A dog dragging their bottom across the carpet can look funny, but scooting usually means something back there is uncomfortable. One of the most common reasons is a problem with the anal sacs, often called anal glands.
This guide explains what the anal sacs do, the signs of trouble, which dogs are most at risk, and what your vet can do.
What are anal sacs?
Dogs have two small pouches just beside the anus, sitting roughly at the four and eight o’clock positions. Glands in the pouch wall make a strong-smelling fluid that collects inside, and passing a firm stool normally presses some of it out. [1]
Problems that are not cancer fall into three groups: impaction (the sacs are full and blocked), inflammation (anal sacculitis) and abscess. Tumors of the anal sacs also exist but are a separate topic. [1]
How common is it?
A large UK study of more than 104,000 dogs seen at primary-care vet practices found that 4.40% had a non-cancerous anal sac disorder recorded in one year. [2] The researchers point out that these problems come up often in everyday practice, yet have had little research. [2] In a Dutch survey of vets, anal sac disease was far more common in dogs than in cats. [1]
Signs of anal sac problems
Watch for: [1]
- Scooting the bottom along the ground
- Discomfort when sitting down
- Licking or biting at the area under the tail or at the base of the tail
- Chasing the tail, or rubbing the back against furniture
- Straining when passing stool
- Swelling on one or both sides of the anus
- Redness, moist sore skin or discharge around the anus
An impacted sac is enlarged and painful but not yet inflamed. An inflamed sac makes the area red, swollen and sore. An abscess can bring fever, a hot painful swelling and bloody or pus-like discharge, and it may burst and leave a draining wound beside the anus. [1]
Why anal sacs get clogged
Factors linked to blocked sacs include: [1]
- Diarrhea or soft stool, which does not press the sacs empty when the dog passes stool
- Extra weight, since fat around the anus can squeeze the small ducts and overweight dogs may have weaker muscle tone there
- Small body size, possibly because narrow ducts block easily when the contents thicken
- Skin problems such as allergies
Once the contents are trapped, the sac can become inflamed and then infected. [1]
Which dogs are most at risk?
Vets in the Dutch survey most often named small dogs as affected, and obesity as a risk in dogs. [1]
The UK study found higher odds of anal sac disorders, compared with crossbreeds, in six breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, King Charles Spaniels, Cockapoos, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises and Cocker Spaniels. [2] Dogs with flat-faced (brachycephalic) skull shapes had 2.6 times the odds compared with long-nosed types. [2] Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Lurchers, German Shepherds and Boxers had lower odds. [2]
The allergy link
Allergies and bottom trouble can go together. International guidelines list scooting as one of the ways itch shows in dogs, and the area around the anus is a typical site for atopic dermatitis. [3] See why is my dog so itchy?
A Swedish study of 190 dogs with inflamed anal sacs (anal sacculitis) found that skin allergy was the most common other diagnosis. It was more common in these dogs than in the practice population, and dogs with skin allergy were more likely to have the problem come back. [4] The authors note that more research is needed to know whether managing the allergy reduces the risk. [4]
What your vet will do
Other problems such as parasites, flea allergy, skin infection and growths near the anus can cause the same signs, so your vet will usually feel the sacs during a rectal exam to find out what is going on. [1]
Treatment depends on what is found: [1]
- Emptying the sacs by hand was the main treatment vets reported for all three types of problem.
- Treating the cause, such as diarrhea or a skin allergy, was the next most common step.
- Other options your vet may choose include flushing the sacs, warm compresses, medicine placed into the sacs or given by mouth, and pain relief.
- A high-fiber diet may be suggested to firm up the stool and help the sacs empty.
- An abscess that does not settle may need to be opened so it can drain.
- Surgery to remove the sacs is considered when problems keep coming back, do not respond to treatment, or leave a wound that will not heal. Some surgical methods carry a higher risk of complications such as fecal incontinence.
In the Swedish study, the most common treatment was flushing the sacs, sometimes with an antimicrobial product placed in them and sometimes with an anti-inflammatory pain medicine. This resolved 90.6% of the episodes it was used for. [4] About two thirds of the dogs (66.3%) had only one episode. [4] In the UK study, surgery to remove the sacs was performed in under 1% of cases. [2]
Other causes of bottom problems
Not every bottom problem is the anal sacs. Parasites, flea allergy, skin infection, growths around the anus and perianal fistulas (deep, draining sores around the anus) can all look similar. [1] A perineal hernia, where tissue or organs push out through weak muscles beside the anus, is linked with older male dogs that have not been neutered and can cause straining. [5]
A lump, wound or swelling near the anus always needs a vet check.
When to see your vet
Book a visit if your dog:
- Scoots, or licks or bites under the tail, more than once in a while
- Strains or seems in pain when passing stool
- Has swelling, redness or discoloration beside the anus
- Has bleeding, pus or an open wound near the anus
- Has a lump near the anus
- Keeps having anal sac problems, especially if they are also itchy elsewhere
See your vet the same day if your dog is in a lot of pain, has a hot, swollen area beside the anus, or cannot pass urine.
FAQ
Why does my dog scoot?
Anal sac problems are a common reason. Scooting, licking or biting under the tail and straining are typical signs. [1] Itchy skin from allergies can also cause scooting. [3]
Should I express my dog’s anal glands at home?
Ask your vet first. Routine emptying of healthy sacs can irritate them and may even make repeat problems or infection more likely, and the right approach depends on whether the sacs are impacted, inflamed or abscessed. [1]
Can diet help anal gland problems?
A high-fiber diet is often suggested to help prevent anal sac trouble. [1] Extra weight is linked to blocked sacs, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight may help, and so may getting any diarrhea checked. [1]
Which breeds get anal gland problems?
Small dogs are affected most often. [1] In the UK study, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, King Charles Spaniels, Cockapoos, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises and Cocker Spaniels had higher odds than crossbreeds. [2]
Will my dog need surgery?
Usually not. Surgery is kept for cases that keep coming back or do not respond to treatment. [1] In a large UK study, it was done in under 1% of cases. [2]
The bottom line
Scooting and licking under the tail are common signs of anal sac trouble in dogs, especially in small breeds and in dogs with skin allergies. Most cases respond well to simple treatment from your vet. A swelling, wound or lump near the anus, or signs of pain, means it is time for a vet visit.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog is scooting, licking under the tail or in pain, please see your veterinarian.
Sources
- Corbee RJ, Woldring HH, van den Eijnde LM, Wouters EGH. A Cross-Sectional Study on Canine and Feline Anal Sac Disease. Animals (Basel). 2022;12(1):95. Open access, CC BY 4.0. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8749694/
- O’Neill DG, Hendricks A, Phillips JA, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, Loeffler A. Non-neoplastic anal sac disorders in UK dogs: Epidemiology and management aspects of a research-neglected syndrome. Vet Rec. 2021;189(2):e203. PMID 33645764. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33645764/
- Hensel P, Santoro D, Favrot C, Hill P, Griffin C. Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification. BMC Vet Res. 2015;11:196. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4531508/
- Hvitman-Graflund K, Sparks T, Varjonen K. A retrospective study of treatment, outcome, recurrence and concurrent diseases in 190 dogs with anal sacculitis. Vet Dermatol. 2023;34(6):576-585. PMID 37731183. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37731183/
- Sangmanee P, Kovitvadhi A, Sutthiprapa W, Choochalermporn P, Limmanont C. Canine Perineal Hernia Associated with Prostatic Disorders: Is Castration Really Beneficial? A Retrospective Study. Animals (Basel). 2025;15(9). Open access, CC BY 4.0. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12071062/