Is your dog licking or scooting because their bum feels itchy? It’s uncomfortable for them and stressful for you. Recognizing the cause can help you choose a safe home remedy for your dog to soothe their itchy bum. These tips can soothe mild irritation, but persistent scooting still needs a vet check to rule out serious problems.
Why Is My Dog’s Bum So Itchy?
When dogs feel irritation near their rear end, they often scoot across the floor. This behavior almost always means discomfort, not because they are up to mischief (1). Before trying any remedy, it helps to know what is causing the problem. Five common reasons are listed below:
1. Anal Gland Problems
Anal gland issues are the most common reason dogs scoot (1, 2). Dogs have two small sacs near the anus. These sacs should empty during bowel movements (3). When they fail to empty, the glands swell, and this causes itching and pressure.
A VetCompass™ study found 4.4% of dogs have anal gland disorders (4). Some breeds have up to three times greater risk, including small and flat-faced breeds like Shih-Tzus and Cavaliers (4, 5). Other risks include obesity, allergies, chronic diarrhea, constipation, and age over five years (4, 5).
Important: Routine anal gland expression by groomers can create irritation. External squeezing may not empty the glands well and may cause inflammation or scarring (1, 6). You can certainly ask your vet to evaluate the glands if your dog scoots often.
2. Matted Fur
Dogs with long or curly fur sometimes collect debris near the anus. This buildup can irritate the skin and trigger scooting. However, regular trimming helps keep the area clean.
3. Intestinal Parasites
Tapeworms can cause rectal itching and scooting. If your dog has intestinal parasites, you might see rice-like segments near your dog’s anus, in stool, or in bedding (1, 7). A fecal test confirms this condition, and, if this is the case, your vet will prescribe a dewormer.
4. Allergies
Food or environmental allergies can cause inflammation and itching. Allergies also increase a dog’s risk of anal gland problems (5). Your veterinarian can help identify triggers and guide you in the ideal treatment.
5. Other Medical Conditions
Some medical problems also cause scooting (1, 3):
- Anal sac abscesses
- Perianal fistulas
- Tumors
- Rectal prolapse
- Irritation from grooming tools or products
These issues require prompt veterinary care.
Home Remedy Solutions for a Dog with Itchy Bum
Please note that these remedies help only with mild irritation. Please call your vet if scooting continues. Never express anal glands at home without training. An incorrect expression can cause injury or infection (3).
1. Warm Compress: For Quick Relief
A warm compress is the quickest home remedy for a dog with an itchy bum because it reduces swelling and soothes irritation fast. Simply press a warm, damp washcloth on the area for five minutes a few times daily (1). Always use a clean cloth to lower infection risk (3).
2. Fiber and Diet Support: Most Effective Long-Term Remedy
Most anal gland problems happen when stool is too soft to empty the glands naturally (8). A firmer stool builds pressure that helps the glands release fluid. This is by far the most effective long-term home remedy for the ‘dog itchy bum’ problem.
Good fiber sources include:
- Plain canned pumpkin
- Cooked sweet potato
- Psyllium husk (vet-guided dosing)
- Green beans
Studies show diets with 4–6% fiber help natural gland expression (4).
Supplements like Glandex use pumpkin, psyllium, and other fibers to support anal gland health (8, 9).
A strong all-in-one option is Glandex Anal Gland Soft Chews. They combine fiber, omega-3s, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to support natural anal gland emptying. It’s an easy daily chew that targets the most common cause of scooting without needing multiple supplements.
Top Tip! Add fiber slowly over 7–10 days. You need to make sure that your dog drinks enough water, because fiber without water can cause constipation (4).
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s from fish oil help reduce swelling and irritation (1, 10). You can use a dog-safe supplement or feed small amounts of oily fish like sardines packed in water (10). As always, follow your vet’s dosing instructions to avoid stomach upset.
4. Weight Management
Extra body fat can prevent glands from emptying properly during bowel movements (3, 9). Obesity greatly increases anal gland problems (4, 5). Your vet can help design a safe weight-loss plan.
5. Hygiene and Grooming
Clean and trim the area around the anus to prevent irritation:
- Use pet-safe wipes
- Trim long fur regularly
- Remove burrs or debris
- Ensure your groomer uses gentle tools
Please avoid applying home remedies like aloe or vinegar. These can irritate sensitive skin, especially if inflamed. Also, dogs may lick the area and ingest harmful products.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
Seek veterinary care if your dog shows (1, 3):
- Frequent or ongoing scooting
- Swelling or redness near the anus
- Pus, blood, or foul discharge
- Pain when sitting or passing stool
- Trouble defecating
- Excessive licking of the rear end
- Fever, lethargy, or appetite loss
It’s worth remembering that untreated irritation can trigger infections, abscesses, or ruptured glands.
Prevention Strategies
- Keep stool firm with balanced diets and fiber (8, 9)
- Support a healthy weight
- Avoid routine anal gland expression
- Monitor high-risk dogs
- Manage food and skin allergies with veterinary help
- Schedule regular check-ups
These steps protect anal gland health and reduce scooting episodes.
Final Thoughts
The best home remedy for a dog with an itchy bum is adding the right amount of dietary fiber to their diet. The reason is that firmer stools help anal glands empty naturally and reduce irritation. Also, warm compresses, omega-3 fatty acids, weight management, and gentle hygiene help reduce inflammation, improve comfort, and prevent ongoing irritation. It’s important not to express anal glands yourself unless you’re trained. If your dog is in pain, has swelling, discharge, or scoots frequently, please call your veterinarian promptly. Early care will prevent complications and keep your pet comfortable.
Sources
- PetMD. Dog Scooting: Why Dogs Drag Their Butts and What to Do About It
- Hill’s Pet. Dog Scooting & Recognizing Anal Gland Problems
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Anal Sac Disease in Dogs
- Seaweed For Dogs. Natural Supplements and Solutions for Healthy Anal Glands in Dogs
- O’Neill, D.G., et al. (2017). Disorders of dogs attending primary‑care veterinary practices in England. PLOS ONE, 12(3), e0179146.
- Preventive Vet. Anal Gland Infections in Dogs: What to Do
- American Kennel Club. Why Is My Dog Scooting?
- Glandex by Vetnique. 7 Foods To Help Dogs Express Anal Glands Naturally
- PetMD. Dog Anal Glands: Common Problems, Treatment, and Prevention
- Seaweed For Dogs. The Role of Diet in Anal Gland Expression and Health in Dogs
