Home Remedies for Dog Scooting
If you’ve observed your dog sliding their bottom across the floor as if trying to wipe off something, you’ve witnessed "scooting." This action can seem amusing but might also indicate that your dog is uncomfortable. They might scoot across floors, grass, or even furniture. Fortunately, several home remedies can help ease your dog’s discomfort and protect your home.
Why Do Dogs Scoot?
Dogs scoot because the area may be itchy, painful, or feel as though something is stuck there, such as fecal matter or fur. They might also lick and bite at the area, hold their tail unusually, or alter their walking. Determining the exact cause of their discomfort is crucial to providing relief.
Common reasons for scooting include issues with the anal glands, certain parasitic infections, skin allergies, and debris around the anus..1
Home Remedies for Dog Scooting
If your dog has never scooted before and suddenly begins scooting frequently, consult your vet for a diagnosis before attempting any home remedies. For dogs that occasionally scoot and have been thoroughly examined by a vet, these remedies might offer additional relief.
Sanitary Clipping and Cleaning
This is a recommended initial step, which your vet can perform during an exam. A sanitary clip involves shaving the fur around the hind end and under the tail to remove matted fur or debris entangled with fecal matter, which might be causing discomfort. After shaving, gently clean the area with a warm compress. This helps visualize the area better and may identify the cause of your dog's scooting. Keeping the fur short around the hind end is a good maintenance technique for dogs with a history of scooting and for long-haired breeds.
Apply a Warm Compress
Using a warm compress, such as a cloth or paper towel soaked in warm water and wrung out, can soothe discomfort around the hind end. Whether your dog is scooting because of an anal gland issue or another irritant, this compress can provide relief. By increasing blood flow, it helps reduce swelling and gently cleans the area if there's debris around the anus. To maximize benefits, hold the compress in place for about 15 minutes, ideally when your dog is calm and restful.2
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
For dogs that scoot due to anal gland issues or itchiness from skin allergies, oral fatty acid supplements may alleviate some of their symptoms. Itchy dogs often suffer from significant skin inflammation. Dogs with skin allergies are at higher risk for anal gland impactions because inflammation can lead to overproduction of oils, resulting in thicker material that's harder to express. Fatty acid supplements can reduce inflammation and improve the secretion of oils in the skin. The best supplements should include omega-3 fatty acids with EPA and be given daily at a dosage safely recommended by your veterinarian.3
Soothing Baths
Dogs with itchy skin and scooting issues may benefit from soothing baths to remove irritants from their fur and improve their coat and skin health. Ideally, use a medicated shampoo recommended by your veterinarian for maximum effectiveness, though an over-the-counter gentle shampoo and a warm water soak can also provide relief.
Fiber Supplementation
Soft stool or diarrhea can contribute to anal gland problems and scooting. Typically, anal glands empty when dogs defecate, as the stool presses against the glands to release their contents. If the stool is too soft, it doesn't provide enough pressure for them to empty. Fiber supplementation can firm up the stool and help prevent ongoing issues. Safe fiber sources include canned pumpkin (unsweetened), certain raw vegetables, or fiber supplements. Always consult your veterinarian for the correct dosage and to ensure it's safe for your dog's specific health needs.4
Expressing the Anal Glands
Expressing your dog's anal glands at home requires great caution. Some pet owners and groomers learn to perform this safely, but it's not routinely advisable. Although it's crucial for relieving discomfort in dogs with impacted glands, frequent manipulation can increase inflammation and scar tissue, complicating future gland emptying. If the issue extends beyond impacted glands, like an abscess, it might be extremely painful for your dog when touched. Your vet may guide you on how and when to perform this safely at home, but always consult them before proceeding.
When to See Your Vet
If you notice your dog scooting, consult your vet promptly to determine the cause and obtain effective treatment. For dogs with ongoing health issues related to scooting, follow up with your vet whenever there are changes in behavior or health. This is particularly crucial if your dog is showing signs of pain, such as crying, excessive licking or biting around the hind end, or reluctance to sit or lie down. Seek veterinary care immediately if there is any bleeding around the hind end or in your dog's stool, or if you observe swelling, redness around the anus, or difficulty in defecating.
