Why Is My Dog Scooting? Anal Glands, Digestion & What You Need to Know

We've all seen it: your dog suddenly sits down, stretches out their back legs and drags their bottom across the floor. It might look funny, but dog scooting is usually a sign that something isn't quite right.

One possible cause is a problem with your dog's anal glands – two small sacs that normally empty naturally when your dog goes to the toilet.

So why do some dogs seem to have repeated anal gland problems? And what does digestion – and even the consistency of your dog's poo – have to do with it?

What are a dog's anal glands?

Dogs have two small anal sacs located just inside their bottom. They contain a strong-smelling fluid that plays a part in scent communication.

Normally, pressure created as your dog passes a firm stool helps the anal glands empty naturally.

Most dogs go through life without us ever needing to think about their anal glands. However, if the glands don't empty properly, they can become full or blocked, causing discomfort and sometimes leading to more serious problems.

Why is my dog scooting their bottom?

Anal gland problems are one possible reason for scooting, but they're not the only cause. Worms, itchy skin, irritation or something stuck around your dog's bottom can also cause them to drag their bottom along the floor.

Signs that can be associated with anal gland problems include:

• Scooting or dragging the bottom along the floor
• Licking or nibbling around the bottom
• A strong or fishy smell
• Suddenly turning to look at their back end
• Discomfort when sitting down
• Straining or appearing uncomfortable when pooing

If your dog is repeatedly scooting or seems uncomfortable, don't assume it's simply something they do. It's worth finding out what's causing it.

Why does my dog smell fishy?

If you've suddenly noticed a strong, unpleasant or fishy smell coming from your dog, their anal glands could be responsible.

The fluid inside the anal sacs naturally has a very strong smell. Occasionally a dog may release a small amount, but a persistent fishy smell – particularly alongside scooting, licking or discomfort – can be a sign that the anal glands need veterinary attention.

What does poo have to do with anal glands?

Quite a lot!

When a dog passes a well-formed stool, it creates pressure around the anal glands, helping them empty naturally.

Very soft or loose stools may not create the same pressure. This is one reason why dogs with recurring digestive upset or consistently soft stools can sometimes experience problems with their anal glands too.

This is also why digestive health and stool quality are worth considering when looking at longer-term anal gland support.

Can fibre help support normal anal gland function?

Fibre can help support normal bowel function and healthy stool consistency.

For some dogs prone to anal gland problems, a diet containing appropriate fibre can help produce firmer, bulkier stools. These can place more natural pressure on the anal glands as the dog goes to the toilet, helping them empty as they should.

However, simply adding large amounts of fibre isn't necessarily the answer. Every dog's digestive needs are different, and sudden dietary changes can cause digestive upset.

Instead, think about your dog's digestive health as a whole – including the quality of their diet, fibre intake, stool consistency and any recurring digestive problems.

What does a healthy dog poo look like?

It's not the most glamorous subject, but your dog's poo can tell you a lot about their digestive health.

Ideally, stools should be well formed and firm enough to pick up easily, without being excessively hard or dry.

An occasional softer stool isn't necessarily a cause for concern. Changes in food, excitement, stress and eating something unusual can all temporarily affect digestion.

However, if your dog regularly produces very soft stools, has persistent diarrhoea or their poo has noticeably changed, it's worth discussing this with your vet.

Why do some dogs have recurring anal gland problems?

There isn't always one single cause. Some dogs are simply more prone to anal gland problems than others.

Factors can include consistently soft stools, being overweight, individual anatomy and other underlying health issues. Dogs with allergic skin disease may also experience recurring anal gland problems.

If your dog regularly needs their anal glands emptied, it's worth discussing the pattern with your vet rather than simply treating each episode in isolation.

Should dogs have their anal glands emptied regularly?

Healthy anal glands should usually empty naturally and don't generally need to be routinely expressed if there isn't a problem.

If your dog is regularly scooting or showing signs of discomfort, speak to your vet rather than simply arranging repeated gland emptying without investigating why it's happening.

Your vet can check whether the anal glands are actually the cause and advise you on the best approach if your dog experiences recurring problems.

Supporting your dog's digestion from within

Good digestive health is about much more than avoiding an upset tummy.

A healthy digestive system supports normal bowel function, nutrient absorption and good stool consistency – all important parts of your dog's everyday wellbeing.

For dogs prone to anal gland issues, Proflax Bottoms Up Anal Gland Support provides targeted nutritional support for healthy stool consistency and normal anal gland function.

If your dog needs broader digestive support, Proflax Tummy Tastic provides prebiotic and probiotic support to help maintain a healthy, balanced gut.

You can also explore our full range of digestion and gut health supplements for dogs to find the most suitable support for your dog's individual needs.

When should I take my dog to the vet?

Scooting doesn't automatically mean your dog has blocked anal glands, so it's important not to self-diagnose.

Speak to your vet if your dog is repeatedly scooting, licking their bottom excessively, struggling or showing pain when pooing, or if you notice swelling, blood, discharge, a wound or a persistent strong smell.

Blocked anal glands can become infected and may develop into a painful abscess if left untreated, so don't try to treat a suspected blockage or infection yourself.

Look beyond the scoot

If your dog has recurring anal gland problems, it's worth looking at the bigger picture.

What's their poo normally like? Do they regularly have soft stools? Are they prone to digestive upset? Are they maintaining a healthy weight?

Supporting healthy digestion and good stool consistency won't prevent every anal gland problem, but it can be an important part of supporting normal anal gland function in dogs who are prone to difficulties.

Sometimes your dog's bottom really can tell you something about what's happening in their gut!