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My dog is scooting, puking, and foaming. What's wrong with her now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

We think our dog has something in her butt cause she is scooting and licking in that are, but she is puking and foaming at the mouth where we need to put a towel under her mouth. Help identify what's wrong

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 10th, 2018

Oh my. It is possible she has an intestinal parasites that is causing this. The puking is due to nausea, but I am not sure why she is also foaming, as this isn't commonly seen in pets, unless they have a severe viral infection. I would get her stool tested through your vet to start, and then get her nausea treated with a prescription through your vet as well.
Tapeworms are a common cause for itching around the rear end, and are typically easily seen in the stool. They look like tiny white rice or fried rice when they are dried up. Keep an eye out for these, since these are often not seen on fecal exam due to the large size of the worm.

Another possible cause for her licking and scooting her rear end is that her anal glands are full. Every dog has anal glands that are 2 sacs located at 5 and 7 o'clock position just inside the rectum. These can get full in some pets because they are not expressed when they defecate, or after the pet has a bout of loose stool.

I hope that you get your pet some resolve and comfort soon from her rear end. Best wishes and take care!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Hello. Your pet probably has an infection in or around her rectum, especially the anal glands. Dogs generally do not vomit in these situations, so you may actually have 2 problems going on. I would recommend seeing a veterinarian as soon as possible to address these issues & give some relief to your pet. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 8th, 2020
Poor girl. If the anal glands are normal and not full, another possible cause for her excessive licking would be allergies or intestinal parasites that are causing extreme itching as they come out in the poop. I would have your vet checkher stools for parasites first and then go from there. If she does have intestinal parasites, these can be easily treated for and should resolve the itching pretty quickly. If there are no parasites, then ask your vet if a trial of antihistamines can be tried to treat for suspected allergies. And finally, she could be licking there to clean herself, so as long as there is no redness or irritation, there is no medical concern whatsoever.

Best of luck moving forward with your pet Hayden and her mysterious licking behavior. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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