Last Updated: 12/08/2025
Why is your dog scooting? Our vets explain the most common culprits and help you to find the right treatment to bring your dog relief.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 3 minutes - short read
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
Which Flea and Worming Product Does Your Dog Need?
Humans may have perfected the subtle butt scratch in public but our canine friends still seem to be learning the delicacy of this art. When I brought my pooches into the office recently, one of them had an instant affinity to the carpet and before long, was quite conspicuously scooting his derriere across the office floor. Maybe it's the fervent lip licking or the thought of their bare bumhole scraping against the carpet but there is just something about scooting that is disturbing to watch.
Truth be told, it can also be quite entertaining to watch their little legs poised perfectly straight out front as they joyfully scoot around. That's one of the reasons why we love dogs right? Their shame free approach to life and utter lack of inhibitions.
Aside from the laughter and slight embarrassment, bum scooting is usually a sign your dog is experiencing irritation around the anus.
Dogs have two glands located around their anus at five and seven o'clock positions. Aside from urination, a dog's scent is spread from their anal glands, a high wagging tail helps to spread their scent while a still, tucked tail helps to hide it. Anal glands are naturally expressed from the stretching of the sphincter during bowel movements however they can become blocked resulting in a buildup of fluid.
Anal glands can become impacted if the duct is obstructed or has suffered physical trauma. Dogs will try to alleviate discomfort or pain caused from irritated anal sacs by scooting their bum across the floor as well as licking or biting near the anus and around the base of the tail.
Inflammation can affect anal glands if they have been expressed incorrectly or too frequently. Avoid manually draining your dog's anal sacs if it is not required as this may inhibit the dog's ability to express the fluid naturally. Increasing stool firmness by feeding a high fibre diet can help as it increases pressure on the sphincter's muscles to trigger fluid elimination.
For more information, check out our article on Anal Gland Issues in Dogs.
If your dog's anal sacs are functioning normally, another common cause of the booty scoot could be some unfriendly parasites. Tapeworm is an intestinal worm that is contracted from eating an infected flea.
Tapeworm can be treated easily with all-wormers like Drontal. Regularly treating your dog for fleas will reduce exposure to potentially infected fleas. Nexgard Spectra chews and Bravecto spot on and chew treatments both offer monthly coverage from fleas.
Tapeworm infestations can easily be identified in your pooch's feces. Tapeworm bodies are made up of many segments and when these break off or are shed, they are eliminated as waste. The segments look similar to grains of rice in terms of shape, size and sometimes colour. You may also be able to see shed segments on the fur near your pet's anus or in their bed.
So, while a scoot across the carpet might provide a moment of amusement, it's almost always your dog's way of telling you something is irritating them. The two most common culprits are impacted anal glands or a tapeworm infestation.
Your first steps are simple: ensure your dog is up-to-date with a quality all-wormer and consider if their diet has enough fibre to help them express their glands naturally. If the scooting continues, or if your dog appears to be in pain, it's time to stop guessing. A trip to your vet is the best way to get to the bottom of the problem and get your dog's rear end feeling comfortable again.
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
Most dogs do the bum run because of irritated anal glands or an intestinal worming problem.
If your dog has very soft or runny stools, add more fibre to their diet such as Psylium Husk or try an anal gland support supplement. Most light or weight loss dog foods have a higher fibre content than regular maintenance diets. If your dog is still unable to naturally relieve their anal glands, consult your vet or groomer to get them manually expressed.
Tapeworm infestations can be quickly exterminated with allwormers Drontal or Milbemax. Infestations can be easily identified as white, rice-like segments in the stools or around the anus.
