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Why does my dog keep dragging her butt on the floor and ground?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 15 lbs

Dog keeps dragging her butt across floor and ground. What could be problem.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 21st, 2017

Most commonly this is due to overly full anal glands. Dogs have two anal glands just inside their anus, which fills with a thick brown strong-smelling fluid. These glands are normally expressed (emptied) when the dog defecates, but in some dogs the glands don't empty appropriately, and they become overly full and uncomfortable for the dog. Sassie is likely scooting to try to manually express those glands. If she continues, I recommend having her anal glands expressed - most vet clinics offer this as an inexpensive technician appointment. Hope that helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 31st, 2019

    Hello. Scooting is a sign of peri-anal irritation. This can be from intestinal parasites like tapeworms, an impacted/infected anal gland, or even allergies. See your vet who will investigate all of these to see why Simba is scooting. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 30th, 2017

    This can occur if there anal glands are full and impacted or if there is a vaginal or bladder infection. Every dog has anal glands that are expressed every time they go to the bathroom to help mark their territory. Some dogs, lost the ability to do this so they get full and irritate them. Scooting applies pressure to the area to help relieve and empty them. It is best to have a groomer or vet empty them before an infection occurs. If there is a vaginal or bladder infection this can also cause itching and they are scooting to help scratch the area. Your vet can check to make sure this is not also a problem and determine which is the cause.

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    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 6th, 2017

    Aww what a cutie! Dallas is probably scooting his butt on the floor because he has full anal glands. You can try adding canned pumpkin to his diet (small amounts at first) to see if this helps. Dogs will also scoot if they have something irritating their rectum (for example if they've had diarrhea and the rectal tissue is irritated). If this persists, please see a veterinarian so that they can check Dallas' anal glands for any problems.

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