Why won't your dog stop scooting? Find out how to help here

• Anal gland issues affect approximately one in ten dogs and can cause discomfort.
• Common signs of anal gland problems include scooting, persistent odors, and excessive licking of the rear end.
• Supporting a dog's digestive health with fiber, probiotics, and other supplements can help prevent recurring problems.

That scream-worthy moment when you notice your dog scooting across the carpet is unforgettable. But there's a lot more going on besides the somewhat hilarious behavior.

It turns out those seemingly harmless quirks are often your dog’s way of tell you that something’s wrong.

According to Vetnique, anal gland issues affect roughly 1 in 10 dogs, yet many pet parents don’t realize how important these tiny glands are or how they influence everyday comfort, digestion and behavior. Switching from reacting to scooting episodes to taking a proactive daily approach can dramatically improve your pet’s comfort. Over time, consistent support can help reduce the need for frequent vet visits for manual expression. Below, we've highlighted what to know about anal gland issues and a few vet-formulated solutions.

Why is my dog scooting?

Scooting is often a sign that your dog’s anal glands are full, irritated or not emptying properly. While occasional scooting can happen, recurring episodes usually signal an underlying issue with anal glands.

Common signs your dog may need anal gland support

If your pup regularly shows these behaviors, their anal glands may not be functioning properly:

• Scooting across the carpet
• Persistent or unusual odors
• Licking or chewing near the tail
• Sudden interest in their rear end
• General discomfort or restlessness

Glandex Anal Gland Support Chews | 48,000+ Amazon reviews

Glandex Anal Gland Support Chews

Daily soft chews that support healthy anal gland function, stool quality and digestion. Made with pumpkin, probiotics and omega fatty acids, these vet-formulated chews make proactive anal gland care simple (and tasty) for dogs. Buy now at Amazon

Glandex Anal Gland Support Powder | 11,000+ Amazon reviews

Glandex Anal Gland Support Powder

A functional topper that blends seamlessly into your dog’s meal to support stool consistency, gut balance and natural gland emptying. Great for picky pups and multi‑pet households. Buy now at Amazon

Why do anal gland issues happen?

Healthy anal glands typically empty naturally during normal bowel movements. But when the stool isn’t firm enough or fiber intake is low, the glands may not express completely. That’s when scooting, odors and irritation begin.

Recognizing the signs early—and supporting healthy digestion—can help pet parents stay ahead of recurring issues and reduce uncomfortable (and often expensive) vet visits.

How does Vetnique Glandex Anal Gland Soft Chews with Pumpkin work?

A targeted blend of functional ingredients helps Glandex support the full digestive chain:

• Pumpkin and natural fiber: Support optimal stool consistency
• Probiotics: Help balance the gut
• Digestive enzymes: Aid healthy digestion
• Omega fatty acids and quercetin: Help soothe irritation

How long does Glandex take to work?

Most pet parents notice changes within a few weeks, with optimal results typically seen after several months of consistent daily use.

Can Glandex replace manual expression?

Many pet parents report fewer vet visits over time, but each pet is unique. Glandex is designed to support the natural emptying process—not replace veterinary care when needed.

More about Vetnique

Vetnique was founded by Dr. James Bascharon, DVM, who saw everyday issues affecting pets—itchiness, digestive struggles, grooming challenges, allergies, mobility concerns—and realized pet parents needed science-backed, vet-formulated solutions they could trust at home.

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