Scooting Dogs

Some call it the "butt scooting boogie," but most would call it "gross." Regardless of what you refer to it as, there are number of reasons your dog is scooting his or her butt across your favorite rug. 

One of the most common reasons your dog may be scooting is because he or she is expressing their anal sacs. Anal sacs are two grape-sized pouches located on either side of the anus that fill with a foul fishy smelling oily yellow-brown fluid that dogs use to mark their territory. Each sac has a small duct that will normally drain this fluid during a bowel movement. However, sometimes these ducts can become clogged causing the anal sacs to fill and your dog to feel uncomfortable. This is usually when you will see your dog do the dreaded butt drag, often accompanied with the unforgettable smell of anal sacs. Should the anal sacs continue to fill, this may lead to an anal sac impaction, rupture, or infection. 

While small breed dogs such as miniature poodles, toy poodles, and Chihuahuas are more predisposed to anal sac issues, your dog may also be more prone if they have chronically soft feces, recent diarrhea, excessive secretions, or poor muscle tone. Cats also have anal sacs, however, anal sac issues are much less common. Though a veterinarian or veterinary technician can manually empty these anal sacs (or if you are brave enough to empty them yourself), this may be a sign of other problems if your dog continues to scoot, lick or bite at their butt, or strain to defecate. Other common causes of scooting include intestinal parasites, fleas, allergies, or irritation from debris in the fur. 

article written by:

Kathrine Anderson, DVM

Norwood Park Animal Hospital

Companion Animal Hospital of Norridge

Norridge, IL