Do your dogs drag their butt on the floor? Don’t feel bad, this is an extremely common canine behavior known as scooting and chances are, you have seen at least once or twice during company visit when their bottom moves across the floor! Nobody can resist watching your pup scoot across when there is company over!

This article covers some of the primary causes for scooting and how to identify its underlying source as well as steps you can take to prevent future episodes.

Have You Seen Your Dog Scooting Around on the Floor?
Have You Noticed That Your Dog Is Scooting across the Floor or Grass? This behavior, known as Scooting, is common among dogs. Scooting may have multiple causes including inflammation and infection causing discomfort for both animal and owner; other common reasons could include:

Anal gland issues / Tapeworms/ and Excess Fecal Matter
Allergies
While watching your dog scoot across your carpet may not be ideal, it is essential not to punish them; they’re doing it because they’re uncomfortable. Locating what causes irritation may prove challenging but once identified you will be able to relieve their distress and reduce further scooting episodes.

Anal Gland Issues Can Lead to Irritation and Scooting
Anal glands (sometimes known as anal sacs ) becoming full are one of the primary reasons that dogs start scooting on the floor, though this topic can be uncomfortable to discuss. But anal gland issues are fairly prevalent and impact many pets.

Anal glands are two sacs located either side of your dog’s anus that contain oil & sweat glands and secrete an unpleasant odour when blocked. One of the first symptoms a blocked anal sac presents itself with is scooting their butts across the floor – one sure sign it needs attention!

Some dogs may become prone to having their anal glands become blocked due to thicker fluid that’s unable to pass freely to the outside, leading to infection of their sac and potentially leading to significant pain and irritation that ultimately may require surgery for correction.

if you suspect your pet may have an anal gland issue, consult a veterinarian immediately. Though technically you could empty their anal glands yourself, for your own safety it would be beneficial for a veterinarian to guide and teach you through this procedure and also check whether any underlying issues exist.

Tapeworms Are Often to Blame for Dogs Dragging Their Butts on the Ground A common reason why dogs drag their butts across the floor is tapeworm infection, typically gained through ingestion of an infected host such as fleas.

One symptom of tapeworm infestation for dogs can be seen when their butt scoots across the floor due to irritation caused by tapeworm segments. Worms develop in your pup’s intestines and exit through their anus causing irritation in their surroundings – when these segments leave they can cause localized irritation around their rear end area (they resemble miniature white or golden pieces of rice).