Vet's Orders: Different Conditions That May Cause Scooting In Your Pet

Dr. Jono Clark, BVSc

Scooting (when a dog drags its hindquarters across the floor) is a sign of localised irritation, itching, or discomfort in the perineal area (around the anus). While scooting may be familiar to pet-parents as a sign of intestinal worms, the action can be associated with a wide range of conditions affecting your pet’s rear-end. To help identify the cause, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical and rectal examination. Other tests such as faecal exams and skin scrapings may be required.

Some of the conditions associated with scooting include:

• Intestinal parasites (especially tapeworms): as tapeworms mature they release segments that exit via the anus and and cause intense perineal itching

• External skin parasites (mites, fleas): infestation with parasites in the hair of the tail base is especially itchy

• Allergic dermatitis: skin inflammation due to food or environmental allergies

• Acute moist dermatitis (hot spots): often secondary to allergic dermatitis, these areas of local bacterial skin infection can happen after the dog licks and scratches at a very itchy patch of skin over several days

• Perianal fistulas: painful tracts that develop between the anus and the perineal skin

• Physical obstructions and matted hair: Dried fecal matter, grass awns, or heavily matted hair may trap moisture against the skin and encourage bacterial buildup

• Anal gland issues: overfull or infected anal glands can cause intense irritation

Signs of perineal irritation other than scooting that pet-parents should watch out for include:

• Frequent licking or biting at the base of the tail and perineal area

• Sudden spinning or circling to lick the hind end

• Licking at the air when sitting down due to a sudden pinching or itching sensation in the rear-end

• Asymmetry, swelling, open sores, or foul-smelling discharge under the tail