A Beagle Who Scoots Even When Her Anal Glands Are Empty

Scooting after the glands have been emptied means something else is causing the itch or discomfort. The most common reasons are allergies (itchy skin around the bottom is a classic allergy sign), worms such as tapeworms, an infection or abscess of the anal sacs that needs treatment rather than just emptying, and, less often, a growth near the anus.

Ask your vet for a rectal exam to check the sacs and the area around them, a stool test and deworming if needed, and a look at the skin for signs of allergy or infection. If the glands keep filling or getting infected, flushing them or, as a last resort, surgery to remove them can be options.

Because she always seems to be in pain, please have her seen soon. Go right away if you see swelling or redness beside the anus, bleeding, a draining sore, or straining to poop.

See anal gland problems in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.