Scooting After Pooping: Weird Things Dogs Do Explained

Dogs do many adorable things. But they’re also pretty weird and can do some embarrassing (and seriously disgusting) things. However, as off-putting as it might be, dogs are usually just carrying out very instinctive animal behaviors. Dogs are dogs at the end of the day. Understanding why dogs do particular behaviors, like butt scooting, will make it easier to know what weird behavior is actually pretty normal and what is not.

So, why do dogs scoot their butts on the floor?

Commonly known as butt scooting, seeing a dog drag their bum across the ground can be kind of a comical sight… when outside. But on the carpet, it is a different matter. And what if that carpet is at your in-law’s house? Well, that’s not so funny.

Dogs scoot in almost all cases because something is irritating their anus. The causes range from something as simple as an itch to more serious issues such as worms, wounds, or tumors. It is well worth taking note of how often your dog does this, as a trip to the vet may be necessary to address a medical issue.

Common causes of butt scooting.

• Irritation

• Infection

• Parasites

• Tumors

You might not know that your dog has anal glands just inside the rectum. These glands secrete a liquid with unique scent characters that identify one dog from another and provide other information. When dogs greet each other, they are sniffing these glands. Unfortunately, it’s these glands that can often cause an issue.

Dogs do not excessively scoot “just because,” there’s usually something irritating their butt. So, knowing what to look out for can help you take appropriate action to address a more serious problem.

Irritated Butt

If your dog regularly collects small amounts of poop on their butt (yep, we’re talking dingleberries), you should clean the area when returning from walks. It is important to keep their butts clean, as it prevents bacteria from going back into the anal passage and infections from occurring, and it can also cause itchiness. Dogs that have been recently groomed can also feel discomfort or itchiness. Allergies might be another source to consider if your dog seems excessively itchy in other areas.

Infected Anal Sacs

One common cause of continuous scooting is a problem with your dog’s anal sacs. If you can smell a foul odor coming from this region or see bleeding, this generally indicates that the anal glands are impacted or infected, and you should visit your vet. Some dogs need to have their anal sacs drained regularly. If these glands get blocked, the secretion is unable to be expressed. Once squeezed, the impact on your dog’s scooting is immediate.

Worms or Parasites

When inspecting at home, if you see tiny white specs that resemble grains of rice, it is likely your dog has tapeworms. Tapeworms cause a lot of irritation and discomfort for your dog. Unlike worms, you might not be able to see other parasites. If your dog is dragging their bum along the ground more than once or twice a week, accompanied by licking, biting, and generally seeming agitated, you should visit the vet.

Be sure to check your pup’s rear.

If you suspect that there is something more to your dog’s scooting than an itch or an attempt to clean more thoroughly after a bout of diarrhea, you can check your dog’s bum before going to the veterinary clinic. Make sure that you use gloves and lift your dog’s tail. The anus should be clean and free from any smells.