Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

What causes my dog to butt scoot and constantly lick his penis?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Male | unneutered | 54 lbs

Why is my dog butt schooching and licking his penis

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 25th, 2017

Poor Zippy. He may be scooting because of intestinal parasites (i.e. Tapeworms) or full anal glands (sacks inside the rectum that can fill and cause irritation). Have his stool (feces) checked by your vet for microscopic parasites (invisible to the naked eye) and also the anal glands checked to make sure they aren't full. Both of these should be able to be resolved fairly easy with a vet visit.

Vote icon

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 28th, 2018

    He may have one or both anal sacs impacted or inflamed and while defecating is supposed to make them empty, if that does not work, they may hurt or itch. This could be making Remy scoot to get rid of the irritation. I suggest you schedule an appointment with your vet for an anal gland check.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My Maltese is scooting his hindquarters on floor a lot - how should I treat this?
The top two reasons for scooting include full anal glands or intestinal parasites. Anal glands are scent glands that normally empty during a bowel movement, but sometimes they don't due to softer stool, thick anal gland discharge, inflammation of the ducts, etc. Once you learn how to empty anal glands, it's pretty straightforward to do at home since some dogs need to have them emptied regularly. If this is Pooky's first time scooting, it would be best to take him to his vet for an exam and to have his anal glands checked. Your vet will be able to empty them during the exam, which typically provides instantaneous relief. Left untreated, overly full anal glands can become impacted, infected, or can rupture, so it's best to have this issue addressed in the next few days. Your vet may also recommend check a stool sample for microscopic evidence of parasites. I hope that everything goes well! https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-anal-sacs-impaction-abscesses-in-cats/
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog is constantly licking her butt. What could it be?
There could be many causes for this, including anal gland irritation or impaction, allergies, or intestinal parasites. I would recommend that Scuzzle Butt get checked out by a vet to look for medical causes for the licking. If they can't find anything, they may recommend medications or a food change for allergies.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
Every now and then my dog licks the top of his tail underneath for Afew seconds,he doesn’t scoot around on the floor with his bum or run around after his tail and he’s going toilet fine which looks normal,Does this sound like he needs a anal expressi
It's possible if he's needed them before, however without an exam it would be hard to tell. Other possibilities could include a bit of constipation, irritation of the anus, anal glands, or inner rectum, or even parasites or allergies causing itching or irritation. If it continues, having a vet take a look is best.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog keeps licking his penis and tries to bite he's tail/back end and is scooting, he went to the groomers earlier today for the first time. Is it anything to be concerned about
This may be a reaction to a shampoo or spray that was used or the clippers occasionally. Scooting can be a sign of parasites or impacted anal sacs. You can give him a bath in case it is a reaction and if no improvement see your vet to check him
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Usually my dog gets her anal glands expressed every one to three months. When I went to the groomer this time she told me that they were not full and that I should go to a vet to see if they could express them internally. (She has been licking her an
Poor girl. If the anal glands are normal and not full, another possible cause for her excessive licking would be allergies or intestinal parasites that are causing extreme itching as they come out in the poop. I would have your vet checkher stools for parasites first and then go from there. If she does have intestinal parasites, these can be easily treated for and should resolve the itching pretty quickly. If there are no parasites, then ask your vet if a trial of antihistamines can be tried to treat for suspected allergies. And finally, she could be licking there to clean herself, so as long as there is no redness or irritation, there is no medical concern whatsoever. Best of luck moving forward with your pet Hayden and her mysterious licking behavior. Take care.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
My 5year old male dog Chihuahua/terrier keeps licking his butt I don't know if it is itching why?
Loco's anal glands might be full and in turn makes him itchy back there. They tend to lick or scoot when this happens. I would make an appointment with your veterinarian to have them check his anal glands. Typically once these glands are expressed they feel much better. I wouldn't wait to long because if they get infected they can actually abscess. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog is a male Pitt Boxer mix who just turned 8 months old. Today he has been whining and dragging him bottom accross the floor. What do I do?
Have him seen by your veterinarian. The most common, and easiest to treat, cause is full or impacted anal glands. Normally, the anal glands are emptied during the act of defecation. In some dogs, this doesn't happen and the glands fill up, become impacted and could abscess. This would result in the symptoms described. Your veterinarian can Express the glands manually, flush them and instill medication if necessary. Antibiotics and pain medications are also sometimes dispensed. If Scooby is licking back there, place an e-collar (cone) on him until he sees the doctor.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My 5 year old Chihuahua was away at my daughters while we traveled, now he is scooting on the couch and licking his anal area a lot. He is also very clingy. What can I do for him, other than showering him with attention? What could cause him to sc
His anal glands may be full and/or impacted. Normally, they would be emptied (expressed) during the act of defecation but occasionally, especially in small breeds, this does not happen. The result is inflammation, itching and possible abscess formation. Have Gizmo examined by your veterinarian. The anal glands can be emptied and antibiotics dispensed if there is infection.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my male dog always licking his butt and penis? It is very annoying.
Dogs can definitely do this as part of normal grooming behavior, or maybe a bit excessively sometimes. It's also possible that something is irritating him down there. This could be something like an infection, allergies, or impacted anal sacs. It's a good idea to have a vet check him for any medical problems leading to the excessive licking. It's definitely possible that there is a reason for this, which can be corrected. I hope that helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog keeps licking his rectum to the point he’s losing hair and he is acting very depressed, is there anything I can do until the vet opens in the morning and what could be the cause of this?
Poor Zyyz! His itching can be caused by impacted anal glands (small structures on either side of the anus that make mucus to lubricate the stool), an obstruction, or a food allergy. In my experience, issues with the anal glands are relatively common, especially in dogs who have softer than normal stool. Your vet will be able to express these glands carefully or determine if there is any other cause. You should definitely have him seen by a vet as soon as you can, as this is pretty uncomfortable. In the meantime, I recommend using an E-colla (or “cone”) to prevent your dog from reaching the area and causing further damage. i hope this helps and that Zyzz feels better soon!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored