Why Do Dogs Scoot on Their Butts?

All dogs have butts. And similarly, many dogs will at one point or another scoot on their butt across the floor, grass, or even sidewalk (yep, it happens).

While this behavior can be a bit embarrassing if guests are over, it’s actually something you should try to diagnose and resolve sooner rather than later.

In most cases scooting is just a sign of full or irritated anal glands. But, in some cases, it can actually be a more serious sign of health problems!

So, let’s learn all about scooting. Here’s what we will cover:

-The main reason dogs scoot, full anal glands

-What are anal glands

-Other behaviors/signs you may see associated with scooting

-Other (less likely) reasons your dog is scooting across the floor

-What you should do if your dog is scooting

-What you should NOT do when your dog scoots

-How to prevent anal gland issues and scooting

Trust me when I tell you that you’re gonna run into this throughout your dog’s life, so it’s important to learn the ins and outs of the scoot. 

If you just want the simple answer, this is it…

The main reason dogs scoot on their butts is that their anal glands/sacs are itchy and/or full.

So, you might be wondering what in the world anal glands are. Let’s cover that. ⤵️

While you’ll more commonly hear the term anal glands, it’s actually the anal sacs that get filled and irritated for your dog.

Let’s break this down as simply as possible.

All dogs, male and female, have anal sacs (inside their anus) that are filled with foul-smelling fluid. The purpose of this fluid is essentially a “calling card” with their information. 

PS- That’s part of why dogs like to sniff each other’s butts and feces.

The fluid passes out of the sacs, through a duct, and then out of the anus, typically at the end of a bowel movement.

But sometimes the fluid doesn’t make it out as it should.

When that happens, you get a build-up in the sacs (often stemming from the ducts being clogged or irritated) that causes pain, inflammation, and general discomfort for your dog. This can also turn into Anal Sac Disease, especially if left untreated.

This leads us to why anal glands are often the root cause of a scooting dog… 👇

When your dog’s anal glands are full it can be quite uncomfortable for them. Think of how you’d feel if you constantly felt snot in your nose but were unable to blow it out… 

Fun topics, right? 😉

Scooting can do two things for your dog: 

-Comfort and itch relief

-Hopefully, it encourages the anal glands to discharge the liquid

Dogs scooting on their butt across the floor is common. Dogs typically scoot because their anal glands are full, irritated, and/or itchy.

Again, if you suspect this to be the case then please consult your vet. If anal gland issues go untreated they can become increasingly worse for your dog’s health!

And don’t stop your dog mid-scoot. Let them scoot and then work on finding a solution and remedy for the root problem.

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