Anal sac disease
Two small glands flanking the anus normally empty during defecation. When they become impacted or infected, pressure and pain cause scooting and licking.
Dog Symptom
My Dog Is Scooting — Online Vet Assessment
Scooting means your dog's rear end is uncomfortable. Get a same-day assessment for anal gland problems, worms, or skin irritation and fast relief.
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Monitor closely — consult a vet if symptoms persist
Why dogs scoot on the floor
Expert online help when your dog is scooting
Licensed vet evaluates scooting frequency and perianal area on video
Same-day guidance on anal gland care and parasite treatment
Prescription anti-inflammatory or antibiotic when infection is present
$65 flat fee — no membership required
Dietary fiber recommendations for anal gland health
Referral for chronic anal sac disease or abscess
An occasional scoot after a bowel movement may be normal. Frequent scooting, licking the rear, or a foul fishy odor suggests full or infected anal glands that need veterinary attention.
TelaVets veterinarians discuss scooting patterns, examine the perianal region on camera, and recommend anal gland expression guidance, deworming, anti-inflammatory medication, or dietary changes to add fiber.
Signs to watch for when your dog is scooting
- Repeated scooting on carpet or grass
- Excessive licking or biting at the rear
- Fishy or foul odor from the hindquarters
- Swelling or redness near the anus
- Blood or pus on stool or bedding
- Difficulty defecating or straining
- Visible worms or rice-like segments in stool
- Whining when sitting down
Common causes of scooting in dogs
- Impacted anal glands
- Anal sac infection or abscess
- Intestinal parasites (tapeworms, pinworms)
- Perianal fistula
- Food allergies
- Soft stool (inadequate gland expression during defecation)
- Perianal tumor
- Skin irritation from grooming
Why is my dog scooting?
Most scooting resolves with anal gland treatment and parasite prevention. Our vets identify when chronic or severe disease needs specialist care.
Parasites
Tapeworm segments irritate the perianal skin as they exit, causing intense itching and scooting. Other intestinal worms can also cause rear-end discomfort.
Allergic and inflammatory conditions
Food allergies and perianal fistulas (common in German Shepherds) create chronic inflammation and itching around the anus.
How our vets assess this online
History and visual perianal assessment guide treatment. Our vets determine whether home care, medication, or in-clinic gland expression is needed.
- Scooting frequency and associated licking reviewed
- Stool consistency and odor described
- Perianal swelling and redness assessed on video
- Deworming and anal gland expression history discussed
- Guidance on in-clinic anal gland expression or abscess drainage
Treatments we may recommend
Relieving anal gland impaction often stops scooting immediately. Our vets address both the acute discomfort and predisposing factors like soft stool or allergies.
In-clinic anal gland expression referral or technique guidance
Prescription antibiotics for anal sac infection
Anti-inflammatory medication for perianal irritation
Deworming (praziquantel for tapeworms, broad-spectrum dewormer)
High-fiber diet or pumpkin supplementation
Prescription hypoallergenic diet for food allergy-related scooting
Referral for anal sac abscess surgery or fistula treatment
All medications are prescribed only when clinically appropriate by a licensed veterinarian and dispensed through our FDA-compliant pharmacy.
Preventing scooting and anal gland problems
Maintain consistent parasite prevention year-round
Add fiber to the diet to promote firm stools and natural gland expression
Monitor for scooting after diet changes
Keep the perianal area clean and dry
Address food allergies to reduce perianal inflammation
Why pet parents choose TelaVets
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Every consultation is with a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine — not a chatbot or technician.
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Most pet parents are connected with a vet within 1–3 hours of booking, 7 days a week.
Next-Day Prescriptions
When medication is appropriate, prescriptions are issued same-day and delivered to your door next business day.
Stress-Free Home Visits
Your pet is assessed in their calm home environment, which often makes symptoms easier to evaluate on video.
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Encrypted video calls and HIPAA-compliant records keep your pet's health information protected.
How TelaVets works
Book your consultation
Pick a same-day or upcoming slot — appointments available 7 days a week.
Connect with a licensed vet
Your vet assesses your pet via secure video, asks detailed questions, and reviews their history.
Get your treatment plan
Receive a diagnosis, personalised care plan, and same-day prescriptions delivered next-day.
What Our Pet Parents Say
Join thousands of happy pet parents who trust TelaVets for their furry family members care
"Fantastic service! My dog gets extremely anxious at the vet, so having a virtual appointment from home was a game-changer. The vet was kind and helpful, and getting his medication delivered the next day made the whole process stress-free and more affordable than going to the clinic."
DL
David Long
Verified Pet Parent
"The vet I spoke with Dr. Ricksaw was very knowledgeable and nice. He took the time to go through all of my options and ideas with me. Reassured me that all we were doing for my dog's anxiety was good and gave me a couple of new ideas as well."
