If your dog drags their bottom across the floor, it is tempting to assume their anal glands need emptying. Scooting tells you that something is bothering them, but it does not tell you what.
This guide explains what to notice and when to ring the vet. It cannot diagnose the cause or replace advice from your own veterinary practice.
Quick answer
- Scooting can have several causes, including anal gland problems, irritated skin, worms or something caught around the bottom.
- Book a vet appointment if it recurs or there is no obvious, easily removed cause.
- Phone promptly for pain, swelling, blood, discharge or a wound near the bottom.
- Do not try to squeeze the glands yourself or choose a home treatment from the symptoms.
Does scooting always mean anal glands?
No. Scooting means sitting and dragging the bottom along the ground. PDSA lists several possible causes, from stuck poo or debris to skin irritation, parasites and anal gland problems. Your vet needs to work out which, if any, applies.
A fishy smell or licking around the tail can be useful details to mention, but neither confirms a diagnosis. Do not assume that a dog who scoots simply needs worming or their glands emptied.
What are anal glands?
Anal glands are two small sacs near the anus. They hold a strong-smelling fluid and normally empty when a dog passes poo.
Sometimes they do not empty properly. A blockage can cause discomfort and can develop into infection or an abscess. Dogs may lick their bottom, suddenly sit down, look towards their back end or find pooing painful.
These signs are reasons to contact the practice, rather than instructions for home treatment.
When should I call the vet?
Arrange an appointment for recurring scooting
If your dog keeps scooting, licking or nibbling around their bottom, book an appointment. Mention whether this is new, has happened before or continues after a recent visit.
If you can safely see a little surface dirt and your dog is comfortable, gentle bathing may remove it. Stop if it does not come away easily or your dog resists. Contact the vet if the scooting continues, the cause is unclear or you see anything unusual.
Phone promptly for pain, swelling or discharge
A red or swollen area, blood, pus, a wound, crying when pooing or obvious discomfort needs prompt veterinary advice. Eating less or becoming unusually quiet adds to the concern.
An anal gland abscess can be very painful and may burst. If you suspect one, phone the practice as soon as possible, including its out-of-hours service if necessary. A wound that starts draining still needs assessment.
Do not overlook difficulty passing urine
If your dog repeatedly strains but cannot wee, call your vet immediately. An inability to pass urine is an emergency. Do not assume all discomfort around the back end comes from anal glands.
What should I avoid doing at home?
Do not squeeze, press or attempt to drain a painful area. Incorrect gland emptying can injure your dog. Any home care must follow your own vet's instructions.
Do not start a supplement, add extra fibre or change the diet to treat unexplained scooting. Ask the vet whether any feeding change is needed after they have assessed the cause.
A grooming appointment is not a substitute for that assessment. Healthy anal glands do not need routine emptying unless your vet advises it for your individual dog.
A practical checklist for the vet call
Keep your notes brief. You do not need to complete every point before asking for help:
- When did the scooting start, and how often is it happening?
- Is your dog licking, nibbling, sitting suddenly or struggling to settle?
- Have you noticed swelling, a smell, blood, discharge or a wound?
- Are they passing poo and urine as usual?
- Has their appetite or energy changed?
- What medication do they take, and have they had previous anal gland problems?
Dogs Trust recommends taking a list of questions and details of current medication to a vet visit. Add any changes you have noticed to that list. A short video may help you describe the movement, if you can take one without delaying care.
If your dog is worried about being handled, tell the practice when booking. Let the team plan the examination rather than repeatedly trying to inspect a sore area yourself.
You can make a useful call without naming the problem: “My dog keeps scooting, and this is what I have noticed.” The next step is finding the cause with your vet.
Reviewed: 16 October 2026
