Virtual Dog Cat

Anal Sacs & Scooting

All dogs and cats have two anal sacs under their tail (just under the skin below the anus). Anal sacs are little pea-sized pouches in small pets and grape-sized in large pets. They secrete a thin, foul-smelling material onto your pet’s feces as it defecates. This material communicates information to other animals.

When the anal sacs are agitated, full, or itchy, your pet will scoot...drag his or her butt across the floor. This looks quite amusing; however, it is usually a sign that the anal sacs need to be drained, or that there is a possible allergy.

Anal Sac Inflammation and Scooting

The articles here were answered by a variety of pharmacists and veterinarians

Date	Category	Topic
02/23/08	Skin Care	SKIN, REAR AND EAR SOS!
11/12/07	Other	DIAHREA AND SCOOTING
08/26/07	Allergy	DESPERATE DOG
08/24/07	Vitamins/Nutritional Supplements	FOODS
08/13/07	Ear Care	EAR YEAST INFECTION
06/27/07	Pain/Inflammation	PARALYSIS
06/19/07	Wormer	DOES MY DOG HAVE WORMS
06/11/07	Other	ANAL GLANDS ON A DOBERMAN/SHEPARD MIX
04/06/07	Odor Control	ANAL, SCOOTING
03/24/07	Other	MY DOG HAS BEEN ACTING LATHARGIC
03/21/07	Allergy	SWOLLEN ANAL SAC/ ALLERGIES
03/20/07	Skin Care	RED IRRITATED SKIN
03/19/07	Wormer	TAPEWORMS
03/07/07	Pain/Inflammation	SCOOTING
03/05/07	Pain/Inflammation	SCOOTING
1 2 3 »»


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Anal Sac Facts:

The anal sacs empty naturally when your pet defecates

Anal sacs should not be routinely emptied by groomers

This information is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.

The information about medications is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian.

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