put a stop to puppy butt dragging
Getting to the bottom of your pup’s anal gland issues
Is your pup dragging its butt along the floor? Don’t be embarrassed. Sure, no one brags about how well their pup scoots on its butt, and it can certainly be uncomfortable to watch. But butt scooting is often caused by irritation in the rectal area — so, trust us, if it makes you uncomfortable, just imagine how your puppy feels.
![A cartoon dog scooting on the floor.](/-/media/Project/Banfield/Main/en/Wellness_at_Banfield/Puppy_Hub/Scooting_Bottom/0040_02_Animation.gif?h=600&w=800&rev=8a57e220634d4d72882f3463c6f4506f&hash=E2B8DD12A7ADC17B52CE7ED9137A8CD4)
A butt across the floor often means anal sac issues
Scooting is your pup’s way of finding relief when their rectal area is sore or irritated, similar to how we scratch an itch. One likely cause is anal sac impaction. Your doggy has two anal sacs, or glands, one on each side of their anus. These glands release a liquid when your dog poops (or sometimes when they get scared or nervous). If these anal sacs become blocked, they swell with fluid and cause major discomfort for your pup.
Dog scooting usually means your dog’s anus needs help
Pups often scoot in an attempt to express their anal sacs and release the fluid, but it doesn’t always work. Without relief, your dog may develop an anal sac infection, or their anal sacs can rupture (yikes!). Happily, your veterinary team can check the situation, express the sacs, and relieve the pressure (and your worry).
![veterinarian pets collie puppy.](/-/media/Project/Banfield/Main/en/Wellness_at_Banfield/Puppy_Hub/Scooting_Bottom/veterinarian-pets-collie-puppy.jpeg?h=1153&w=1536&rev=dd2ab4a51575467c970d2a104fc96e7b&hash=F0577DD598CB59BAB34C6A7036E1B59E)
Yes, you should probably call your vet
Other reasons puppies scoot can include:
- Anal sac infection
- Anal sac rupture
- Dermatitis in the rectal area
- Intestinal parasites
- Diarrhea
- Tumors or masses in the rectal area
- Other underlying medical issues
Scoot on over to Banfield
We’re here for the love, health, and happiness of your doggy BFF, and that includes help for their scooting butt. We can take a look under the tail and help resolve any issues we may find there.
Make an appointment