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If you’ve just noticed that your dog has a sore bum, you should first try to figure out why it’s sore. There are many reasons why this could be the case, and some of them might require veterinary attention. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of bum sores in dogs and what you can do to treat them.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Reasons Why Dogs Get a Sore Bum
1) Impacted Anal Glands
When your dog has an anal gland impaction, it is not a fun time for either of you. Dog anal glands are located on either side of a female and male dogs anus and are used to produce a foul-smelling substance to mark their territory. These are also called anal sacs.
If the glands become full or blocked, they can become infected and painful. This is also referred to as anal sac disease.
These anal gland infections can be extremally uncomfortable for your dog. So getting anal gland issues solved as soon as possible is important for your dogs comfort.
You may notice your dog scooting their bum along the ground or licking their anus more than usual, as this is their way of trying to relieve the pressure. In most cases, a vet or groomer will need to express the glands manually. Thankfully, it’s a relatively simple procedure that will quickly relieve your dog’s discomfort.
Some dog breeds are more susceptible to impacted anal glands as others. For example, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Beagles rank high on the list of breeds affected by anal gland problems.
2) Food Or Environmental Allergy
A food allergy is another common reason dogs get a sore bums. If you think your dog may be allergic to their food, talk to your vet about switching them to a hypoallergenic diet. This type of food is specifically designed for dogs with allergies and will help relieve their symptoms.
Environmental allergens, such as pollen, dust, and mold can also cause a itchy bum in dogs. If you notice your dog is licking their bum more during certain times of the year or when there’s a lot of pollen in the air, they may be allergic to something in their environment. Again, your vet will be able to help you determine if this is the case and recommend a course of treatment.
If your dog is licking their bum excessively or has any other signs of allergies (itchy skin, runny eyes, etc.), it’s worth taking them to the vet for a check-up.
3) Worms Or Other Pests
Worms and other parasites are another common cause of a sore bum in dogs. There are a number of different types of worms that can affect dogs, so it’s important to get a diagnosis from your vet before starting any treatment.
Also, several over-the-counter products can help to treat worms and other parasites, but it’s always best to get a vet’s opinion before giving your dog any medication.
If you think your dog may have worms or another type of parasite, the best thing to do is take them to the vet for a check-up.
4) Infection
Bacterial or yeast infections are another possible reason for a sore bum in dogs. These types of infections can be caused by a number of things, including allergies, poor hygiene, and even anal sac impaction.
Treatment for bacterial or yeast infections usually involves antibiotics or antifungal medications. Your vet will be able to prescribe the appropriate medication for your dog based on their diagnosis.
5) Tumor
In some cases, a sore bum in dogs can be caused by a tumor. This is usually the case with older dogs, and thankfully, the tumor is typically benign. However, it’s always best to have your vet check it out just to be sure.
Treatment for a tumor usually involves surgery to remove it. In most cases, the prognosis is good, and your dog will make a full recovery.
Some Less Common Reasons:
Some lesser common reasons your dog’s anus could be sore are constipation, discomfort after grooming, or dry skin that cracks and leaves a small wound.
If you think your dog may be constipated, talk to your vet about giving them a stool softener or other laxatives.
If you recently had your dog groomed, and they seem to be uncomfortable, it’s possible they may have accidentally clipped them a little too short around their bum.
Finally, if your dog has dry skin that cracks and leaves a small wound, they may be suffering from a condition called seborrhea. This can be caused by a number of things, including allergies, hormonal imbalances, and even certain medications.
Remedies For When a Dog Has a Sore Bum
1) Have a Vet Or Groomer Express Their Anal Glands
If your dog’s bum is sore because of impacted anal glands, the best thing to do is have a vet or groomer express them. This is a simple procedure that involves gently squeezing the glands until the fluid inside is expelled.
While this may seem like a gross task, it’s actually relatively easy to do and only takes a minute or two. Plus, it can give your dog a lot of relief from their sore bum.
Something else you can try on your own is using a warm cloth to help express their anal glands at home. Simply grab a cloth, run it under warm water, place it on the floor and get your dog to sit on it. You’ll likely have to hold them in place, but after about 10 minutes of sitting, their anal glands may have softened, providing them with some relief.
