When my dog kept sitting on his bum after grooming, I got worried. He scooted around the floor like something was wrong. Was it pain? Itching? A bad cut? I had no clue.
If your dog is sitting on his butt or scooting after grooming, you’re not alone. I’ve been there.
In this post, I’ll share what I learned and how I helped my dog feel better.
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Is It Normal for a Dog to Sit on Their Bum After Grooming?
Yes, it’s pretty common for dogs to sit on their bum after grooming. But that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Sometimes it’s just a weird new feeling—they’ve been shaved, clipped, or cleaned in sensitive spots. Other times, it’s their way of telling you something’s not right.
I remember thinking, “Why is my dog sitting on his bum like that? Did something go wrong?” It turns out, it was just the way his skin felt after being trimmed too close. Think about how we feel after a bad haircut—it’s kind of like that, but more confusing for them.
Short answer: Dogs often sit on their bum after grooming due to irritation, strange sensations, or stress. It’s usually harmless—but keep an eye out.
Some dogs do it to soothe itchiness. Others may scoot because their anal glands were expressed and now feel sore. A few might even be reacting to a new product or scent. These are all normal reactions—but knowing the difference between a normal habit and a health issue is key.
So yes, this behavior can be normal—but if it keeps happening or gets worse, it might be time to dig deeper (don’t worry, we’ll get to that next).
Common Reasons Why Dogs Sit on Their Bum After Grooming
When your dog sits on his bum after grooming, it can look funny or worrying. But most of the time, it’s nothing serious. Here are some common reasons why it happens:
Irritated or Itchy Skin
Dogs often sit on their bum after grooming because their skin feels itchy. Groomers sometimes clip the hair too short. They may also use a new shampoo that bothers your dog’s skin.
This happened to my dog once. I used a “gentle” shampoo, but it made his skin red and itchy.
If your dog is sitting on his butt or scoots a lot after grooming, itchy skin could be the reason. Watch for red spots, bumps, or lots of licking.
Switching to a soft, vet-approved shampoo helped my dog feel better fast.
Anal Gland Expression
Sometimes groomers perform anal gland expression during grooming. This means they squeeze out fluid that builds up inside.
After this, the area can feel sore or strange. If you notice dog scooting after grooming, this could be why.
The first time my groomer did this, I had no idea what it meant! Now, I always ask if it’s needed. Not all dogs need it every time.Mild scooting after grooming is normal. But if your dog sitting on butt behavior keeps happening or your dog seems hurt, call your vet.
Matted Hair or Razor Burn
If your dog had mats in his coat, the groomer might have shaved close to the skin. This can leave the skin sore.Sometimes the razor also causes burns. This can make your dog scoot or sit funny to feel better.
If you wonder, “why is my dog sitting on his bum after grooming?” razor burn or sore skin could be the cause.
Brushing your dog often at home can stop mats from forming. It saves your dog from pain and you from worry.
Anxiety or Habit
Sometimes, it’s not about pain at all. Grooming can stress dogs out. After a long groom, they might act strange.Scooting or sitting can be a habit to cope with stress.
After one long grooming, my dog scooted around the house like crazy! He was not hurt — he just felt weird.
A little extra love, treats, and playtime helped him feel safe again. So if you’re asking, “why does my dog keep sitting on his bum?”, it might just be nerves, not pain.
When You Should Be Concerned
Most of the time, if your dog sits on his bum after grooming, it’s nothing to worry about. But sometimes, it means something is wrong. So, how do you know when to worry? If your dog keeps scooting for more than a day or two, or if he seems upset—like whining, licking a lot, or dragging his bottom again and again—you should watch him closely.
Look for signs like swelling, redness, or a bad smell near his rear. Scooting for a long time after grooming can mean an infection, sore skin, or even worms. It sounds gross, but it happens. One time, my dog kept scooting, and I thought it was just itching. But he had a small infection. He needed medicine to get better. I felt bad for not spotting it sooner!
Also, watch if your dog looks like he’s in pain when he sits or if he won’t sit at all. If your dog cries out, limps, or seems upset when you touch his back end, it could be a bigger problem. Always trust your gut. Dogs try to hide pain, so if you notice it, it’s serious.
Wondering when to call the vet? If scooting lasts more than two days, if you see blood, swelling, smell something bad, or if your dog seems really unhappy, call your vet. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Even small problems like sore glands can get worse fast.
To sum it up, a little bum-sitting is normal after grooming. But if it lasts too long, looks painful, or comes with other signs, it’s time to get help. Your dog counts on you to notice when something feels wrong—and a quick trip to the vet can make a big difference.
How I Helped My Dog Feel Better After Grooming
When my dog kept sitting on his bum after grooming, I knew I had to help him feel better fast. He looked so uncomfortable, and it broke my heart. Luckily, some simple steps made a big difference.
First, I gave him a warm bath.
