Why Is My Dog Scooting? Anal Sacs: Everything You Didn’t Want to Know

If you’ve ever seen your dog dragging their rear across the floor, you’ve probably wondered, “Why is my dog scooting?” While it might be amusing at first, frequent scooting is a sign that something isn’t quite right—most often, it’s related to the anal sacs (also called anal glands).

What Are Anal Sacs, and Why Do They Matter?

Dogs have two small sacs located just inside their anus. These sacs contain a strong-smelling liquid that helps with scent marking—think of it as a dog’s unique calling card. Under normal circumstances, these sacs empty naturally when your dog poops.

However, when the sacs don’t empty properly, problems arise. The fluid inside can thicken, become impacted, or even lead to infection. Scooting is your dog’s way of trying to relieve the discomfort.

Signs of Anal Sac Problems

If your dog is experiencing anal sac issues, you might notice:

✔️ Scooting (dragging their bottom on the floor)

✔️ Licking or chewing at the rear

✔️ A strong, fishy odor

✔️ Straining to poop or discomfort while sitting

✔️ Swelling or redness near the anus

What Causes Anal Sac Problems?

Several factors can contribute to anal sac issues, including:

✔️ Soft stools or chronic diarrhea – If your dog’s stool isn’t firm enough, the sacs may not empty naturally.

✔️ Obesity – Extra weight can put pressure on the sacs, making it harder for them to drain.

✔️ Allergies – Food or environmental allergies can contribute to inflammation and irritation.

✔️ Breed predisposition – Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Poodles tend to have more frequent issues.

What Can You Do?

If you suspect your dog has an anal sac issue, a veterinary visit is the best next step. At Animal Medical Center, we can examine your dog, manually express the sacs if needed, and check for any infections or underlying problems.

We are also happy to teach you how to do this if you are interested in doing it yourself.

For dogs with recurring issues, we may recommend:

✔️ A high-fiber diet to promote firmer stools and natural sac emptying.

✔️ Regular expression (by a veterinary nurse or you can learn to do it yourself).

✔️ Allergy management if inflammation is a contributing factor.

✔️ Surgical removal in severe, chronic cases (a last-resort option).

When to See the Vet

Occasional scooting might not be a big deal, but if your dog is doing it frequently or showing signs of pain, it’s time for a veterinary checkup. Left untreated, impacted anal sacs can lead to infection, abscesses, and even rupture—painful conditions that require immediate care.

If your pup has been scooting more than usual, give us a call at Animal Medical Center in Morgantown! Our team can help relieve their discomfort and get their tail wagging again.

📞 Call us at 304-292-0126 or schedule an appointment online at www.morgantownamc.com