Dog Scooting & Butt Dragging
Dragging the rear on the floor or licking under the tail — most often anal gland irritation, but allergies and parasites can contribute.
Causes
6
Red flags
5
Prone breeds
8
Related
3
Good fit for telehealth
Occasional scooting can wait for a routine appointment. Pain, swelling, blood, pus, or repeated scooting despite anal gland expression should be checked by a vet.
When to call the vet now
Any of these signs means telehealth isn't enough — get in-person vet care today.
- ×swelling, bleeding, or pus near the anus
- ×crying or snapping when rear end is touched
- ×scooting with diarrhea or weight loss
- ×repeated scooting after glands were recently expressed
- ×visible worms or rice-like segments near stool
Common causes
- —full or impacted anal glands
- —anal gland infection or abscess
- —allergies causing rear-end itch
- —tapeworms or other parasites
- —diarrhea or soft stool irritating the area
- —matted hair or skin irritation under the tail
Breeds most prone to scooting & butt dragging
Not exhaustive — any dog can have this. These breeds are just more commonly affected.
Cocker Spaniel
small · Popular AKC breed
Beagle
small · Top 10 AKC breed
Basset Hound
medium · Popular AKC breed
Bulldog (English)
medium · Top 10 AKC breed
French Bulldog
small · Top 10 AKC breed
Pug
small · Popular AKC breed
Shih Tzu
toy · Popular AKC breed
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
toy · Popular AKC breed
What can help
Products and services matched to this symptom.
Dutch
24/7 vet care and prescriptions delivered
- —Unlimited vet chats
- —Rx delivered to door
- —$11/month
- —Covers anxiety, allergies, derm
Vetster
Book online vet appointments with licensed professionals
- —Licensed vets online
- —24/7 appointment access
- —Video, chat, and voice
- —Prescription support where permitted
Zesty Paws Allergy & Immune
Seasonal allergy + immune support chews
- —NASC Quality Seal
- —Seasonal allergy support
- —Salmon oil for skin
- —Chewable, dogs love them
The Farmer's Dog
Fresh, human-grade food portioned for your dog
- —Human-grade fresh food
- —Portioned per dog
- —Vet-developed recipes
- —50% off first box
Ollie
Fresh food with both cooked and baked recipes
- —Fresh and baked recipes
- —Turkey, beef, lamb, chicken proteins
- —Custom portions
- —60% off first box
Related symptoms
Searchbreed is not a veterinary service and does not diagnose or prescribe. This is educational content to help you understand your dog's symptoms. For diagnosis and treatment, talk to a licensed vet.