Dogs wipe their bum on the floor, known as "scooting," primarily due to irritation, itching, or pain from issues like full or infected anal glands, tapeworms, allergies, or loose stools leaving residue. This behavior attempts to relieve discomfort, but frequent scooting signals an underlying health problem, often involving the smelly anal sacs near the anus that can get blocked, infected, or abscessed.
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!
Dog scooting is often due to full anal glands but can also indicate serious issues like abscesses or tumors. Common signs of anal gland problems include scooting, licking the rear end, and foul odor. Treatment options vary and may include gland expression, medications, or surgery.
Occasional scooting might not be a big deal, but if it happens repeatedly or is accompanied by other signs, it's time to check in with us: Your dog is scooting often or obsessively. There's a bad odor, swelling, or discharge near their rear. You notice worms in their stool.
You should keep an eye on them and check how often they are doing it but an occasional scoot is no cause for concern. If your dog is scooting for more than a few days, it might be time for a vet visit.
Home Remedies for Dog Scooting: How to Help Itchy Butts
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
There's an old wives tale out there that claims intestinal worms cause this particular behavior. But more likely than not, it has absolutely nothing to do with worms and everything to do with your pet's anal glands.
Scooting is also a great option if you're looking for something low-impact and high-intensity; unlike running, scooting has less impact on your joints, meaning you'll be able to enjoy a cardiovascular workout without aggravating old injuries or inciting new ones.
When a dog "cobs," it means they are gently nibbling or mouthing with their front teeth, resembling how a person eats corn off a cob; it's usually a sign of affection, bonding (like social grooming), seeking attention, or play, but can also signal boredom or anxiety, and while often harmless, excessive or rough cobbing might warrant a vet visit for potential skin, dental, or stress issues.
A red flag dog behavior signals deep fear, stress, or potential aggression, going beyond normal misbehavior, and includes intense growling/snapping without cause, sudden aggression in a calm dog, persistent hiding, resource guarding (food aggression), freezing, destructive behavior linked to separation anxiety, or signs of extreme anxiety like trembling, lip-licking, and tail-tucking, indicating underlying problems needing professional intervention.
Here are safe, vet-informed home remedies to help relieve scooting and prevent it from becoming a chronic issue.
What are the symptoms of blocked anal glands in dogs?
Signs of worms in dogs include a pot-bellied appearance, weight loss, diarrhea (possibly with blood/mucus), vomiting, lethargy, a dull coat, changes in appetite, and scooting (dragging their rear on the ground). You might also see worms or "rice-like" segments in their stool or vomit, and puppies often show these signs more prominently, needing quick treatment to avoid serious issues like anemia or blockages.
Occasional scooting might not be a big deal, but if your dog is doing it frequently or showing signs of pain, it's time for a veterinary checkup. Left untreated, impacted anal sacs can lead to infection, abscesses, and even rupture—painful conditions that require immediate care.
Dogs typically scoot when they feel itching, pain, or swelling, but identifying the cause can be tricky without professional help. Common causes include anal gland issues, skin irritation, allergies, or even intestinal parasites. Each of these triggers discomfort that a dog instinctively tries to relieve by scooting.
Scooter riding combines aerobic and balance exercises with strength and reactivity (agility) training – all the components of physical fitness that scientists consider to be the foundation of vitality in later life.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND SCOOTING
A study at the University of Brighton found that scooting for 45 minutes burns an average of 350 calories an hour? That's equivalent to around 1lb a week weight loss. In comparison, walking for 45 minutes burns 149 calories, cycling 270 calories and running 450 calories.
Not only is scooting fun, but it burns far more calories than walking or cycling. Only 10 minutes of scooting can burn 140 calories, cycling 120 in an hour (on flat terrain), and walking at 3mph will only burn 70 calories in 20 minutes.
Visible worms in stool
It can be startling to see small, rice-like segments or long, spaghetti-like strands in your dog's feces. These are typically tapeworms and roundworms making an unwelcome appearance. Tapeworm segments may also stick to the fur around the anus of your dog or even move on fresh bowel movements.
Vomiting or diarrhea. Blood in feces or urine. Increased frequency of urination. Coughing or sneezing.
Any time the anal glands CAN'T empty themselves, is when you should call the vet (not the groomer!!!!). If your dog (or cat!) is scooting and/or licking and/or scratching and/or suddenly turning around and looking at her butt all the time, to the vet she goes!
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog. If you didn't know about this rule, chances are your friends don't, either.