When the anal glands don't empty naturally, the dog feels discomfort and tries to address it by dragging its bottom along the ground, licking the area, or turning to look at its tail. The glands may also produce a strong, fishy smell.

Manual expression of the anal glands by a vet or vet nurse typically resolves the immediate discomfort. Recurring problems may indicate an underlying cause such as diet, soft stools, or gland anatomy, and are worth discussing with a vet rather than just repeatedly expressing them without addressing the root cause.

02 Anal Gland Abscess or Infection

If a blocked anal gland becomes infected, it can develop into a painful abscess. Signs include swelling on one or both sides of the anus, redness, heat, and obvious pain. The abscess may rupture, creating a visible wound.

A swollen, red, or discharging area near the anus needs veterinary attention. An anal gland abscess is painful and needs treatment — it won't resolve on its own.

03 Tapeworm Segments

Tapeworm segments — small, cream-coloured pieces resembling grains of rice — can be passed around the anal area, where they cause irritation and itching as they move or dry out. Finding these around the tail or in the bedding is a clear sign of tapeworm. Both the tapeworm and any underlying flea infestation (the most common source of tapeworm in UK dogs) should be treated. Tapeworm segments alone, without full or impacted anal glands, are a less common cause of scooting than many people assume.

04 Allergies

Skin allergies — whether environmental or food-related — can cause itching around the perianal area, which prompts scooting. In dogs with allergies, the skin around the tail and bottom may also appear red or inflamed. If scooting is accompanied by other allergy signs such as paw licking, ear problems, or skin itching elsewhere, allergies are worth investigating with your vet.

05 Skin Irritation or Diarrhoea

Loose stools or diarrhoea can leave the skin around the anus sore and irritated — particularly in long-coated dogs where faecal matter may get caught in the fur. Keeping the area clean and dry helps, and resolving the underlying cause of the loose stools removes the irritation. A dog that's recently had diarrhoea and scoots briefly afterwards is often simply uncomfortable from the irritation left behind.

06 Post-Grooming Irritation

Some dogs scoot after grooming, particularly if clippers have been used close to the anal area. Clipper rash or skin sensitivity from products used during grooming can cause temporary irritation. This usually settles within a day or two. If it persists beyond that, or the skin looks sore or inflamed, contact your vet.

07 Perianal Fistula

Perianal fistulae are painful, chronic ulcerating tracts around the anus. They're most common in German Shepherds, though other breeds can be affected. Signs include painful defecation, scooting, licking at the area, a foul smell, and visible lesions around the tail. This is a serious condition that needs veterinary management — often long-term medical treatment, sometimes surgery.

If you notice open sores, ulcers, or unusual tissue around your dog's anus — particularly in a German Shepherd — contact your vet. Perianal fistula needs specialist assessment.

Contact Your Vet Promptly

The area beside the anus is visibly swollen, red, or hot — possible anal gland abscess
There is discharge or a wound near the anus
Your dog is in obvious pain when you try to examine the area or when it tries to defecate
You can see open sores or ulcers around the anus
A rectal prolapse is visible — a reddish-pink tube of tissue protruding from the anus

A rectal prolapse — where the inner rectal wall protrudes outside the body — is a genuine emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

When to Contact Your Vet

Scooting has been happening repeatedly over more than a day or two
You notice a fishy or unpleasant smell around the tail area
You can see tapeworm segments in the fur or bedding
Your dog is also licking excessively at the tail area
Your dog's anal glands have needed expressing repeatedly in a short period
Scooting is accompanied by changes in defecation — straining, blood, or changes in stool consistency

How Pet Med Direct Can Help

Pet Med Direct stocks worming treatments for dogs in the UK, including products that cover tapeworm. Some worming products are available without a prescription. If your vet has diagnosed a specific condition and recommended a prescription treatment, Pet Med Direct may be able to supply it once the prescription has been received and checked.

Some treatments require a valid veterinary prescription. Pet Med Direct can only supply prescription medicines after the prescription has been checked. Always follow your vet's advice and the directions on the medicine label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is scooting always caused by worms?

No — and this is a very common misconception. Full or impacted anal glands are the most frequent cause of scooting by a large margin. Tapeworm can also cause scooting, but it's worth checking the anal glands first. Your vet can assess both during a single examination.

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

It's possible, but it's not something most owners should attempt without being shown how by a vet or vet nurse. Incorrect technique can cause discomfort, push infection deeper, or rupture the gland. If your dog's anal glands need frequent attention, your vet can demonstrate the technique or advise on whether home expression is appropriate for your dog's situation.

How do I know if my dog has tapeworm rather than an anal gland problem?

Tapeworm segments are often visible — small, cream or off-white pieces around the tail or in the bedding that look like grains of rice (or sesame seeds when dried). Anal gland problems, by contrast, typically produce a fishy smell and the scooting tends to be persistent rather than occasional. Your vet can check for both in the same appointment.

Why do some dogs need their anal glands expressed regularly and others never do?

It varies between individual dogs. Factors that can increase the likelihood of anal gland problems include diet (particularly soft stools), body weight, the anatomy of the gland ducts, and general muscle tone. Dogs with recurring issues may benefit from a dietary change to produce firmer stools, which naturally puts more pressure on the glands during defecation and helps them empty on their own. A vet can help identify whether there's an underlying factor to address.

What does a perianal fistula look like?

Perianal fistulae appear as open, ulcerated tracts or sores around the anus — they may look like small holes or raw patches in the skin. They tend to smell unpleasant and cause significant discomfort, particularly when defecating. They're most common in German Shepherds and are distinct from the smooth, unbroken skin of an uncomplicated anal gland problem. If in doubt, a vet should examine the area.

My dog scoots occasionally but seems otherwise fine. Should I be worried?

Occasional, very infrequent scooting in a dog that otherwise seems well is less concerning than frequent or persistent scooting. That said, anal glands that are regularly uncomfortable but never fully addressed can develop into an abscess — so it's worth having your vet check the glands if the scooting becomes a regular occurrence. Don't assume it's always minor simply because the dog seems cheerful.

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This this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice.
If you are concerned with your dog’s health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.