If you’ve noticed your dog scooting on its bottom, it isn’t a cute new trick. It’s a signal that your furry friend is experiencing significant discomfort.

Many things can cause the irritation that results in scooting. For some pooches—particularly smaller breeds—it may be inflammation or blockage of the anal sacs. And any breed can be bothered by a messy bum. For other dogs, the problem could be tapeworms, which are spread by fleas. You might also notice tapeworm segments as tiny rice-shaped particles on your dog’s behind. Less common causes of scooting include local wounds or tumors.

So whether your dog is scooting or just paying more attention than usual to its backside, take this as a signal that something’s not on track. A trip to your veterinarian should help set things straight.