Not too hot — just lukewarm water. I used a very mild, vet-approved oatmeal shampoo. This helped soothe his itchy skin right away. If your dog is sitting on his bum after grooming, a gentle bath can wash off any leftover products that might be bothering him.
Next, I checked his skin for any redness or bumps.
I ran my hands over his body slowly. I was looking for any rough spots, cuts, or signs of razor burn. This quick check helped me spot a small rash early. If you notice anything like that, it’s best to treat it right away.
Then, I used a natural balm on sensitive spots.
I found a dog-safe balm with aloe and vitamin E. It calmed the irritated areas fast. If your dog keeps sitting on his bum, soothing balms can work like magic to stop the itch and sting.
I also gave him a soft, cozy space to relax.
After grooming, dogs sometimes feel strange or stressed. I put his favorite blanket on the couch and let him snuggle up. A quiet, comfy spot can help your dog feel safe and heal faster.
Switching products helped a lot too.
I asked the groomer to skip strong shampoos and avoid unnecessary anal gland expression next time. Since making that change, my dog has been much happier after every grooming trip!
If your dog seems sore or itchy after grooming, gentle home remedies like warm baths, healing balms, and quiet time can really help. Always choose products made for sensitive dogs.
How to Prevent This in the Future
If your dog scoots or sits on his bum after grooming, you’re not alone. I’ve been through it, and with a few changes, things got a lot better. Here’s what helped me stop the scooting and keep my dog comfy after every groom.
Pick the Right Groomer
Not all groomers are the same, and it took me a while to learn that. My first groomer was quick but rough. My dog always came home itchy and stressed. Once I switched to someone gentle and patient, everything changed.
Now I make sure the groomer is calm, uses soft brushes, and takes their time. I also ask if they use dog-safe products with no strong scents or harsh stuff. Choosing a groomer who’s gentle and pays attention to your dog’s needs can help prevent irritation and stress after grooming.
Talk About Anal Gland Expression
The first time my dog had his anal glands expressed, I didn’t even know it was happening. That night, he scooted all over the floor and wouldn’t sit still. I felt so bad.
Since then, I always ask the groomer to skip the anal glands unless there’s a reason. Most dogs don’t need it every time. Asking your groomer not to express the glands unless it’s needed can help stop scooting and soreness after a visit.
Use Soft, Safe Products
Some shampoos sound nice but can be too strong for your dog’s skin. One time I picked a “lavender calm” shampoo, thinking it would help him relax. Instead, it gave him red bumps, and he kept licking his paws for days.
Now I stick with gentle oatmeal shampoo. It has no perfumes or harsh stuff, and it’s made for dogs with sensitive skin. Using mild, vet-approved grooming products can help stop itching, redness, and the urge to sit or scoot.
FAQ:
Why does my dog keep sitting on his bum after grooming?
Your dog may feel itchy or sore from clipping, new shampoo, or anal gland expression. It’s common and often passes in a day or two.
Is it normal for dogs to scoot after grooming?
Yes, scooting is common after grooming. It often happens due to itchiness, stress, or sensitive skin after being trimmed or cleaned.
Can grooming products cause my dog to sit on his butt?
Yes, strong or scented grooming products can irritate the skin. Try switching to a mild, vet-approved shampoo for sensitive dogs.
Should I worry if my dog scoots after every grooming?
If scooting lasts more than two days or your dog seems in pain, call your vet. It could be a sign of infection or anal gland trouble.
Can anal gland expression make my dog uncomfortable?
Yes, some dogs feel sore or weird after anal gland expression. Ask your groomer to skip it unless your dog really needs it.
How can I soothe my dog’s bum after grooming?
Use a warm bath with oatmeal shampoo, check for rash, and apply a dog-safe balm. Offer a cozy spot to rest and avoid strong products.
Conclusion
So, why does your dog keep sitting on his bum after grooming? Most of the time, it’s nothing serious. It might be itchy skin, a reaction to grooming products, or just the weird feeling of a fresh trim. I’ve been there—watching my dog scoot around the house like something was seriously wrong. But in many cases, it passes with a little time and TLC.
That said, if your pup keeps scooting, looks uncomfortable, or shows signs like swelling or a bad smell, don’t wait—call your vet. It could be an infection or something that needs attention. I learned that the hard way once, and now I always check right away.
What’s helped most for me is being proactive. I talk to the groomer, ask about products they use, and let them know if something didn’t sit right last time. I also stick with gentle shampoos, skip unnecessary treatments, and keep a close eye on how my dog acts after each session.
Every dog is different. Some are more sensitive than others. But knowing what to watch for—and how to respond—can save your pup from days of discomfort.
If you’ve dealt with this too, I’d love to hear your story. What worked for your dog? Drop a comment below and let’s help each other out.
We’re the dedicated team behind MyPawSafe.com, with over a decade of combined experience in veterinary care, pet emergency response, and animal behavior. While we prefer to let our work speak for itself, our mission is clear: to provide science-backed, vet-approved advice that helps pet owners prevent accidents and save lives.