Why dogs drag their hindquarters: it is not always about parasites

Dog owners often assume that "scooting"—the habit of dragging the hindquarters across a floor or carpet—is a definitive sign of intestinal parasites. However, this behavior typically indicates issues with the paraanal glands, nutritional imbalances, or more serious internal health conditions. The Role of Paraanal Glands Paraanal glands are paired sacs located on either side of the anus. They produce a pungent secretion used for territorial marking and social identification. When dogs sniff one another, they use this scent to determine the other animal's sex, age, and general health status. Maksim Lazarev, Veterinarian: The secretion from these glands acts as a biological passport. While they are most active during the mating season in intact dogs, sterilized animals may also produce excess secretion due to dominance instincts or the presence of competitors. External triggers can increase gland activity. In older dogs, inflammation may occur suddenly if a new pet moves into the neighborhood; the dog attempts to maximize its territorial scent, leading to overfilled glands.