canine licking

Question
Hello, I have a 3 1/2 year old Shiba Inu thats not nutered and the vet says very healthy, but recently he started licking his anus and it's becoming more frequent, so much that little clumps of hair are becoming stuck together as they dry.  When he was little he had a weak stomach so if he ate grass or anything else not dog food there would be serious potty time emergencies, and frequent accidents.  He just got his rabies 3 year vaccination and a 5 in one of other vaccinations.  He also has stinky breath and some plaque build up, I've gotten him nyla bones but they are too hard for him and the toothbrush shaped ones but he eats them so fast they don't clean his teeth to make his breath better.  Please help me help my dog, I love him and I want him to be healthy! Thank You!

Answer
I suggest you take your dog to another veterinarian for a second opinion.  As the prostate gland is located in such a manner as to be available for manual examination rectally, it's possible your dog's prostate is bothering him and the anal licking you're observing could be associated with the discomfort.  Also, have you had his stool checked?

I don't agree with any veterinarian that doesn't suggest an intact dog to be neutered.  Not only is being an intact male a possible behavioral challenge (especially in breeds such as the Shiba Inu), it is also a "time bomb" physically and there's no need for any dog to remain intact (unless it is in a responsible breeding program.)  Also, reconsider his diet; if you aren't feeding a high grade dry food, try one.  It takes approximately two months to observe whether or not a diet is helping any physical situation (unless there's an allergic reaction to the food.)

I also suggest that you do NOT re-vaccinate this dog for THREE YEARS, and then be sure you do the vaccination schedule on a staggered basis rather than hit the dog's immune system with so many vaccinations all at once.  I really don't agree with the course of treatment your veterinarian is offering you at present and strongly urge you to find another one.  Regarding his breath and teeth, while he is being neutered his mouth can undergo a deep cleaning and thereafter you will have to brush his teeth at least once a day.  There are all sorts of flavored toothpastes for dogs now!