This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences.
There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Dogs often lick, scoot, or scratch their behinds, and it’s sometimes just a sign that something’s stuck back there. Other times, though, it may be caused by more serious health conditions like worms or blocked anal glands. If the problem lasts more than 2 days, it’s best to see a veterinarian for a diagnosis. In the meantime, we’ll show you simple at-home ways to relieve your dog’s irritation, and fill you in on what might be causing it.
Quick Remedy for Rear-End Itching
Boil water and let it cool to a skin-safe temperature, then soak a clean cloth with the boiled water. Press the cloth to your dog’s rectum for 5-10 minutes, dabbing and wiping away any debris as you do. Repeat this 2-3 times each day until you can see a vet.
Steps
Soothing a Dog’s Irritated Rear
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Examine your dog’s rectum for signs of trouble. Before you do anything, you need to know what you’re dealing with. Gently lift your dog’s tail and look for anything out of the ordinary around their rectal area—fecal debris, discoloration, parasites, growths, rash, etc.[1] If none are present, and the behavior stops after 1-2 days, it was likely only a temporary problem.
- If you do spot anything out of the ordinary, or behavior like licking, scooting, and scratching continue after 2 days, take your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis—there may be more serious underlying causes you’ve missed.
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Wipe your dog’s rectum and apply a warm compress. Dampen a cloth with boiled water that’s cooled to a skin-safe temperature, then gently dab and wipe your dog’s rear area. Then, dampen a new cloth with the boiled water and press it gently to their rectum for 5-10 minutes to soothe irritation and encourage bowel and scent gland movement.[2]
- As you do, speak softly and reassuringly to your dog to keep them calm.
- Apply the compress 2-3 times a day for as long as the problem persists.
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Groom and bathe your dog regularly. Sometimes a quick all-over bath can solve the problem. Bathe your dog with a canine-friendly shampoo, targeting their rear, and rinse the shampoo out thoroughly. Then, brush them all over, also paying special attention to their rear. After, keep a close eye on them to see if the irritation persists.[3]
- Also use a flea and tick shampoo to target any external parasites, while you’re at it.
- If you’re confident and comfortable doing so, trim the hair around your dog’s rectum to clear away any fur that might cause fecal clinging.
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Express your dog’s anal glands. Your dog’s anal glands are located on either side of their anus, and may need to be emptied by hand while outdoors. Wear old or disposable clothing and put on rubber gloves. Lift your dog’s tail and, with your free hand, position 2 fingers on either side (and slightly lower) than the anus, and gently pinch up toward the anus, repeating until the glands discharge.[4]
- If nothing happens after 4-5 tries, stop and consult a veterinarian, who will be able to express the glands themself, or diagnose other issues.
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Adjust your dog’s diet and offer them plenty of water. Food allergies or other dietary issues may be to blame for long-term issues, and incorporating more fiber into your dog’s diet may relieve problems like constipation or diarrhea. Offer your dog 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of pure pumpkin, chopped green beans, or sweet potatoes with each meal to give them more fiber.[5]
- Also be sure your dog has constant access to fresh water. Hydration is important for maintaining your dog’s general and digestive health.
- Your vet may also order an allergy test to identify possible food or non-food triggers.
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Give your dog a dewormer. Worms and other parasites are common culprits of irritated rectums in dogs. Consult a veterinarian about the best general-purpose deworming medication, or purchase one over-the counter and follow the dosage instructions carefully. Dewormers come in many oral forms, including pills, powders, and liquids.[6]
- Never administer new medication to your dog without first consulting a veterinarian.
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Give your dog probiotics and prebiotics to promote stomach health. Probiotics and prebiotics promote healthy gut bacteria that’s essential for digestion, which may help clear up your dog’s rectal troubles. They’re available over-the-counter at many pet stores, and often come in easily administered forms, like pills or gels. [7]
- Each is different so consult a vet about which is best for your dog, and follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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For any medical concern regarding a pet, it’s always best practice to consult a veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and professional treatment.Thanks
Warnings
- Avoid using any unprescribed or human-use creams, ointments, or sprays, including vaseline, which may further irritate your dog, and can be toxic when ingested through licking.[18]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.animaltrust.org.uk/blog/dog-skin-allergies/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-dogs-get-hemorrhoids/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-lick-their-butts/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-express-dog-anal-glands/
- ↑ https://veterinaryemergencygroup.com/blog/dog-constipation/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/deworming-dogs-what-you-need-to-know/
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/power-probiotics
- ↑ https://caringheartsanimalhospital.com/6-reasons-dog-scooting-butt/
- ↑ https://caringheartsanimalhospital.com/6-reasons-dog-scooting-butt/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-lick-their-butts/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-is-my-dog-scooting/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-lick-their-butts/
- ↑ https://caringheartsanimalhospital.com/6-reasons-dog-scooting-butt/
- ↑ https://caringheartsanimalhospital.com/6-reasons-dog-scooting-butt/
- ↑ https://www.smithfieldanimalhospital.com/services/dogs/blog/everything-you-never-wanted-know-about-scooting-and-anal-glands
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/atopic-dermatitis-atopy
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-lick-their-butts/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-lick-their-butts/