2) Apply A Warm Compress
Applying a warm compress is one of the simplest and most effective treatments.
The heat can help to soothe pain and inflammation, and it can also promote healing by increasing blood flow to the area. This is a great way to relive skin irritations.
To make a warm compress, simply soak a clean cloth in warm water and apply it to your dog’s sore bum for 10-15 minutes at a time.
You should do this several times a day until the soreness has resolved. If your dog’s bottom is particularly inflamed or sore, you can also add a cup of epsom salts to the bath water to help relieve their pain.
3) Castor Oil Cream Or Zinc Cream
If your dog’s bum is sore because of dry skin or seborrhea, you can try using a soothing cream like castor oil cream or zinc cream. These types of creams can help to moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation.
Simply apply a small amount to your dog’s bum once or twice a day and massage it in gently.
You should start to see an improvement within a few days, but if their symptoms persist or get worse, be sure to talk to your vet.
4) Have a Vet Diagnose Their Situation
If your dog’s bum is sore because of an infection or any other reason outside of needing their anal glands expressed, the best thing to do is have a vet diagnose their situation.
This is important because, as mentioned before, there are a number of different conditions that can cause a sore bum in dogs. And each one requires a different treatment.
Your vet will be able to properly diagnose your dog and prescribe the appropriate medication to help them feel better.
How To Prevent Your Dog From Getting a Sore Bum In The Future
1) Increase Daily Exercise
One of the best ways to prevent your dog from getting a sore bum is to increase their daily exercise. This can help to keep their anal glands from becoming impacted, help improve their digestion, and can also help to improve their overall health.
Even just an extra 20-30 minutes of exercise each day can make a big difference. So, if your dog doesn’t already have a regular exercise routine, now is the time to start one.
2) Try To Get Them To Drink More Water
Another good way to prevent your dog from getting a sore butt is to try to get them to drink more water. This can help to keep their bowels regular and can also help to prevent constipation.
There are several ways you can do this, such as adding water to their food, investing in a water fountain, adding chicken broth to their water for added flavor, or even just making sure they always have fresh water available.
By increasing their water intake, you can help to give your dog the best chance at having a healthy, sore-free bum.
3) More Fiber In Their Diet
Another good way to prevent your dog from getting a sore bum is to add more fiber to their diet. This, similar to getting your pup to drink more water, can help to keep their bowels regular and can also help to reduce the chances of constipation.
You can do this in several ways, such as adding pumpkin to their food, feeding them broccoli, or even giving them a fiber supplement.
You can also speak with your vet about the best way to add fiber to your dog’s diet, and, before making any changes, always make sure that you do your due diligence to ensure that you’re doing what’s best for your pup.
4) Consistent Diet
Another great way to prevent your dog from getting a sore bum is to feed them a consistent diet. This means avoiding table scraps, feeding them the same food daily, and ensuring they get all the nutrients they need.
A consistent diet is important for several reasons, but when it comes to preventing a sore bum, it’s important because it can help keep their bowels regular.
It also reduces the chances of them getting diarrhea and developing a sore bum from that while keeping them as healthy as possible.
5) Regular Vet Check-Ins
Last but not least, one of the best ways to prevent your dog from getting a sore bum is to ensure they’re up-to-date on their vet check-ups and that you’re regularly checking their bum for any signs of soreness.
This way, you can catch any problems early on and get them the treatment they need before it becomes a more significant issue.
Plus, your vet can give you specific advice on how to care for your dog based on their individual needs.
FAQs
What Cream Can I Put On My Dogs Sore Bum?
It’s important to note that no cream (unless prescribed by your vet) will likely fix your dog’s sore butt. It’s best to think of cream as a short-term solution. It can help provide a bit of relief in the moment, but you want to figure out the cause of their sore bum and find a more long-term solution.
With that being said, here are a few creams that you can put on your dog’s sore bum:
- Vaseline (in moderation)
- Sudocrem
- Bepanthen
- Savlon
- Castor oil cream
- Zinc cream
- Polysporin
- Neosporin
- Aquaphor
- E45
- Germolene
Always make sure your dog isn’t licking or ingesting any of these creams, as it can be toxic.
