When your dog has loose stool and starts scooting across the floor, it’s not only messy — it’s a sign something isn’t right.
While occasional scooting might be a quirky behavior, doing it alongside diarrhea or soft stool can indicate discomfort, irritation, or an underlying health problem.
We outline the common causes of loose stool and scooting in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Loose Stool and Scooting: Why It Happens
Loose stool and scooting in dogs often go hand in hand because both are symptoms of digestive upset or anal discomfort. When the stool is too soft, it can leave residue around the anal area, causing itching or inflammation.
Dogs respond to that irritation by dragging their bottom on the ground — a behavior known as scooting. Common triggers include anal gland issues, food allergies, intestinal parasites, dietary changes, or bacterial imbalances in the gut.
Sometimes, it can even point to more serious conditions like colitis or infection of the anal glands.
Common Causes of Dog Loose Stool and Scooting
Anal Gland Problems
One of the most common reasons dogs scoot after having loose stool is impacted or infected anal glands.
Dogs have two small scent glands on either side of the anus that normally empty when they defecate. When the stool is firm, it naturally presses against the glands, allowing them to release fluid.
However, when a dog has chronic soft stool or diarrhea, the glands may not empty properly. This can lead to buildup, swelling, or infection — all of which cause discomfort and scooting.
You may notice a fishy smell, constant licking under the tail, or visible swelling near the anus. In severe cases, the gland can rupture, causing intense pain and even bleeding. Addressing the loose stool is key because until bowel consistency returns to normal, the problem is likely to keep recurring.
Read more: Dog Loose Stool and Vomiting (Why it happens and how to help)
Food Sensitivities
Dogs can develop food allergies or intolerances that upset the digestive system and lead to chronic loose stool.
When a dog’s immune system reacts to certain ingredients — such as chicken, beef, dairy, or grains — it can cause inflammation in the intestines.
This irritation disrupts normal stool formation and leads to frequent soft, mushy stools. The undigested material may leave residue that irritates the anal area, triggering scooting.
Food allergies can also cause itchy skin, ear infections, and chronic paw licking. An elimination diet or a switch to a limited-ingredient formula under a vet’s guidance can help pinpoint the offending ingredient and restore digestive health.
Intestinal Parasites
Parasites like worms, giardia, or coccidia are another leading cause of loose stool and scooting in dogs.
Worms can irritate the intestinal lining, leading to soft, sometimes mucus-filled stools. Tapeworms, in particular, can cause anal itching — prompting dogs to scoot. Owners might even spot small white “rice-like” segments near the dog’s anus or in the stool.
Even if you don’t see visible worms, microscopic parasites can still wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system.
Regular deworming and fecal checks at the vet are essential for preventing these issues. A single treatment often clears the infection, but chronic cases may need further stool analysis or dietary adjustments to restore gut balance.
Sudden Dietary Changes or Spoiled Food
Dogs have sensitive digestive systems that react quickly to abrupt dietary changes or eating spoiled food.
Switching to a new brand or protein source without a gradual transition can cause temporary loose stool as the gut adjusts. Similarly, scavenging garbage, rotten food, or table scraps can introduce harmful bacteria that lead to diarrhea.
Scooting may occur because the irritated digestive system produces loose stool that leaves a sticky residue around the anus. The combination of moisture, bacteria, and irritation causes the dog to drag their bottom for relief.
To prevent this, always transition new food over 7–10 days, mixing small amounts of the new food with the old. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, probiotics or bland diets may help stabilize digestion.
Infections
Gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli — or viruses such as parvovirus — can trigger diarrhea and inflammation in the digestive tract.
When the intestines are inflamed, nutrient absorption is impaired, resulting in watery or mushy stools.
This excess moisture can irritate the anal area and cause scooting. Some dogs may also develop fever, vomiting, or lethargy alongside loose stool.
Mild bacterial infections often resolve with rest, hydration, and a bland diet, but severe or bloody diarrhea requires immediate veterinary attention. Puppies and small breeds are especially vulnerable to dehydration and may deteriorate quickly if left untreated.
Colitis (Inflamed Colon)
Colitis is a common condition that causes inflammation in the large intestine, leading to loose stool, straining, and mucus in the feces.
When colitis flares up, the stool passes too quickly through the digestive tract, preventing normal water absorption.
The result is soft or liquid stool that irritates the anal area, prompting your dog to scoot. Stress, infections, food intolerances, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can all trigger colitis episodes.
Dogs with chronic colitis may also show signs of urgency, frequent bowel movements, or accidents in the house. Long-term management often includes dietary changes, probiotics, and medication to control inflammation.
Read more: Dog Loose Stool with No Other Symptoms (What it means)
What to Do If Your Dog Has Loose Stool and Scooting
If your dog is experiencing loose stool and scooting, the first step is to assess the situation calmly and make note of any additional symptoms such as blood, vomiting, or lethargy.
Start by checking your dog’s diet. If you recently introduced new food, treats, or table scraps, revert to their previous diet and feed a bland meal of boiled chicken and rice for a day or two. This helps rest the digestive system while you monitor stool consistency.
Make sure your dog stays hydrated since diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. Offer fresh water frequently, and consider adding an electrolyte solution if the stool remains watery.
Gently clean your dog’s rear area with warm water and a soft cloth to remove residue that could cause itching or infection. Avoid harsh wipes, which can worsen irritation.
If your dog continues to scoot, don’t attempt to express the anal glands yourself unless trained. It’s best to have a vet or groomer check for impaction or infection. They can safely empty the glands and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
Adding probiotics or fiber (like canned pumpkin) can help regulate bowel movements over time and restore gut balance.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Loose stool and occasional scooting aren’t always emergencies, but certain signs mean it’s time for professional care. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
Loose stool lasting more than 48 hours.
Blood or mucus in the stool.
Intense or repetitive scooting despite cleaning.
A foul, fishy odor around the anus.
Visible worms or white segments in the feces.
Vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
These symptoms could indicate infections, severe anal gland issues, or gastrointestinal disease requiring antibiotics, deworming, or more targeted treatment. Early intervention not only prevents discomfort but also stops the condition from worsening or spreading to other pets.
Read more: Dog Loose Stool (What it means)
Key Takeaway
Loose stool and scooting in dogs are usually signs that your pet’s digestive system — or their anal glands — are struggling. While mild cases often resolve with diet adjustments and cleaning, persistent symptoms warrant a veterinary checkup to rule out parasites, allergies, or infection.
By monitoring your dog’s stool, maintaining a consistent diet, and addressing scooting quickly, you can help your furry friend feel comfortable again and prevent recurring irritation.