What's going on when a dog's bottom itches?

A dog's bottom itching may be caused by parasite infections, anal gland inflammation, or residual feces.

Parasite infections: If a dog is infected with intestinal parasites such as roundworms or tapeworms, it can cause severe itching around the anus or surrounding skin. It's time to give the dog a deworming treatment.
Anal gland inflammation: A dog with inflamed anal glands will also experience itching around the anus, accompanied by swelling and redness around the area.
Residual feces: If the hair around the dog's bottom is too long or the feces are too loose, they may stick to the anus, causing the dog to feel itchy.
Parasite infections

Usually, dogs need an internal deworming every three months and an external deworming every month. If the owner has not given the dog a deworming treatment for a long time, the dog may become infected with parasites, causing it to feel itchy and rub its bottom on the ground to alleviate the discomfort. Therefore, owners should pay attention to observe whether there are worm bodies in the dog's vomit or feces. It's time to consult a veterinarian and choose an appropriate deworming medication.

Anal gland inflammation

A dog's anal glands need to be cleaned regularly. If not cleaned, bacteria can accumulate and eventually cause inflammation. Due to the itching, the dog will rub its bottom on the ground or lick it, and the area around the anus will swell and turn red. If a dog's anal glands are inflamed, the first step is to stop the dog from licking or rubbing its bottom. Then, squeeze out the accumulated secretions in the anal glands, as clean as possible, and wash the surrounding area with water. If it's severe and there's a purulent infection, consult a veterinarian for treatment promptly.

Residual feces

If the hair around a dog's bottom is too long or the feces are too loose, it can cause the dog's bottom to be contaminated with feces, making it itchy. In this case, owners can trim the hair around the dog's bottom and clean the area with water. Also, pay attention to the dog's diarrhea condition. If it occurs frequently, consult a veterinarian for medication treatment in a timely manner.