--- title: "Why Is My Dog Scooting on the Floor?" description: "Dog scooting often means full or infected anal glands, but worms, allergies, and diarrhoea stuck to fur also cause it. See when to call your vet." url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-dog-scooting" canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-dog-scooting" date_published: "2026-06-25" date_modified: "2026-06-25" source: "PETHEALTH+" --- # Why Is My Dog Scooting on the Floor? **Scooting — dragging the bottom along the floor — usually means itch or discomfort around the rear end.** Full or infected anal glands are the most common cause, but worms, allergies, and diarrhoea stuck to fur are frequent alternatives. Your vet can express glands safely and check for infection. **Swelling, pain, or bleeding beside the anus needs same-day care.** ## What scooting looks like Your dog sits, lifts one or both back legs, and **drags their bottom** along carpet, grass, or pavement. Some dogs also: - **Lick or bite** under the tail excessively - **Chase their tail** or spin to reach the area - **Whine** when sitting or defecating - Have a **fishy or foul smell** from the rear Occasional scooting after a loose stool may be a one-off. **Repeated scooting over days** always deserves a vet check. ## Common causes ### Anal glands (anal sacs) According to the PDSA, dogs have two small scent glands beside the anus that normally empty when passing firm stools. When they do not empty properly, they become **full, impacted, or infected**. | Stage | Signs | |-------|-------| | **Full glands** | Scooting, licking, fishy odour | | **Impacted** | Persistent scooting, discomfort when sitting | | **Infected / abscess** | Swelling, pain, blood or pus, fever | Some breeds — especially **small dogs** — are more prone to chronic gland problems. ### Intestinal worms **Tapeworm segments** look like grains of rice around the anus and cause intense itch. Dogs acquire tapeworm from fleas or raw meat. Regular [worming](/health/dog-worming-schedule-uk) and [flea control](/health/fleas-and-ticks-in-pets) prevent many cases. ### Diarrhoea and faecal residue Soft stools or [diarrhoea](/health/dog-diarrhea-home-remedies) leave sticky faeces on fur that irritates skin. Scooting may stop once the coat is cleaned and stools firm up. ### Allergies and skin disease Environmental and food [allergies](/health/dog-allergies-and-itching) cause **perianal itch** — scooting with red skin, ear infections, or paw licking. Yeast and bacterial infections can follow repeated licking. ### Other causes - **Tumours** near the anus — more common in seniors - **Matted fur** around the rear - **Constipation** or painful defecation — see [Dog constipation](/health/dog-constipation) ## When to see a vet urgently Contact your vet **the same day** if: - **Swollen, red lump** beside the anus — possible abscess - **Blood or pus** from under the tail - Your dog **will not sit**, cries when touched, or is lethargic - **Fever** or not eating alongside scooting - Scooting after **known trauma** to the rear Book a **routine appointment** for repeated scooting without swelling — chronic gland issues and worms need proper treatment, not repeated home expression. ## Home monitoring and safe care **Before your appointment, note:** - How often scooting happens and for how long - Stool consistency — firm, soft, or [bloody](/health/dog-pooping-blood) - Whether you see **rice-like segments** or worms - Any **fishy smell** or discharge - Current **wormer and flea product** used **What you can do:** - Gently **wash the rear** with lukewarm water if faeces is stuck — pat dry - Keep up-to-date **flea and worm treatment** as your vet advises - Feed a **consistent diet** — sudden food changes worsen diarrhoea **What not to do:** - Do **not express anal glands at home** unless a vet or qualified groomer has trained you — improper technique causes **pain, rupture, and chronic scarring** - Do not ignore **swelling** — abscesses rupture through the skin and are painful - Do not assume scooting is "just glands" without a full exam ## What your vet may recommend Examination includes checking glands, skin, faeces, and weight. Treatment depends on cause: - **Gland expression** when clinically indicated — external or internal, vet or nurse performed - **Antibiotics and pain relief** for infection or abscess - **Worm treatment** if parasites found - **Allergy management** — diet trial, medicated shampoos, or prescribed anti-itch medication - **Fibre adjustment** or anal gland flushing in recurrent cases - **Surgery** to remove chronically diseased glands — last resort for severe cases ## Related guides - [Dog diarrhoea home remedies](/health/dog-diarrhea-home-remedies) - [Dog constipation](/health/dog-constipation) - [Dog allergies and itching](/health/dog-allergies-and-itching) - [Fleas and ticks in pets](/health/fleas-and-ticks-in-pets) - [Dog worming schedule UK](/health/dog-worming-schedule-uk) - [Hot spots on dogs](/health/hot-spots-on-dogs) ## FAQs ### Is scooting always anal glands? No — intestinal worms (especially tapeworm), faecal residue after diarrhoea, perianal allergies, and skin infections also cause scooting. Your vet should examine the whole rear end, not only express glands. ### How often should anal glands be expressed? Only when clinically needed — over-expression can damage glands and cause chronic inflammation. Some dogs never need manual expression; others need occasional vet help if they cannot empty naturally. ### Can diet help with scooting? Yes for some dogs — higher fibre from vet-recommended sources can produce bulkier stools that help empty glands naturally. Ask your vet before adding fibre supplements; sudden changes can cause diarrhoea. ### Is scooting an emergency? Sudden pain, swelling beside the anus, bleeding, or a dog that will not sit down needs same-day vet care — an anal gland abscess may need antibiotics, flushing, or surgery. ## Sources - [PDSA — Anal gland problems in dogs](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub) - [Blue Cross — Dog health and injuries](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice) - [RSPCA — Dogs](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs) Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-dog-scooting Last modified: 2026-06-25