A small Shih Tzu sitting on a wooden floor looking back towards its tail

Dog Scooting: Why Dogs Drag Their Bottom and What Helps

October 22, 2026

Quick answer

Dog scooting, dragging the bottom along the floor, most often means the anal sacs (anal glands) are full, blocked or inflamed. Other causes are tapeworms, itchy skin from allergies, soft stools that fail to empty the sacs, and less often tumours. Occasional scooting can be harmless, but repeated scooting needs a vet check.

Key takeaways

Anal sacs are the usual suspect: in a study of 104,212 UK dogs, 4.4% were seen for anal sac problems in a single year.
Some dogs are more at risk: small breeds, Cavalier King Charles and Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Bichons and Cockapoos, flat-faced breeds (2.6 times the odds) and overweight dogs.
Look for worms: rice-like tapeworm segments around the bottom mean your dog needs a dewormer and flea control.
Fibre can help prevent repeats: in a 2025 trial, 19% of dogs given a fibre and probiotic chew needed their sacs emptied again by day 120, against 61.5% of untreated dogs.
Pumpkin is gentle, not powerful: plain canned pumpkin has about 2.9 g of fibre per 100 g, so a spoonful adds little.

Why is my dog scooting?

A dog scoots to relieve itching, pressure or discomfort around the bottom. The most common reason is the anal sacs, two small pouches either side of the anus that normally empty when a firm stool presses on them. When they do not empty properly, they fill, thicken, and can become infected or form an abscess. Merck lists scooting, licking or biting at the area, and pain when passing stools as typical signs (Merck Veterinary Manual).

A cause-to-solution chart for dog scooting: full or blocked anal sacs, with a fishy smell and swelling either side of the anus, need emptying by a vet; tapeworms, with rice-like segments around the bottom, need a dewormer and flea control; itchy skin from allergies, with paw licking and ear problems, needs the allergy treated; soft stools or diarrhoea need the gut problem fixed and more fibre; and lumps, bleeding or straining need a vet promptly.

Cause	Clues	What helps
Full or impacted anal sacs	Fishy smell, licking at the base of the tail, scooting after toileting, firm swelling either side of the anus	Emptying by a vet or vet nurse; firmer stools; weight loss if overweight
Anal sac infection or abscess	Pain, redness, a swelling that may burst and drain blood or pus, reluctance to sit	Vet treatment, often flushing and medication
Tapeworms	Small, flat, rice-like segments on the fur around the bottom or in stools; fleas	A dewormer that covers tapeworms, plus flea control
Itchy skin (allergies)	Also licking paws, scratching ears, red belly or armpits	Find and treat the allergy with your vet
Soft stools or diarrhoea	Loose stools that do not press the sacs empty; sometimes a dirty bottom	Fix the gut problem; add fibre with vet advice
Less common: perianal fistula, tumours, hernia	Open sores, a lump, straining, bleeding, increased thirst in an older dog	Prompt vet examination

Anal gland problems: the most common cause of scooting

Anal sac disorders are one of the most common reasons dogs see a vet. In a VetCompass study of 104,212 dogs attending 110 UK practices, the one-year prevalence of non-cancerous anal sac disorders was 4.40%. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, King Charles Spaniels, Cockapoos, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises and Cocker Spaniels had higher odds than crossbreeds, and flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs had 2.6 times the odds of long-nosed breeds. Labradors, Border Collies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, German Shepherds and Boxers had lower odds (O'Neill et al., 2021).

A Dutch survey of veterinarians found diarrhoea, skin problems, small breed size and obesity in dogs to be predisposing factors, with impaction the form that most often came back (Corbee et al., 2021). Merck adds that poor muscle tone in obese dogs and excess secretion can stop the sacs emptying (Merck Veterinary Manual, owner version).

A data card on anal sac problems in dogs: 4.4% of 104,212 UK dogs were seen for anal sac disorders in one year; flat-faced breeds had 2.6 times the odds; higher-risk breeds include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cockapoos, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises and Cocker Spaniels; and in a 2025 trial, 19% of dogs given a fibre and probiotic chew needed their sacs emptied again by day 120, compared with 61.5% of untreated dogs.

