If your dog scoots repeatedly, it’s not because it’s trying to be cute. Dog scooting is often a symptom of different dog diseases. As disturbing as this is, you can use easy home remedies for dog scooting to alleviate your pup’s discomfort.

Discover why your dog scoots, what you can do, and when to take your pup to the vet.

Why Does Your Dog Scoot?

Impacted Anal Glands

This is the most common reason why your dog scoots its butt. There are two tiny sacs called anal glands on each side of your dog's anus. These glands secrete an oily substance with an unpleasant odor. Every time your dog has a bowel movement, the anal glands are evacuated.

But, sometimes, your dog’s anal glands may get impacted or plugged. And it can lead to further issues like anal abscesses that make pooping painful. Your dog may drag their bottom across the floor to relieve the discomfort.

Intestinal Worms

When your dog is suffering from an infestation of intestinal worms, it might scoot more often than usual. Your dog can contract any of these worms by eating fleas or tapeworm larvae. Your dog can also ingest roundworms by sniffing, licking, or eating roundworm eggs.

If the scooting is a result of intestinal parasites, you might also notice some of these symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Bloating
• Presence of adult worms in your dog's feces

Inflamed Anal Sacs

A clogged anal sac can easily become inflamed, especially if your dog has diarrhea or loose stools. This is because small and soft bowel movements don't exert enough pressure to clear the anal sacs.

Your dog might experience severe pain and discomfort if the anal sacs fill up without being emptied.

Other Symptoms of anal sac Inflammation include:

• Discomfort
• Sitting awkwardly
• Licking or biting the anal sac
• Foul smell from the anal region

Skin Allergies or Irritation

A simple itch can also cause scooting in dogs. However, a frequent recurrence is an indication of skin irritation. You can check beneath your dog’s tail for any signs of discomfort.

You might find something stuck around its bottom that you can easily remove. If your dog has recently had its hair cut, it may have an irritating cut or razor burn. Your dog may also be experiencing irritation from sprays, scents, shampoo, or other grooming supplies, particularly if they have sensitive skin.

Constipation

Your dog may scoot as a result of recurring constipation. And constipation is a common issue with dogs, especially if your dog eats too many dry foods. So, you’ll need to monitor how much water your dog drinks daily.

Food Allergies

Your dog may get diarrhea or loose stools if they have a food allergy or sensitivity. Watery stools can result from a diet low in protein, poor in fiber, or excessive in filler foods, including corn, soy, wheat, and rice.

Some of the most prevalent allergens in dogs are soy, dairy, wheat, eggs, chicken, and beef. If your dog frequently experiences digestive issues, they might be allergic to one or more of these foods.

7 Home Remedies for Dog Scooting

1. Clean Your Dog Regularly

Dogs may occasionally scoot due to a filthy bottom. Making sure your dog's bottom is clean is the first step in preventing scooting. To remove extra poop or mud, you can wash your dog's butt with soap under running water.

2. Use a Warm Compress on Inflamed Areas

Applying a warm compress to the region under the tail will promote natural drainage of the anal sac. You can put a piece of cloth in warm water and Epsom salt solution to soak. Repeat the procedure twice daily, applying mild pressure on the area for about 5 minutes each time. You should wear gloves each time you do this.

3. Regular Exercise

Vets often recommend regular exercises to keep your pet fit. It’ll also help to promote regular bowel movements which prevents constipation.

4. Administer Probiotics and/or Prebiotics

A prebiotic or probiotic supplement can be helpful if your dog has a sensitive stomach or frequent digestive problems.

Probiotics boost the number of beneficial bacteria naturally present in your dog's gut. By doing this, good bacteria will enhance the health of their digestive and immunological systems.

5. Watch Your Dog’s Weight

Having additional weight on your dog can lead to several issues. Though slender dogs can experience scooting, chubby dogs are more prone to it. So, if your dog is gaining weight, it might be time to switch their diet to ease the stress the extra weight is putting on their anal sacs.

6. Feed Your Dog With Enough Fiber

Giving your dog fiber broth is helpful. Your dog's intestines will get stimulated, and their stools will become firmer. You’ll get the best results if you combine coconut water or bone broth with psyllium husk.

Here is a quick and easy recipe for a fiber-rich soup that you can feed your dog as a meal supplement for one to two days:

• Two teaspoons of psyllium husk are added to a warm cup of bone broth or room-temperature coconut water
• Mix until it forms a jelly-like texture
• Let the mixture cool before serving it to your dog if you're using bone broth

7. Express the Anal Sac Manually

You can manually express your dog's anal sacs using a gentle external or internal squeeze. Internal expression involves gently squeezing each sac to release its contents. This is done with a gloved, lubricated finger.

You can ask your vet to show you how to do it properly if you want to take this on yourself.

When to Take Your Dog to the Vet

While most causes for dog scooting resolve themselves, making sure your pup is healthy often requires the expertise of a professional. Take your dog to the vet if:

• Your dog won’t stop scooting: If the scooting lasts more than a day or two, it’s definitely worth getting them checked out.
• You suspect worms: Although it’s smart to look out for worms in your dog’s feces or bedding to determine whether they’ve got parasites, you can’t always tell this way. Sometimes, it can be due to an intestinal parasite only a vet can diagnose.
• There’s an infection: If you suspect an infection, your dog will need to be examined and they’ll need medication from a vet.
• They have impacted anal glands: If you don’t know how to express anal glands, your vet can teach you how to do it. If the anal glands are really impacted and your vet can’t express them, they’ll have to sedate your dog to get some medication into the glands. If the problem reoccurs too often, your vet might refer you to a specialist to have the anal glands taken out surgically.

Give Your Dog the Best Care at an Affordable Cost

Dog scooting is uncomfortable for your dog. But with the correct information, home remedies and your vet’s assistance, you can rectify it. You’ll also avoid more serious problems and give your dog long-lasting relief.

If you feel your dog is still having trouble emptying its anal sacs after trying out these home remedies, schedule an appointment with your vet. Don’t worry about the costs of seeing a vet. With a Carefree Pet Plus with Insurance membership, you can give your dog amazing pet care and save.