Home Remedies for Dog Scooting

Why Do Dogs Scoot?

Dogs drag their hindquarters across the ground because they experience discomfort, itchiness or a feeling of obstruction caused by the presence of fecal matter or fur. Additionally, they may display other behavioral symptoms such as licking, biting, holding their tails in abnormal positions, and adjusting their gait depending on the issue at hand.Discovering methods to assist your dog is closely linked to determining the particular reason for their unease.  

Scooting is often caused by issues with the anal glands, particular parasitic infections, skin allergies, or the presence of foreign matter around the anus.

Home Remedies for Dog Scooting

If you have a dog that has never dragged its bottom before and now you are observing it happening frequently, it is recommended that you visit a veterinarian to receive a diagnosis before attempting any remedies at home.If your dog occasionally scoots and your vet has already examined them, these home remedies may offer additional comforting relief.

Sanitary Clipping and Cleaning

This is a good first step to take and may even be performed in your vet’s office at the time of the exam. Shaving the fur around the hind end and under the tail is often referred to as a sanitary clip. This can help to remove any matted fur or fur that is tangled with fecal matter or debris and may be causing discomfort around your dog’s hind end. Once the fur is shaved, the area can be gently cleaned with a warm compress. This will allow a better visualization of the area and may pinpoint the cause for your dog’s scooting. Keeping the fur clipped short around the hind end is a good maintenance technique for dogs who have a history of scooting and for any long-haired dog.  

Apply a Warm Compress

A warm compress such as a cloth or paper towel soaked in warm water and wrung out can be a soothing treatment for discomfort around the hind end. Whether a pet is scooting because of an anal gland problem or another cause for irritation, pain, or itchiness, this can provide some relief. A warm compress increases blood flow in the area which allows swelling to recede. This is also soothing to the skin and is a gentle way to clean the area if there is any debris stuck around the anus. Ideally, a warm compress should be held in place for about 15 minutes to maximize the benefits, so try to find a quiet time when your dog will settle down for some pampering.  

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

For dogs who scoot due to an anal gland problem and/or due to itchiness from skin allergies, fatty acid supplements given by mouth can improve some of their signs. The reason for this is that itchy dogs often have a lot of inflammation of their skin. Dogs with skin allergies are also at increased risk for anal gland impactions because this inflammation can cause overproduction of certain oils that fill the anal glands with thicker material that is harder to express. Fatty acid supplements help to reduce inflammation and improve the oily secretions in the skin. The best products for dogs should include omega-3 fatty acids with EPA and should be given daily at the highest dose that is safely recommended by your veterinarian.

Soothing Baths

If a dog is experiencing itchy skin and scooting, giving them a bath can help alleviate the discomfort by eliminating irritants from their fur and promoting healthier skin and coat. Although it is recommended to use a medicated shampoo prescribed by a veterinarian, a mild shampoo available over-the-counter can also be effective when combined with a warm water soak. It is important to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to provide relief to the dog.

Fiber Supplementation

When dogs have soft stool or diarrhea, it can increase the likelihood of anal gland problems and scooting. Typically, the anal glands release their contents when dogs defecate because the stool applies pressure to the glands. However, if the stool is too soft, it won't create enough pressure to empty the glands. To avoid ongoing anal gland issues, adding fiber to the dog's diet can be helpful. Dogs can get fiber from various sources such as unsweetened canned pumpkin, some raw vegetables, or fiber supplements. However, before giving any fiber supplement to your dog, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the right dose and safety for your dog's health condition.

Expressing the Anal Glands

It is important to exercise great caution when attempting to express your dog's anal glands at home. Although some pet owners and groomers may learn to do this and feel comfortable performing the procedure on their dogs, it is not recommended to do so frequently. While this is a crucial step in alleviating discomfort caused by impacted anal glands, excessive manipulation and emptying of the glands can cause increased inflammation and scar tissue, making it more challenging for the glands to empty in the future. Furthermore, if the issue is more than just impacted anal glands, such as an abscess, your dog may experience pain when the affected area is touched. In some cases, a veterinarian may demonstrate how to safely perform this procedure at home and provide guidance on when and how to do so. However, it is always prudent to consult with your vet before attempting this on your own.

When to See Your Vet

As soon as you observe your dog dragging its bottom, it is recommended to seek advice from your veterinarian in order to determine the precise cause and receive the most efficient treatment. If your dog has persistent health issues that result in this behavior, it is critical to follow up with your vet whenever you notice any variations in their behavior or physical condition. This is especially important if your dog is in discomfort and displays symptoms such as whining, incessantly licking or biting around its hindquarters, or hesitating to sit or lie down. Additionally, if you detect any bleeding in the hindquarters or in your dog's feces, any inflammation or redness around the anus, or difficulty in defecating, it is crucial to contact your vet immediately.