My dog is scooting its bottom — anal glands?
Scooting is usually anal gland irritation, but it can also be worms, allergies, or an infected anal sac. Most cases are not emergencies — a few are.
Tell crittr what's happening
What to watch for
- Visible swelling or red/dark spot near the anus (possible abscess)
- Strong fishy smell or licking constantly
- Rice-like segments in stool or around the bottom (tapeworms)
What our vet advisors recommend
Over-the-counter picks that commonly help with this. Not a substitute for a vet visit — if symptoms escalate, book one.
Common questions
Is this actually an emergency?
Most of the time, no — this category is usually safe to manage at home with monitoring. That said, every critter is different. Run your specifics through the chat above for a read on your pet, not the average.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Three signs worth watching in the next 24–48 hours: Visible swelling or red/dark spot near the anus (possible abscess); Strong fishy smell or licking constantly; Rice-like segments in stool or around the bottom (tapeworms). If any of them show up or get worse, move up one tier (home → vet, vet → ER).
Do I need to pay for a vet visit just to ask?
No. Our triage chat is free — it'll tell you whether a vet visit is actually warranted before you spend anything. If you do need a licensed vet, we connect you to one of our licensed partners in minutes, from your phone.
Can crittr fill a prescription for this?
If a licensed vet prescribes meds during or after triage, yes — Rx orders are routed through our licensed pharmacy partner. You can also browse our OTC picks directly; we only stock items our vet advisors actually recommend.