Why Is My Dog Scooting? Causes, Smell and What to Do

Scooting means the area under the tail is itchy, irritated or uncomfortable. The most common reason is the anal glands, two small sacs on either side of the rear end. Other causes include allergies, worms, irritated skin, matted fur or leftover poop stuck in the fur.

Every dog and cat has two small glands just inside the rear end. They hold a strong-smelling fluid that is normally squeezed out a little every time your dog poops, which is how dogs identify each other by smell. When the glands don't empty well, they fill up, feel uncomfortable, and your dog scoots to relieve the pressure.

That fishy smell is anal gland fluid. Dogs sometimes release it when they're scared, or it leaks when the glands are too full. Bacteria on irritated skin around the area make the smell stronger and longer-lasting. If you notice a fishy smell on your couch, bed or your dog's rear, the glands are the likely cause.

Small breeds have small glands that fill up easily, so Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Bichons and Cavaliers are frequent scooters. Overweight dogs, dogs with soft stools and dogs with skin allergies also have more gland trouble.

• Worms: look for small rice-like pieces near the tail or in the poop. Your vet can test and treat.
• Allergies: food or environmental allergies make the skin itchy, including around the rear.
• Dirty or matted fur: common in long-haired dogs. Keep the area trimmed and clean.
• Diarrhea or soft stool: soft poop doesn't press the glands empty.

1. Keep the area clean and calm. Furaqua Anal Gland Spray uses gentle hypochlorous acid to kill the odor-causing bacteria and soothe the itchy skin. Lift the tail and give 2 to 3 sprays to the skin around the area, let it air dry, 2 to 3 times a day until your dog is comfortable, then as needed. No wiping, no rinsing, no alcohol sting.
2. Add fiber if your vet agrees: firmer stools help the glands empty naturally.
3. Keep your dog at a healthy weight and the fur under the tail trimmed.
4. Clean the area after messy poops so nothing stays stuck in the fur.

Most owners shouldn't. Squeezing too hard or the wrong way can hurt your dog and inflame the glands. A vet or groomer can express full glands safely in a few minutes. A gland spray does not empty the glands: it keeps the skin clean, calm and odor-free between visits.

See your vet if your dog keeps scooting after a few days of home care, if you see swelling, redness, a lump, blood or pus near the rear, if your dog cries when sitting, or licks and bites the area constantly. Full glands can become impacted or infected and need treatment.

Yes, though less often. A cat that licks its rear a lot, scoots or has a fishy smell may have gland trouble. The same gentle spray is safe for cats, and the same rule applies: see your vet if it doesn't settle.