You’ve seen your dog scoot his butt across the floor and now you’re on the Internet looking up “home remedies for dog scooting.” Trust me, you’re not the only dog parent to have made this journey. Watching a dog dragging its butt on the floor is not a comfortable sight. Dogs leave bacteria, terrible odors, feces, and in some instances blood on the floor when they scoot.
As terrible as dog scooting can be for your home’s hygiene, it can be much worse for your pup’s health. Thankfully, there are easy explanations and solutions for this relatively common dog-health issue. In this article, I’ll explain why your dog is scooting and how to stop this behavior. I’ll also discuss some basic home remedies for dog scooting that any dog owner can apply.
Do you have a specific question about home remedies for dog scooting? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
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Why is My Dog Scooting?
A dog with an itchy butt may scoot once or twice, every other week. This is probably a normal itch caused by dirt stuck in your pup’s bottom after a trip outdoors and it’s no cause for concern. But, if the scooting is frequent and often accompanied by licking/biting of the rear area, then there’s a high chance that your pup is suffering from anal gland problems.
- All dogs have two anal glands located just inside their rectum.
- This pair of glands produces and stores a fluid with a strong odor. Anal glands express (squeeze out) this fluid onto the feces whenever your dog poops.
- Without this fluid, your dog’s stool will become dry and cause them pain while pooping.
- This is also the same fluid or ‘scent’ that dogs use to mark their territories.
- This foul-smelling fluid also and helps ward off parasites from your dog’s rear.
Needless to say, anal glands are vital organs for your pup. But, sometimes these organs over-deliver. They produce excess amounts of fluids and cause the glands to become “full.” This condition causes pain, discomfort, and itchiness. It’s also one of the main reasons why dogs drag their butts on the floor, lick their anal areas excessively, and yelp out in pain.
If your vet says your dog has full anal glands, they will likely “express,” i.e., manually squeeze them. By manually squeezing the glands, the vet will release the excess fluids. This procedure is quick, painless, and non-serious. However, if full anal glands are not expressed on time, they can evolve into more serious conditions, like:
- Abscess: When full anal glands are left untreated and the affecteddog’s scooting is unchecked, they may get pick up a bacterial infection. An abscess is an infection that causes itching, swelling, and pain near the dog’s anus. A bacterial infection will usually cause pus or blood to drain through the anal sacs.
- Impacted Gland: Anal glands become ‘impacted’ when the contents inside harden. This hardening is caused by untimely expression and it causes severe discomfort and itching.
- Parasites: Excessive scooting can damage a dog’s anal glands and prevent them from warding off parasites such as tapeworms.
- Perianal Fistula: A perianal fistula is a chronic, recurrent infection that affects the dog’s anal glands to the point where one or more openings (fistulas) form in the skin around the anus. These openings may discharge pus or blood.
If you notice pus or bloody discharge in your dog’s rear, their anal glands are probably infected and you should head to your veterinarian ASAP. The same goes for impacted glands. Thankfully neither abscessed nor impacted glands require surgery.
How to Stop Dog from Scooting?
Frequent scooting must always be investigated by a veterinarian especially if it’s accompanied by any of the symptoms mentioned above. After assessing the dog’s medical history and conducting physical exams, the veterinarian will determine if the anal glands need to be manually expressed. But, can you perform this dog scooting treatment at home? Yes and no.
If you have prior experience manually expressing your dog’s anal sacs by gently squeezing them externally/internally, then yes. Take your vet’s permission before doing it. If you don’t have any prior experience, let your vet handle it. But, learning how to perform expression is an important dog parent skill that you should learn anyway. Here’s a helpful guide:
What is the Cure for Scooting in a Dog?
There’s no definite way to stop yourdog from scooting bottom on floor after pooping or just in general. You must check the health of their anal glands, refer to your vet, and then take their instructions. The scooting dog treatment that the vet will administer will vary based on how severe your dog’s condition is.
If your dog only has full anal glands and no other symptoms, then the treatment will only involve expressing. Here’s what will happen if it’s a more serious condition:
Anal Gland Abscess/Impaction: The dog will receive antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and topical medications.
Perianal Fistula: The dog will receive immunosuppressive drugs, antibiotics, and stool softeners.
Tapeworms: The dog will receive deworming medication (e.g. praziquantel).
Surgery is recommended only for dogs suffering from anal gland tumors.
Home Remedies for Dog Scooting
Again, frequent dog scooting must always be investigated by a veterinarian. But, if the scouting isn’t as frequent and is only caused by general itching, you can easily try out a basic home remedy for dog itchy bum. Witch hazel for dog’s bum is a great solution. This natural dog itchy bum remedy is an astringent that can instantly reduce inflammation in your dog’s rear area.
Simply pour witch hazel into a bowl. Then, fill up the rest of the bowl with water. The ratio should be 75% water and 25% witch hazel. Apply the diluted witch hazel to your dog’s anus with a cotton ball. Vets also suggest giving your dog fiber-rich food items to increase their fecal bulk.
The bulkier your dog’s poop, the more efficient their natural expression. Give your dog plenty of fiber supplements, canned pumpkins, and other food items high in fiber. If you can’t find witch hazel in your supermarket, try the same technique with plain yogurt, aloe vera gel, or chamomile tea. They too are soothing agents that can reduce itchiness.