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

We would not, unless your vet has shown you how and recommended it for your dog. Inflamed sacs are very painful, an abscess can be mistaken for simple fullness, and only a rectal examination by a vet can tell the difference. A dog who has never had a problem does not need routine emptying.

Can worms cause scooting?

Yes, especially tapeworms. The common dog tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum, sheds egg-filled segments that pass in the stool and can irritate the skin around the anus (Companion Animal Parasite Council). Dogs catch it by swallowing infected fleas while grooming, so even indoor dogs can get it, and flea control is the critical prevention step (Merck Veterinary Manual). If you see flat, rice-like segments on your dog's fur or bedding, ask your vet for a dewormer that covers tapeworms and treat for fleas at the same time.

Can allergies make a dog scoot?

They can. Skin allergies often make the area around the bottom itchy, and skin problems were one of the predisposing factors for anal sac disease in the Dutch survey (Corbee et al., 2021). If your dog also licks their paws, scratches their ears or has red skin on the belly, the scooting is probably part of a bigger itch. Our guide to paw licking and our supplements for itching comparison cover the next steps.

Does fibre help dog scooting?

Fibre can help when the cause is soft or small stools. Bulkier, firmer stools press on the anal sacs as they pass, helping them empty naturally. Merck notes that supplemental fibre may be recommended to increase faecal bulk and help the sacs empty (Merck Veterinary Manual).

There is now some trial evidence. In a randomised, controlled field trial of 35 dogs with anal sac impaction, 22 dogs were given a chew containing fibre and the probiotic Bacillus velezensis C-3102 for 90 days and 13 had no treatment. By day 120, 61.5% of untreated dogs had needed their sacs emptied again, compared with 19% of dogs on the chew (Salichs et al., 2025). It was a small, industry-funded study that tested one product, but it supports the idea that stool quality matters.

Is pumpkin good for dog scooting?

Pumpkin is a gentle, low-calorie fibre source, but a weak one. Plain canned pumpkin contains about 2.9 g of fibre per 100 g, so a tablespoon (about 15 g) adds under half a gram (USDA FoodData Central). A Tufts veterinary nutritionist estimated that a medium-sized dog would need nearly 12 cups of pumpkin a day to match the fibre in one high-fibre veterinary diet (Tufts University).

So a spoonful of plain pumpkin is fine to try alongside other changes, but it is unlikely to solve recurrent anal sac problems on its own. Your vet may suggest psyllium or a high-fibre diet instead. Never use pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices. Our pumpkin for dogs guide has amounts by weight.

How to stop a dog scooting: a practical plan

Look. Check the area for swelling, redness, wounds, worm segments or stuck faeces. Clean gently with warm water.
See your vet if scooting continues for more than a day or two, or straight away if you see swelling, blood, pus or pain.
Treat the cause: anal sac emptying, a tapeworm dewormer plus flea control, or an allergy plan.
Firm up stools: ask your vet about added fibre or a higher-fibre diet, and change foods gradually.
Keep your dog lean: obesity is a recognised risk factor, and weight loss helps the sacs empty.
Support digestion: a steady gut and consistent stools are the long-term goal. See our dog gut health guide.

When should I take my dog to the vet for scooting?

See a vet promptly if your dog:

Has a swelling, redness, or a wound beside the anus, or blood or pus draining from it
Cries out, will not sit, or strains to pass stools
Keeps scooting for more than a day or two, or scooting keeps coming back
Has a lump near the bottom, especially an older dog that is also drinking more
Has diarrhoea for more than 48 hours, or with blood, vomiting or lethargy
Has worm segments in the stool or on the fur

A see-the-vet card for dog scooting: swelling, redness or a wound beside the anus, or blood or pus; crying out, refusing to sit or straining; scooting that lasts more than a day or two or keeps returning; a lump near the bottom, especially in an older dog drinking more; diarrhoea for more than 48 hours; and worm segments in stools or on fur.

Merck notes that anal sac tumours occur mainly in older dogs and can cause increased thirst through high blood calcium, as well as straining (Merck Veterinary Manual). They are uncommon, but they are why a lump should never be ignored.

