Yorkie Scooting: Causes, Treatment, and When to See the Vet

Scooting is when a dog drags their bottom across the floor. In Yorkies, common causes include full or irritated anal glands, intestinal parasites, diet or stool consistency, and skin or food allergies. Occasional scooting can be normal; frequent or persistent scooting needs a vet check. This guide covers causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention—and when a groomer or breeder might be part of the picture.

Last updated: February 2026 · Reading time: ~6 min

Quick Answer

Yorkie scooting usually means anal glands (full, impacted, or infected), parasites (e.g. worms), diet (low fiber, loose stools), or allergies (skin or food). See the vet if scooting is frequent, there’s blood or swelling, licking at the rear, or a bad smell—they can express glands, check for worms, and rule out infection. At home: don’t squeeze anal glands yourself unless your vet or groomer has shown you how; support good stool quality with appropriate food and fiber. Prevention: regular parasite control, consistent diet, and keeping the area clean. For routine grooming and hygiene, see groomers.

Why Do Yorkies Scoot?

Scooting is a sign of discomfort or itch around the rear end. The dog drags their bottom to relieve pressure or itch. It’s not a breed-specific behavior—small breeds like Yorkies are often reported for anal gland issues because of size and stool consistency. Identifying the cause (glands, parasites, diet, or skin) is the first step to fixing it.

Common Causes of Scooting

Cause	What’s going on	Typical signs
Anal gland problems	Sacs beside the anus don’t empty well; they get full, impacted, or infected.	Scooting, licking rear, “fishy” smell, sometimes swelling or pain.
Intestinal parasites	Worms (e.g. tapeworm segments) irritate the anus.	Scooting, rice-like segments near anus or in stool, weight loss, bloating.
Diet / stool	Low fiber or very soft stools don’t put enough pressure on glands; diarrhea irritates skin.	Loose stools, scooting, sometimes gas.
Allergies	Food or environmental allergies cause itch (including around the rear).	Scooting, licking paws/body, skin redness, recurrent ear or skin issues.
Skin infection or irritation	Moisture, matting, or infection around the perineum.	Redness, odor, licking, scooting.

A vet can narrow this down with a physical exam, anal gland check, fecal test, and sometimes diet or allergy workup.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Step	What the vet may do
Physical exam	Check anal glands, skin around the anus, and overall condition.
Anal gland expression	Empty the glands; if infected or impacted, may need flushing, antibiotics, or in rare cases surgery.
Fecal test	Look for worm eggs or segments; deworm if needed.
Diet / fiber	Suggest more fiber (e.g. pumpkin, vet-approved diet) to firm stools and help glands empty naturally.
Allergy workup	If allergies are suspected, may suggest diet trial or environmental management.

Don’t express anal glands at home unless a vet or an experienced groomer has taught you; wrong technique can injure or infect. For ongoing gland issues, the vet may recommend a groomer who does expression, or a treatment plan (diet, supplements, or surgery in severe cases).

What You Can Do at Home

• Parasite control — Keep your Yorkie on a regular deworming/parasite protocol as your vet recommends.
• Stool quality — Quality diet and appropriate fiber (e.g. canned pumpkin, vet-approved) can help produce firmer stools so anal glands empty naturally.
• Hygiene — Gently wipe the rear with pet-safe wipes after pooping if needed; avoid human wipes with harsh chemicals. Keep the area dry.
• No squeezing — Leave anal gland expression to the vet or a trained groomer until you’re properly instructed.

Check price: Pet-safe grooming wipes on Amazon

When to See the Vet

See the vet if your Yorkie:

• Scoots often or every day.
• Has blood in stool or around the anus.
• Has swelling, redness, or odor near the rear.
• Licks the area constantly or seems in pain.
• Has loose stools or weight loss along with scooting (could indicate parasites or diet issue).

Rarely, a mass or other problem can cause similar signs; the vet will check for that.

Prevention

• Routine deworming — Per your vet’s schedule (and fecal checks if needed).
• Consistent, quality diet — Best food for Yorkies with sensitive stomachs and fiber/feeding tips can support good stool and gland function.
• Healthy weight — Obesity can make anal gland emptying less effective.
• Grooming and hygiene — Groomers can help keep the rear clean and, where appropriate, express glands if your vet agrees. Don’t rely on grooming alone if there’s infection or pain—vet first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is scooting always serious?

Not always. Occasional scooting can happen (e.g. after a soft stool). If it’s frequent, persistent, or you see blood, odor, or swelling, get a vet check.

Can I express my Yorkie’s anal glands myself?

Only if the vet or an experienced groomer has shown you how. Incorrect technique can cause injury or infection. When in doubt, let the vet or groomer do it.

Will more fiber stop scooting?

It often helps when the cause is soft stools and anal glands not emptying. Add fiber only with vet guidance (e.g. plain canned pumpkin, or a prescribed diet). Too much can cause loose stools.

Do groomers express anal glands?

Many groomers offer anal gland expression as part of grooming. Use one experienced with small dogs. If glands are impacted or infected, the vet must treat first.

Could it be worms?

Yes. Tapeworms and other parasites can cause anal itch and scooting. A fecal test and deworming (if positive) are part of routine care. See intestinal parasites in dogs for more.

For diet and digestion, see best food for Yorkies with sensitive stomachs and how often should a Yorkie eat. For hygiene and grooming, see groomers.

This article is for general guidance only. Diagnosis and treatment should be done by a veterinarian.

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