Cola

Question
Hi Patty,

My one year old dog Cola started licking his anus constantly last week. I looked at it and he had a few bumps there. I didn't think anything of it but, prohibited him from liking through voice commands.  The problem is that he is alone during the day while I work. So, today I see he is diligently trying to bite his bum. So, I look at it it and he has a patch of raw skin in his anus. What is the problem? I wanted to place Aquaphor on it because when I had surgery the doctor recommended it for the raw skin around the cut. Can i do this? Or Should I just go to the vet?

Inelda

Answer

Hi Inelda,

There are many potential causes of rectal itching in dogs. One of the most common is allergies. Just as allergies to items in the air or food ingredients can cause the other parts of your dog's body to become irritated and itchy, so too can they cause rectal itching in pets. This is particularly true for food allergies; as the allergens pass through your pet's intestinal tract and exit his body as waste, they oftentimes continue to bring about allergic reactions, including itching of the rectum. Another common cause of rectal itching is an inflammation or an infection of the anal glands in your pet. These glands are situated around your pet's anus and can become infected due to the proximity to harmful bacteria. When a dog itches so much that he chews his skin raw, he's susceptible to develop secondary skin infections, which will also require treatment.

Aquaphor contains mainly petroleum jelly and mineral oil, it won't help with the itching.

Rather than treating the symptom of the intense itching, it would be best to treat the root cause of problem that's causing the itching. For that reason, it would be best to have your dog examined by a vet as soon as possible, since the itching has been going on for a week now, and he's obviously uncomfortable.

Until you can be seen by your vet, try applying a 0.5% Hydrocortisone anti-itch cream/ointment. Petco sells a Hydrocortisone Spray, which you could also use. Apply the Hydrocortisone just before you take your dog out for a walk, so it has a chance to sink in and work, rather than being immediately licked off.

Best of luck,

Patti