Does your dog “scoot” across the carpet, ground or grass? Is there an unpleasant aroma clinging to your feline friend? The culprit may be problem anal glands. (Hint: if you’re eating breakfast, you might want to wait and read this later).

Magic never did this, but Bravo frequently scooted, and now and then Shadow indulges. Eww! The behavior does vary somewhat by breed. Cats more typically clean themselves without scooting.

What Does Dog Scooting on Butts Mean

In some cases, itchy nether regions (perhaps from worms) prompt the behavior. All dogs and cats have two anal glands located beneath the skin on either side of the rectum. The pea-sized glands function like a skunk’s scent organs but thank goodness our pets can’t squirt the stink. Instead, anal glands give pet bathroom deposits sort of an individual smelly fingerprint. Dogs and cats also sniff each other’s bottoms as a way of “reading” these scent-names to identify each other.

Normal anal glands secrete a liquid, or a creamy brown-to-yellow substance that’s expressed whenever the pet passes a stool. Glands may also be expressed when King is suddenly frightened or stressed and he contracts his anal sphincter (the circular muscle that controls the rectum). You’ll notice a strong odor if this happens.

Most pets don’t need anal gland maintenance, but some have overactive glands that cause an odor problem. Other times, soft stools may not supply enough pressure to empty the glands. A few animals just have abnormally small anal gland openings. Whatever the cause, when anal glands don’t empty normally, pets need help keeping the glands expressed.

Keeping Anal Glands Healthy

Small dog breeds are affected most often, and unexpressed glands can become clogged (impacted). You’ll know your dog or cat has a problem if the area on one or both sides of the rectum swells. A pet also may lick himself to relieve the discomfort, or scoot—sit down and pull himself forward while dragging his bottom against the floor.

When glands become infected the secretions contain blood or pus. In severe cases, a painful abscess may develop. The swelling will be red to purple on one or both sides of the rectum.

The treatment in all instances is manual expression of the anal glands. Many pets object to owners messing with them “down there” especially when they are very tender from anal gland distress. Your veterinarian or groomer can perform this service for your dog or cat. Improper manipulations of the glands can force the matter deeper into the tissue, causing further problems. If you are a hardy soul willing to give your all for the wellbeing of your pet, ask for a demonstration before trying this yourself.

How to Express Anal Glands

For those who are NOT faint of heart (or nose…) here’s how it’s done. First, wear rubber gloves. Then, lift your pet’s tail and find the glands on each side of the anus at about eight and four o’clock. They’ll feel a bit like small marbles beneath the skin.

With your thumb and forefinger on the skin at each side of the gland, gently push in and upward, and squeeze as you would to express a pimple. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the smelly discharge as the sac empties.

Infection Needs Veterinary Help

When the glands are infected, they’ll need to be expressed every week and an antibiotic may be infused directly into the sac itself. Your veterinarian will show you how if this is necessary. An oral antibiotic administered at home may also be prescribed.

Warm wet compresses applied to the infected area for fifteen minutes two or three times daily will help the infection resolve more quickly. Simply position your pet over the damp warm cloth and tell him to “sit.”

In most cases, the abscess heals without complications, but some require surgical lancing by the veterinarian. Dogs and cats that suffer recurrences of impaction or infection will need the anal glands emptied at least once a week. In some instances, surgical removal of the problem glands may be necessary. Of course, it’s much better to prevent anal gland problems than treat once they develop. Watch for scooting pets and get them checked to nip problems in the butt—(ahem) I mean, nether regions.