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Why is my dog scooting and struggling to poop after grooming?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 100 years and 7 months old | 6.6 lbs

My dog recently got groomed and I requested that they do not attempt to express the anal glands. To my knowledge they did not provide request. Since he came home he has been scooting on the floor and struggling to poop. He had a sanitary cut. I do not see any nicks on the anus. What could be wrong? Just itchy from the shave?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sarah Box, BVSc

Veterinarian

Published on June 22nd, 2017

It is difficult to tell from your question whether you requested Bogey's anal glands to be expressed or not.
Scooting the bottom is a fairly typical sign of anal gland irritation. If Bogey DID have his anal glands expressed I would anticipate the scooting will resolve in the next day or so. If he did NOT have his anal glands expressed then this is something that likely needs to be addressed. Clipping and shampoo could also cause irritation around the hind end, and should pass within a couple of days.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on November 26th, 2020
It doesn't look like his anal glands are inflamed and if your groomer expresses his anal glands they should be fine. Maybe he has an itchy rear from getting a hygiene clip around there or it was just itchy. Of course, if he continues to scoot and the area becomes inflamed, get him in to see your vet.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on December 25th, 2016
The most common cause of scooting on the ground is impacted anal glands - these are two scent glands located on either side of the rectum in dogs, which can sometimes get infected or overly full. When this happens, it's quite uncomfortable and can even be itchy or painful in some cases, causing the dog to scoot. If you are seeing some redness and hair loss in the surrounding area, it's also possible that he has an allergy or other skin condition that is contributing to the problem. I would recommend having Kane examined by a vet tomorrow if possible - he/she can check his anal glands and express them if needed, and may also prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication to help treat the problem.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

Why is my dog scooting after grooming? Did groomer damage anal glands?

yes, I am afraid it is possible that a groomer damages anal glands. Most groomers offer emptying anal glands as a service, however, do not do this correctly and also do it even when it is not necessary. Emptying anal glands/sacs should be done by a veterinarian and only after the vet examines them and determines that they actually are impacted and need emptying. So, when you take your dog to the groomer adamantly request that they leave the anal sacs alone. As for the scooting and furiously licking, dogs with food allergies often can get irritated anal glands. It may be worth trying some hypoallergenic food for 8 to 12 weeks to see whether this subsides. If so, then your dog is suffering from food allergies and you want to discuss an elimination diet with your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog scooting with loose stool after grooming?

Hello, sorry to hear about Sammie. It sounds like the loose stools are making his peri-anal area soiled. He may have loose stools because of the stress associated with going to the groomers. Additionally, if his anal glands were expressed he may be a little sensitive in the area and may be straining to defecate. Continue to clean and dry the area as needed when he becomes soiled. If the problem continues after 2-3 days, then Sammie should be seen by a veterinarian. If Sammie develops swelling, pain, or thick green discharge from his anal region, then he should be evaluated sooner. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is still scooting after anal gland expression. Is this normal?

They are likely not full again but may be a bit irritated due to the expression. If your dog keeps scooting for more than a day or two then I suggest you take him back to your veterinarian for a recheck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is scooting and whining. What's wrong and what should I do?

Have him seen by your veterinarian. The most common, and easiest to treat, cause is full or impacted anal glands. Normally, the anal glands are emptied during the act of defecation. In some dogs, this doesn't happen and the glands fill up, become impacted and could abscess. This would result in the symptoms described. Your veterinarian can Express the glands manually, flush them and instill medication if necessary. Antibiotics and pain medications are also sometimes dispensed. If Scooby is licking back there, place an e-collar (cone) on him until he sees the doctor.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Dog scooting and red after anal gland expression? Is it serious?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an infection of the anal sac or possibly allergies for example. I highly recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog scooting with a red, swollen anus after diarrhea?

Either is possible - diarrhea can cause irritation and 'itchiness' of the anus and perianal area. Baxter's anal glands could also be full since they are normally emptied during defecation and his stool probably hasn't been bulky enough to express them. If his anal area looks irritated you could apply a thin layer of Vitamin A+D ointment or Petroleum jelly to the area, but if he keeps scooting I'd recommend taking him in to have his glands checked.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog still scooting and swollen after anal gland expression?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Continued scooting following anal sac expression may not be related to the need to be expressed further. Occasionally the anal sac may still be inflamed/irritated following the expression which may still result in some discomfort and the urge to itch. Scooting of the hind end can also be due to a superficial itch that may be related to an underlying environmental or parasite (i.e flea) allergy. It is difficult to tell from the picture without being able to palpate the rectum, but I do not see any evidence of overt swelling in the region (the anal sacs sit at 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock position at the anus). If Emma continues to appear irritated you can have her evaluated by her veterinarian to palpate the anal sacs and make sure everything palpates normally.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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