What To Do When Your Dogs Bottom Is Red And Swollen?
If you notice that your dog’s bottom is red and swollen, there are a few things you can do to help. First, make sure that your dog is well-hydrated by giving him fresh water and keeping an eye on his water intake.
Second, try switching to a food that is easy to digest and doesn’t contain too much fat. Fatty foods can cause irritation in the intestines, which can lead to inflammation.
Third, give your dog probiotics to help balance the good bacteria in his gut.
Finally, if the problem persists, take your dog to the vet for an examination. With proper treatment, most dogs recover quickly from an inflamed bottom.
Can You Use Polysporen On a Dogs Bum?
While Polysporin is safe for humans, it is not meant for use on animals.
The active ingredients in Polysporin, neomycin, and polymyxin B, can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large amounts. If you use Polysporin on your dog’s bum, be sure to keep the container out of reach of your pup and apply it only to the affected area. If they lick the ointment, they may experience vomiting and diarrhea.
It’s best to use another cream or ointment or to try something else to help provide relief to your dog’s bum.
Can I Put Vaseline On My Dogs Sore Bum?
You might be wondering if you can put Vaseline on your dog’s sore bum to help ease the discomfort. The short answer is yes, you can. Vaseline is a safe and effective way to moisturize and protect your dog’s skin. However, it’s important to use a small amount and avoid getting any Vaseline near your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth. If you’re unsure about how to apply Vaseline to your dog’s bum, talk to your veterinarian for advice.
Can I Put Sudocrem On My Dogs Bum?
While Sudocrem is not specifically designed for use on pets, it is generally considered safe to use on dogs. Sudocrem can help to treat a number of common skin problems in dogs, including hot spots, allergic dermatitis, and minor scrapes and cuts.
It is important to avoid using Sudocrem on open wounds or broken skin. If you are concerned about using Sudocrem on your dog, speak to your veterinarian for advice.
Can I Put Bepanthen On My Dogs Bum?
Bepanthen is a popular ointment that is often used to treat diaper rash in babies. However, the active ingredient in Bepanthen, dexpanthenol, can also be beneficial for dogs. Dexpanthenol helps to promote the growth of healthy tissue and can speed up the healing process. It also has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe irritation.
When applied to a dog’s bum, Bepanthen can help to clear up existing soreness and prevent further irritation. Just be sure to choose a product that does not contain any perfumes or dyes, as these can cause irritation.
As always, it’s recommended to speak with your veterinarian about things you’d like to use on your dog.
How To Help a Dog With a Very Sore Bottom?
When a dog has a sore bottom, it can be pretty miserable. The first step is to figure out what’s causing the discomfort. Is it allergies? An anal gland infection? Or something else entirely? Once you’ve got a diagnosis, you can start treating the issue.
If your dog has allergies, you’ll need to work on eliminating the allergens from their environment. If they have an infection, they’ll need antibiotics. And if they’re experiencing pain or inflammation, they may need medication.
In some cases, a dog’s sore bottom may also require a change in diet. Ultimately, the best way to help a dog with a very sore bottom is to work with your veterinarian to find the underlying cause and then create a treatment plan that addresses all of your dog’s needs.
How To Help My Dog’s Sore Bum After Diarrhea?
As any pet parent knows, diarrhea can be a messy and unpleasant experience for both you and your furry friend. In addition to the mess, diarrhea can also leave your dog’s bottom feeling sore and irritated.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help soothe your dog’s sore bum. First, make sure to clean the area thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap. You may also want to consider using medicated wipes designed specifically for dogs.
Secondly, keep the area clean and dry, as moisture can worsen the condition. If your dog’s bum is particularly sore, you may also want to try applying a pet-safe ointment or cream.
Finally, if the diarrhea is severe or lasts for more than a day or two, it’s important to take your dog to the vet. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other serious health problems, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Final Thoughts
As dog lovers we want to keep our babies protected and healthy.
If your dog has a sore bum, there are a few things you can do to help them feel better. However, it’s important to figure out what’s causing the problem before trying any home remedies. In some cases, a trip to the vet may be necessary.
Once you’ve got a diagnosis, you can start treating the issue. The life of pet owners is not always easy, but its worth it for our furry family members.
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