Why is my dog scooting?
If you’ve ever seen your dog dragging their bottom across the floor, you know that dogs get itchy bums, or perianal pruritus, which refers to itchiness around a dog’s anus, from the base of their tail to the start of their genitals.
Seeing your dog scoot is a common concern for dog owners, and while it might be funny at first, it’s a sign that something’s not right.
It’s important to remember that scooting is a symptom, not a disease. Instead of just trying to stop the scooting, it’s crucial to figure out what’s causing your dog’s discomfort for long-term relief.
We’ll take a look at the causes of an itchy bum in dogs, how a vet will diagnose the issue, what treatment options are available (including home remedies), and how you can prevent it from happening again.
Common Causes of Itchy Bum in Dogs
If your dog is scooting, biting at their bum, or seems generally itchy around their tail and rear end, you’re probably wondering what’s causing it. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Anal Gland Issues
One of the most frequent reasons for scooting and perianal itching is a problem with a dog’s anal glands. Anal sac disease can include impaction, infection, abscess, or even cancer.
Dogs use fluid from their anal glands to mark territory and communicate with other dogs. These glands should naturally empty when a dog defecates.
Anal sacculitis is an inflammation of the anal glands. If your veterinarian finds bacteria or neutrophils in the anal sac, that doesn’t automatically mean there’s an infection.
Other perianal diseases to consider are perianal furunculosis and perianal gland tumors.
Allergies
Allergies are a common dermatological reason for perianal itching. The most common allergies in dogs are atopic dermatitis, adverse food reactions, and flea bite hypersensitivity. Studies show that anywhere from 9% to 67% of dogs may have flea bite hypersensitivity.
Allergies can be related to food, something in the environment, or even contact with an irritating substance. Allergies can cause itching and inflammation around a dog’s anal area.
A study found that 52% of dogs with atopic dermatitis and 51% of dogs with adverse food reactions had perianal itching.
Parasites and Gastrointestinal Issues
Intestinal parasites, such as whipworms and tapeworms, can cause perianal itching. Depending on the region, intestinal parasites can be found in anywhere from 12.5% to 34.4% of dogs.
Gastrointestinal problems, like constipation or diarrhea, can also lead to scooting, licking, and biting around the rear end.
Other Skin Infections
Bacterial and yeast infections can cause irritation and itching. These infections are often secondary to allergies or other underlying conditions.
Diagnosing the Cause of Itchy Bum
If your dog has an itchy bum, it’s important to figure out what’s causing it. A vet needs to take a methodical approach to diagnose the underlying issue.
- Signalment and History: The vet will need to know your dog’s breed, age, and sex, as well as when the symptoms started and how they’ve been presenting. They’ll also want a detailed history of your dog’s symptoms, including their diet and environment.
- Physical Examination: The vet will thoroughly examine the perianal area, including looking at and feeling the anal sacs.
- Ancillary Testing: The vet may also perform some tests, such as:
- Cytology: Microscopic examination of anal sac contents or skin scrapings.
- Fecal examination: To check for intestinal parasites.
- Biopsy: If the vet suspects cancer or other skin conditions, they may take a tissue sample.
- Allergy testing: To identify potential allergens.
By gathering all this information, the vet can hopefully pinpoint the cause of your dog’s itchy bum and recommend the best course of treatment.
Veterinary interventions
If your dog’s itchy bum seems to be more than an occasional annoyance, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. There are many possible causes, and some of them may need medical intervention.
Addressing the underlying cause
The best treatment focuses on fixing the primary problem, not just the symptom of itchiness.
Treating anal sac disease
If your dog’s scooting is due to anal sac impaction, the vet can manually express the anal sacs. Infections can be treated by flushing the sacs and using antibiotics.
In severe or recurring cases of anal sac disease or cancer, surgical removal of the sacs may be necessary.
Managing allergies
If fleas are the culprit, flea control is essential. Food allergies can be managed with an elimination diet. Your vet may also recommend allergy testing and immunotherapy.
Treating skin infections
Bacterial or yeast infections can be treated with antibiotics or antifungals.
Perianal furunculosis, an inflammatory condition, often requires a multi-pronged approach with antibiotics, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus.
Symptomatic relief
While it’s important to treat the underlying cause, your vet might also prescribe treatments to relieve your dog’s discomfort. These might include:
- Topical corticosteroids
- Systemic antipruritics like cyclosporine or oclacitinib
- Medicated shampoos
- Topical sprays containing hydrocortisone and lidocaine
Home Remedies and Preventative Care
If your dog has an itchy bum, there are steps you can take at home to relieve the symptoms and prevent the itch from coming back. Here’s a look at what you can do:
Diet and Hydration
A balanced diet that’s high in fiber promotes healthy digestion, which in turn promotes healthy anal gland function. Fiber helps create bulkier stools, which can help your dog express their anal glands naturally when they poop.
Always make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water so they stay hydrated. You might also consider adding pumpkin or other fiber-rich foods to their diet, along with lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids for overall health.
Grooming and Hygiene
Regular grooming can help keep your dog’s anal area clean and free from debris that could be causing irritation. Trim the fur around their anus to prevent matting, and use a warm compress to soothe any existing irritation.
You can also clean under their tail with a damp cloth or special hygienic wipes, such as hypoallergenic wipes for sensitive dogs.
Supplements
Probiotics and prebiotics can support your dog’s gut health, and a natural anti-inflammatory called quercetin may help relieve itchiness. (Always talk with your veterinarian before adding new supplements to your dog’s diet.)
You may also want to ask your vet about whether Glandex products, which are specifically marketed to support healthy anal gland function, would be right for your dog.
Anal Gland Expression (Caution!)
While you can find information online about how to express your dog’s anal glands yourself, most experts recommend that you leave this task to a trained professional. If not done correctly, manual anal gland expression can cause trauma and inflammation, and it could wind up making the problem worse.
Putting It All Together
If your dog is scooting or licking their bum excessively, it’s important to figure out why. While it might be tempting to just try a quick fix, identifying the underlying cause of the itch is key to long-term relief.
Usually, getting rid of an itchy bum requires a combination of strategies. Your veterinarian can help you diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate treatments. You might also incorporate some home remedies and preventative measures into your dog’s routine.
Every dog is different, so talk to your vet for tailored advice. With consistent care and attention, you can significantly improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life, and put an end to the itchy bum blues.