Why Is My Dog (or Cat) Dragging Their Butt?
Why Is My Dog (or Cat) Dragging Their Butt?
It’s iconic—and a little embarrassing. One moment your pet is trotting along happily, and the next, they plop down and begin dragging their backside across the grass, the driveway… or worse, your brand new rug. It’s a sight every pet owner is familiar with, but do you know what’s really behind it?
Most people jump to one conclusion: worms. While intestinal parasites can occasionally cause itchiness around the rear, they’re rarely the real culprit. In most cases, the cause of that infamous behavior—known more professionally as scooting—can be traced back to two small but mighty glands: the anal glands.
What Are Anal Glands?
Anal glands (or anal sacs) are two tiny, grape-sized scent glands located just inside your pet’s anus, positioned at about 4 and 8 o’clock if you imagine the area as a clock face. These glands are naturally designed to secrete a strong-smelling fluid every time your pet defecates. This scent-marking is a natural behavior and is actually how dogs and cats communicate with each other—yes, that's what they’re sniffing for during those tail-to-nose greetings!
So Why Do Pets Scoot?
The problem arises when these glands don’t empty properly. If your pet’s stool is too soft or inconsistent, it may not apply enough pressure to express the fluid naturally. Over time, this fluid builds up, thickens, and the glands can become impacted, inflamed, or even infected. That leads to intense itching, irritation, and sometimes pain.
Your pet can’t reach back there and scratch, so they resort to the next best thing: scooting across a rough surface to get some relief. Carpet, grass, gravel, concrete—anything that provides friction.
Other signs your pet might have anal gland issues include:
Frequent licking or biting at the rear
A sudden obsession with their backside
A foul, fishy odor coming from the area
Swelling or redness near the anus
Reluctance to sit or sudden discomfort when doing so
How Can You Help?
1. Add Fiber to Their Diet
Firm stools help naturally express the anal glands. Adding fiber—such as canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling), psyllium husk, or fiber-rich dog food—can encourage better bowel movements and reduce the chance of blockage.
2. Regular Exercise and Hydration
Keeping your pet active helps stimulate the digestive system, which in turn promotes regular bowel movements and gland expression. Hydration is key, too, to prevent overly dry or inconsistent stools.
3. Routine Anal Gland Checks
If your pet is prone to gland issues, your vet or a professional groomer can manually express them. While this isn’t always necessary for every dog, some breeds (especially smaller dogs like Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Poodles) are more susceptible to recurring blockages.
4. Investigate Underlying Allergies or Infections
Sometimes, chronic anal gland issues are linked to food or environmental allergies. If the problem keeps returning, it’s worth consulting your veterinarian. They might recommend a hypoallergenic diet, anti-inflammatory medications, or antibiotics if infection is present.
The Bottom Line
Scooting may look funny, but it’s usually a sign that something’s off with your pet’s health. Anal glands may be small, but they can cause big discomfort. By staying proactive with diet, hygiene, and regular checkups, you can help your furry friend keep their backside itch-free—and your rugs intact.
Because when the glands are healthy, life isn’t such a drag.