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 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).

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

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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.

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