AyurPet's take

Scooting is a good example of why we think about the gut first. Ayurveda has long treated healthy digestion and regular, well-formed stools as the base of good health, and here modern veterinary advice lands in the same place: firm stools, a lean dog and a steady gut keep the anal sacs working as they should.

What we would not do is reach for a supplement while a dog is scooting. An inflamed or abscessed anal sac needs a vet, and tapeworms need a dewormer. Once the cause is treated, supporting digestion is a sensible long-term step, alongside the fibre your vet recommends.

If your dog keeps getting anal sac problems, ask your vet about weight, diet and allergies before anything else. Those three answer most repeat cases.

GoodGut+

For dogs prone to soft stools or a sensitive stomach, once your vet has treated any anal sac problem: ten traditional digestive herbs, including Triphala, slippery elm, ginger and fennel, in liquid drops. Customer-rated 4.7 stars. It is not a treatment for anal sac disease or worms. Follow the dosage on the pack.

See GoodGut+

Frequently asked questions

Is dog scooting an emergency?

Usually not, but it can become urgent. See a vet the same day if there is swelling, a wound, blood or pus beside the anus, or if your dog is in pain or straining. Occasional scooting after toileting is less worrying.

How do I know if my dog's anal glands are full?

Common signs are scooting, licking or biting at the base of the tail, a strong fishy smell, and discomfort when sitting or passing stools. Only a vet's examination can confirm whether the sacs are simply full, impacted or infected.

Can I fix scooting at home?

You can clean the area, check for worms and keep stools firm, but you cannot safely diagnose the cause at home. If scooting lasts more than a day or two, or there is swelling or pain, see your vet.

How much pumpkin should I give my dog for scooting?

Sources suggest about 1 teaspoon per meal for small dogs up to 1 to 4 tablespoons for large dogs. A tablespoon of canned pumpkin adds under half a gram of fibre, so it is a gentle aid, not a treatment.

Why does my dog scoot after pooping?

Often because the anal sacs did not empty fully, or stools were soft. A small piece of stuck faeces or an itchy bottom can also do it. If it happens regularly, ask your vet to check the anal sacs.

Which dogs are most prone to anal gland problems?

Small and flat-faced breeds are most affected. In a UK study, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cockapoos, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises and Cocker Spaniels had higher odds, and overweight dogs are also at greater risk.

Can tapeworms cause scooting in dogs?

Yes. Tapeworm segments passing out can irritate the skin around the anus. Dogs catch the common tapeworm by swallowing fleas, so treat for both with your vet's advice.

How we researched this: Written by the AyurPet research team from 9 sources listed below, including a UK study of 104,212 dogs, a controlled trial in dogs with anal sac impaction, and veterinary manual and parasite council guidance. Last reviewed October 2026.

References

O'Neill DG, Hendricks A, Phillips JA, et al. Non-neoplastic anal sac disorders in UK dogs: epidemiology and management aspects of a research-neglected syndrome. Veterinary Record 189(2):e203, 2021. doi.org/10.1002/vetr.203
Corbee RJ, Woldring HH, van den Eijnde LM, Wouters EGH. A cross-sectional study on canine and feline anal sac disease. Animals 12(1):95, 2021. PMC8749694
Salichs M, Beasley S, Homedes J. Efficacy of an oral chew containing fibre and Bacillus velezensis C-3102 in the management of anal sac impaction in dogs. Veterinary Dermatology 36(1):74-82, 2025. PMC11696473
Anal Sac Disease in Dogs and Cats. Merck Veterinary Manual, 2025. merckvetmanual.com
Disorders of the Rectum and Anus in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual, Pet Owner Version, 2024. merckvetmanual.com
Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual, Pet Owner Version. merckvetmanual.com
Dipylidium caninum. Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), 2025. capcvet.org
FoodData Central: pumpkin, canned, without salt. US Department of Agriculture. fdc.nal.usda.gov
People like giving pets pumpkin, but is it good for them? Tufts Now, Tufts University, 2017. now.tufts.edu

Every dog is different. If your dog keeps scooting, see your vet to find the cause before trying home remedies or supplements. If you would like a second opinion, our online vet consultation can help.

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