diff --git a/pkg/storage/pebble_mvcc_scanner.go b/pkg/storage/pebble_mvcc_scanner.go
index b5d75eaf4de4..09a0e37c9781 100644
--- a/pkg/storage/pebble_mvcc_scanner.go
+++ b/pkg/storage/pebble_mvcc_scanner.go
@@ -551,8 +551,13 @@ func (p *pebbleMVCCScanner) incrementItersBeforeSeek() {
 // Decrements itersBeforeSeek while ensuring it stays positive.
 func (p *pebbleMVCCScanner) decrementItersBeforeSeek() {
 	p.itersBeforeSeek--
-	if p.itersBeforeSeek < 0 {
-		p.itersBeforeSeek = 0
+	if p.itersBeforeSeek < 1 {
+		if maxItersBeforeSeek > 0 {
+			p.itersBeforeSeek = 1
+		} else if p.itersBeforeSeek < 0 {
+			// INVARIANT: maxItersBeforeSeek == 0 && p.itersBeforeSeek < 0.
+			p.itersBeforeSeek = 0
+		}
 	}
 }