Scooting in dogs is more than just a funny quirk; it’s a sign of irritation around the anal area. Whether it’s due to impacted anal glands, food allergies, or another culprit for dog scooting, our furry friends need relief. And while there are many reasons why dogs scoot, there are also some simple home remedies to help ease their itchy woes. So, let’s dive into the world of dog scooting home solutions, shall we?
Sanitary Clipping and Cleaning
Sometimes, the cause of scooting is as simple as a messy rear end. Dogs with longer hair can sometimes get fecal matter trapped around their backside, which can irritate and cause them to scoot. A quick sanitary clip and cleaning can work wonders. Make sure your dog is comfortable, give them a gentle trim around the anal area, and clean with a mild dog shampoo. This can often stop scooting in its tracks and give your dog instant relief.
Aloe Vera
Nature’s soothing gel, Aloe Vera, can be a godsend for dogs with itchy bottoms. If you suspect the scooting is due to skin irritation, applying a bit of pure Aloe Vera gel can help soothe the area. However, ensure your pup doesn’t lick it off immediately; while Aloe is safe, some dogs might not appreciate the taste.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common home remedy for a myriad of issues, and yes, it can help with dog scooting too. Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the irritated area. It can help reduce inflammation and soothe the itch. Just like with Aloe, ensure your dog doesn’t immediately try to taste-test the area.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
If you suspect that food allergies or a lack of certain nutrients in your dog’s diet are causing the scooting, introducing Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can be beneficial. These supplements not only promote a shiny coat and healthy skin but can also reduce inflammation inside the dog’s anus, which might be causing the scooting. Plus, many dogs find these supplements quite tasty.
Probiotics
Just like us, our dogs can benefit from a healthy dose of probiotics. These little wonders can help balance the digestive system and potentially reduce the scooting caused by digestive upsets. Plus, dog probiotics can be easily mixed into their canned dog food or given as a treat. It’s a win-win!
Olive Oil
A little drizzle of olive oil in your pup’s food can work wonders. Not only does it promote a shiny coat, but it can also help if your dog is constipated and scooting. Just a teaspoon for smaller dogs and a tablespoon for larger breeds can make all the difference.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is like the Swiss Army knife of home remedies. A diluted solution can be applied to the irritated area to relieve itching. However, always do a patch test first to ensure it doesn’t cause further irritation. And remember, always dilute it before using.
Coconut Oil
The magic of coconut oil. Not only is it great for our hair and skin, but it can also be a remedy for our pup’s scooting woes. A little bit of coconut oil can soothe irritation and also be a tasty treat. Just make sure your dog doesn’t get too much of this good thing.
Add More Fiber to Pup’s Diet
Sometimes, the reason for scooting is as simple as a dietary need. Adding more fiber to your dog’s diet can help with digestion and reduce the chances of scooting. Whether you choose to feed your dog a spoonful of sweet potato or switch to a high-fiber dog food, this simple change can make a world of difference.
Does Pumpkin Help in Dog Scooting?
Pumpkin is not just a staple for our fall lattes or pies, but a potential remedy for our scooting pups. You might be thinking, “How does this festive gourd fit into the picture?” Well, let me spill the beans… or should I say, seeds?
Pumpkin is a natural source of fiber, and adding a bit of it to your dog’s diet can help with both diarrhea and constipation. Both of these issues can lead to scooting, as they can cause irritation around the anal area. If your dog is constipated, the fiber in pumpkin can soften their stools, making them easier to pass. On the flip side, if your pup’s got the runs, pumpkin can add bulk to their stools, firming them up.
So, next time you notice your dog scooting across the floor, you might want to consider adding a spoonful of pureed pumpkin (make sure it’s plain and not the pie mix) to their food. It’s like pumpkin magic for their tush!
Can I Put Vaseline on My Dog’s Sore Bum?
No. Directly applying Vaseline to your dog’s rear is not dangerous. But, your dog may lick off the Vaseline and suffer from diarrhea. Here’s a video explaining why Vaseline is not a good home remedy for dog itchy bum:
It’s much safer to apply natural products like the ones mentioned above. Dog scooting is an unpleasant yet highly common experience for dog parents. Hopefully, this article has armed you with the knowledge you need to eliminate all the unpleasantness from the ordeal and take the steps that are necessary to secure lasting relief for your furry friend!
When To See a Vet?
While simple home remedies for dog scooting can be a lifesaver, it’s essential to know when it’s time to call in the professionals. If you’ve tried remedies like pumpkin, and you’re still seeing your pup scooting, it might be due to more severe issues like anal gland infection or impacted anal glands.
Common signs that it’s time to take your dog to the vet include:
- Persistent scooting even after trying home remedies
- Swelling or redness around the anal area
- A foul smell coming from the rear end (indicating a possible anal gland infection)
- Blood or pus in their stools
Remember, while scooting is a common behavior, it’s not something to be ignored. It’s always better to be safe and get your pup checked out. After all, we want our fur babies to live their best, scoot-free lives!
In conclusion, while our dogs might occasionally give us a chuckle with their little scooting antics, it’s essential to remember that it’s their way of telling us something’s not right. Whether you choose to try a home remedy like pumpkin or decide it’s time to see the vet, always keep your pup’s best interests at heart. They rely on us to keep them wagging, playing, and living their best lives!
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