Dog Scooting: It's Probably Not Worms

Why is your dog scooting? It is most likely anal glands, not worms. Learn the real causes and when to see the vet.

TL;DR: Why is my dog scooting?

If your dog is dragging their bottom across the floor, the most common culprit is full or impacted anal glands. Other potential causes include food allergies, a lack of dietary fiber, or skin irritation. If the scooting is frequent, accompanied by a strong fishy odor, or you notice redness, it is time to visit the vet to have their glands checked and expressed.

The Real Reason Behind the Scoot

Seeing your dog drag their butt across the living room rug is usually a mix of funny and concerning. Most people immediately assume their dog has worms. Parasites can cause itching. The reality is usually much less dramatic and a bit more gross. The primary reason dogs scoot is that their anal glands are full and uncomfortable.

I'm not a vet, but here's what I've learned managing two dogs with very different health profiles. Alice is a senior Chow Shepherd born in 2016 with a history of allergies and a very sensitive stomach. Dodo is a Mini Chowdoodle puppy born in late 2025 who is still figuring out the world. Their different health profiles mean I have seen my fair share of digestive and skin issues over the years.

Understanding Anal Glands

Dogs have two small sacs located on either side of their anus, positioned roughly at the four o'clock and eight o'clock marks. These glands secrete a strong-smelling fluid that acts as a scent marker when they poop. This is why dogs are so interested in sniffing each other's rear ends when they meet. It is a way of exchanging information about their identity and health status. Normally, the pressure of a firm stool passing through the rectum is enough to empty these sacs naturally.

Sometimes things do not work as intended. If a dog's stool is too soft, it will not exert enough pressure to empty the glands. The fluid builds up and becomes uncomfortable. Scooting is your dog's attempt to relieve that pressure and itchiness. You might also notice them licking the area excessively or a distinct unpleasant fishy smell lingering around them. Some dogs will even chase their tails more frequently when their glands are bothering them.

Worms vs. Glands: Spotting the Difference

It is easy to see why people blame worms for scooting. Tapeworms can cause itchiness around the rear. If your dog has tapeworms, you will usually see physical evidence. Tapeworm segments look like small grains of rice and can often be found in your dog's stool or stuck to the fur around their anus.

Worms are unlikely to be the issue if you do not see any rice-like segments and your dog is up to date on their preventative parasite medication. The presence of a fishy odor points directly to the anal glands. A quick check of their stool and their rear end can help you figure out which problem you are dealing with. Your vet can also perform a simple fecal test to rule out parasites completely.

The Role of Diet and Fiber

Diet plays a massive part in keeping those glands emptying properly. Since firm stools are required for natural expression, a lack of dietary fiber is often the root cause of soft stools and subsequent gland issues. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, which provides the necessary pressure against the gland walls during a bowel movement.

Alice has always had a sensitive stomach. Finding the right balance of fiber for her took some trial and error. Adding a bit of plain canned pumpkin to her meals helped firm up her stool significantly. Make sure to use plain pureed pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains spices and sugars that are bad for dogs. You can also look into specific high-fiber dog foods or fiber supplements designed for pets. Psyllium husk powder is another option that many vets recommend for bulking up stool.

Dodo is currently navigating the puppy phase where her digestive system is still maturing. We monitor her stool consistency closely to ensure she is digesting her food well. Puppies can have unpredictable bowel movements as they try new treats and their bodies grow. If you are adjusting their diet, doing it gradually is important to avoid causing more stomach upset. You might want to read about Can Dogs Eat Rice? if you are looking for bland diet options during a stomach flare-up.

Food Allergies and Skin Irritation

Another major factor to consider is food allergies. Allergic reactions in dogs often manifest as skin irritation, and the area around their rear end is no exception. If the skin is itchy and inflamed from an allergy, they will scoot to scratch the itch. Common allergens include beef and chicken.

Alice's allergies have caused her to have itchy skin in the past. We had to work with our vet to identify her triggers and switch her to a limited ingredient diet. It took a few months to see the full benefits of the diet change, but her skin issues improved dramatically. If your dog is scooting but their glands are empty, an underlying allergy might be the culprit. Environmental allergies can also cause similar symptoms, so keeping track of when the scooting happens can be helpful for your vet.

How to Know if Glands Need Expressing

You can usually tell when the glands are the problem. The scooting will be persistent. The fishy odor is a very strong indicator. You might also see them suddenly sitting down awkwardly or constantly turning around to inspect their rear.

Some groomers offer gland expression as part of their services. I prefer having the vet do it. Vets can express the glands internally, which is more thorough and allows them to check for any signs of infection or impaction that a groomer might miss. Groomers typically express externally, which can sometimes leave fluid behind or cause tissue damage if done incorrectly. A vet can also assess the consistency of the fluid, which helps determine if there is an underlying infection.

When to Call the Vet

Scooting is a symptom that warrants a vet visit if it continues for more than a day or two. You should definitely call your vet if you notice any of the following:

Impacted glands can become infected and even rupture if left untreated. This is incredibly painful for the dog and requires antibiotics and pain management. It is always better to get it checked early. The vet visit is usually quick and provides immediate relief for your dog.

A Reassuring Note

Dealing with anal gland issues is a very normal part of dog ownership. It is not the most glamorous topic, but it is highly treatable. Whether it requires a simple diet adjustment for more fiber or a quick trip to the vet for an expression, your dog will be feeling much better soon. If you are navigating other common dog health questions, check out our post on Can Dogs Eat Grapes? to keep your pup safe.