There’s more to a dog’s scoot than meets the eye
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Aug. 30, 2025) — It isn’t a sexy topic, but for pet owners whose dogs (and occasionally cats) have issues with periodic scooting or other anal gland issues, it is an important one.
Anal sacs or glands are an unpleasant carryover in our domestic pets that coyotes, wolves, skunks, wild cats, etc. use for marking their territory. These animals are able to express their glands at will to let others know where not to tread. The glands are located at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock around the anus, just below the tail base.
In domesticated dogs and cats, the anal glands generally get expressed when the animal defecates. There is much controversy as to why some pets (most commonly smaller dog breeds) have trouble emptying their glands – leading to scooting, licking or intermittent expression of unpleasant odor or fluid at inopportune times and places. Anal gland abscesses can occur if the gland becomes infected.
Many dermatologists believe food or inhaled allergens may be to blame. A change to a novel protein source, or “hypoallergenic” diet, can be useful, as can antihistamines and Omega-3 supplements. Adding oat germ or another fiber like pureed pumpkin can be of benefit to bulk up the stools and express the glands as nature intended.
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There has also been association with low back pain in many pets, which may mean that dogs with intervertebral disc disease posture differently to defecate, not allowing proper “natural” expression of the glands.
As a last resort, you can consider surgical removal. Fecal incontinence is an infrequent sequela, so choose an experienced surgeon if surgery becomes necessary.
Anal glands occasionally can get so impacted that an infection or abscess occurs. These usually require intervention by a veterinarian, because the glands become very painful and will not easily be expressed by the pet itself (and likely not by the owner!).
It may require sedation and even lancing to open the area and clean up the infection. Local and/or oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories can be indicated in that situation.
Much less common but very serious is a mass in the anal gland itself. These can be identified on exam by your veterinarian, via digital palpation of the anus. If the mass is removed when small, prognosis is usually very good. If the mass has grown and has invaded the local lymph node tissue, workup and treatment is a bigger deal. Prognosis is these animals can vary, and your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary oncologist.
Finally, I would like to thank Tamara Steiner and The Pioneer for the opportunity to write this column. It has been an honor to participate in this wonderful paper, which will be dearly missed in our community.
Micki McCabe
Micki McCabe, DVM, DACVIM, FAAVA, is a long-time Clayton resident. The recently retired local veterinarian has an interest in internal and integrative medicine.