How to Help a Dog with an Itchy Anus

Soothing a Dog’s Irritated Rear

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. Never administer new medication to your dog without first consulting a veterinarian.

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. Each is different so consult a vet about which is best for your dog, and follow the dosage instructions carefully.

Causes of an Irritated Rear

Debris or general irritation Often, an itchy butt is no big deal, and may just be an itch like any other. Other times, it may be caused by hemorrhoids, or a buildup of fecal matter around your dog’s rectum, which can be irritating. Dogs don’t usually need toilet paper, but sometimes things tend to cling, and so they’ll drag or lick their butts in an effort to wipe it away. If your dog only licks or scoots for a little while before the behavior stops, this is most likely the cause, and there’s no need for concern or further action. If scooting, licking, scratching, or other worrisome behavior persists for more than 2 days, have your dog examined by a vet for other possible causes.

Parasites Parasites found in a dog’s intestines, such as tapeworms or ringworms, are one of the primary causes of an irritated rectum. External parasites, like fleas or ticks, are also common near the base of the tail. Gently lift your dog’s tail and examine the area, as well as your dog’s bedding, for signs of parasites. Internal parasites often look like grains of rice around your dog’s anus. Fleas or ticks may be harder to spot, but appear like very small, round, dark insects. Note that there’s not always external evidence of parasites. Fleas and ticks can often be treated at home, but internal parasites require antibiotics prescribed after a vet’s diagnosis.

Anal sac blockage Dogs have glands near their anuses that eject fluid when they poop, giving their feces a specific scent that identifies them to other dogs. Sometimes, though, these glands don’t eject how or when they’re supposed to, causing blockage, excess fluid, infection, and irritation. Signs of anal gland buildup or infection include excessive scooting, obsessive licking or itching, difficulty pooping, and pus or blood near the rectum or in the feces. If the glands are simply full, they can be expressed (or emptied) by hand at home. If there’s blood, pus, or rash, a veterinarian is needed.

Infection Anal sac blockage can lead to infection, but your dog may also be experiencing a urinary tract infection, particularly if she’s female. Urinary tract infections are accompanied by excessive urination or thirst, and require a visit to the veterinarian ASAP.

Digestive issues Common digestive troubles like constipation, diarrhea, or an upset stomach may cause scooting or rectal irritation. In these cases, the culprit may be your dog’s diet or something they ate recently. If the problem resolves within 2 days, it was probably a one-off episode. If not, have your dog examined by a vet, who may recommend a new diet. If food is indeed the culprit, the problems usually intensify about an hour after being fed or shortly after going potty. If your dog appears sick, withhold all food for 24 hours, then feed them plain, boiled chicken and rice for a day or two. Consult a vet if illness persists.

Allergies Your dog may be suffering from either a food allergy, or a condition known as “atopy.” Atopy is a genetic allergy that reacts to anything from pollen, mites, dander, and molds, and affects 10-15% of all dogs, and usually flares up during specific (but varying) times of year. If you suspect a food allergy, such as if you recently switched food brands or fed your dog something new, try a different food variety, or talk to your vet about food allergens. If your dog’s irritation is chronic, talk to your vet about possible genetic allergies and how to manage them—currently, atopy is incurable, but by no means fatal.

Cancer Dogs may sometimes develop cancers in or around their rectum, which can lead to licking, scooting, and other worrisome behaviors. These cancers and tumors may or may not be visible, but often manifest as lumps or strange growths. If you spot one, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for a diagnosis. Cancers are often treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and prescription medication.