Why is my Boston Terrier scooting? The most common reason is impacted or infected anal glands. Boston Terriers have small anal glands that can easily become full or inflamed. When they scoot, they’re trying to relieve pressure or itchiness. Other causes include food allergies (often to chicken or grains), environmental allergies, or tapeworms (look for rice-like segments near the anus or in stool).
How to identify the cause at home
Start by checking your dog’s rear end. Look for redness, swelling, or a fishy odor (signs of anal gland infection). Check stool for white rice-like segments (tapeworms). Also examine the skin for flaking or redness from allergies. If you see excessive licking of the paws or face, allergies are likely. Scooting after pooping often points to full anal glands that need expressing.
When to help at home vs. when to see a vet
If your dog scoots once in a while and glands look normal, you can try adding fiber (canned pumpkin, 1 tsp per 10 lbs) to firm up stool and help glands express naturally. But if scooting persists more than a day, or you see blood, swelling, or a bad smell, see a vet. Do not attempt to express glands yourself unless trained – you can cause injury. If tapeworms are suspected, a vet can prescribe dewormer (praziquantel). For allergies, an elimination diet trial is needed.
Prevention tips for Boston Terriers
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight (obesity increases anal gland problems).
- Provide a high-fiber diet (add pumpkin or green beans).
- Regularly check anal area for redness or discharge.
- Treat allergies early (switch to novel protein diet like duck or venison).
- Use monthly heartworm prevention that also covers tapeworms (like Interceptor Plus).
Key Takeaway
If your Boston Terrier scoots, check for full anal glands, allergies, or tapeworms; if it persists past one day or you see swelling or blood, see your vet.