CH
Courtney Hughes
Verified Pet Parent
"I would definitely use them again. I'm cat sitting for 2 weeks and needed to see a vet. I was so worried about the kitten. I used Televets the cat got his prescription and all is good. Excellent service!"
M
Maria
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr Corey was amazing, helpful, compassionate and well versed. I would highly recommend using this. It is so much easier than trying to get a 3 legged cat into a carrier, take him to a doctor's office and stress him out, love it!!!"
JG
Jackie Gardner
Verified Pet Parent
"I had a TelaVets Zoom appointment and couldn't be more impressed. They spent a lot of time with me, walking through every option to help my cat recover from her skin issues. I've also reached out about getting her medication through Chewy.com, and they've been extremely helpful every step of the way."
LD
Lara Durand
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. Moppin is a dedicated professional who truly cares about his furry patients and their humans, too! It's such a relief that Dr. Cole took the time to listen and address my concerns thoughtfully. Thank you for taking care of our cats 🐈"
WW
Wanida Walker
Verified Pet Parent
"This service was amazing! My dog ran out of his medication before we were able to get in with a new vet and they were able to help get him a short term supply quickly. I would definitely use them again!"
AT
Amanda Tobias
Verified Pet Parent
"Knowledgeable, professional caring provider! Needed urgent Vet care on a weekend and TeleVet kept me from having to miss a day of work, as well as half the price of local weekend options. Thank you!"
JH
Jana Humble
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. McGinnis was very knowledgeable and listened to my cat's issues. She addressed the problem and may have come up with an answer after 5 years of trying with local vet practices."
MK
Marilyn Kerr
Verified Pet Parent
"Fantastic service! My dog gets extremely anxious at the vet, so having a virtual appointment from home was a game-changer. The vet was kind and helpful, and getting his medication delivered the next day made the whole process stress-free and more affordable than going to the clinic."
DL
David Long
Verified Pet Parent
"The vet I spoke with Dr. Ricksaw was very knowledgeable and nice. He took the time to go through all of my options and ideas with me. Reassured me that all we were doing for my dog's anxiety was good and gave me a couple of new ideas as well."
CH
Courtney Hughes
Verified Pet Parent
"I would definitely use them again. I'm cat sitting for 2 weeks and needed to see a vet. I was so worried about the kitten. I used Televets the cat got his prescription and all is good. Excellent service!"
M
Maria
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr Corey was amazing, helpful, compassionate and well versed. I would highly recommend using this. It is so much easier than trying to get a 3 legged cat into a carrier, take him to a doctor's office and stress him out, love it!!!"
JG
Jackie Gardner
Verified Pet Parent
"I had a TelaVets Zoom appointment and couldn't be more impressed. They spent a lot of time with me, walking through every option to help my cat recover from her skin issues. I've also reached out about getting her medication through Chewy.com, and they've been extremely helpful every step of the way."
LD
Lara Durand
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. Moppin is a dedicated professional who truly cares about his furry patients and their humans, too! It's such a relief that Dr. Cole took the time to listen and address my concerns thoughtfully. Thank you for taking care of our cats 🐈"
WW
Wanida Walker
Verified Pet Parent
"This service was amazing! My dog ran out of his medication before we were able to get in with a new vet and they were able to help get him a short term supply quickly. I would definitely use them again!"
AT
Amanda Tobias
Verified Pet Parent
"Knowledgeable, professional caring provider! Needed urgent Vet care on a weekend and TeleVet kept me from having to miss a day of work, as well as half the price of local weekend options. Thank you!"
JH
Jana Humble
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. McGinnis was very knowledgeable and listened to my cat's issues. She addressed the problem and may have come up with an answer after 5 years of trying with local vet practices."
MK
Marilyn Kerr
Verified Pet Parent
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Frequently asked questions about scooting in dogs
scooting in dogs can have many causes. Our licensed vets use your pet's history, symptom pattern, and a visual assessment via video to narrow down the most likely cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
If your dog's scooting has lasted more than 24–48 hours, is severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms (lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting), book a consultation immediately.
Yes. Our vets can assess your dog's symptoms via secure video, ask detailed diagnostic questions, and prescribe appropriate treatment — all without a clinic visit.
If medication is clinically appropriate, our licensed vets can issue prescriptions same-day with next-day delivery to your home.
Mild scooting often isn't an emergency, but if your dog shows severe distress, difficulty breathing, collapse, or other alarming signs, seek emergency in-person care immediately. When in doubt, book a consultation — our vets will help you assess the urgency.
Get expert help for your dog's scooting today
Same-day appointments — $65 flat fee — licensed vets