Ask a Vet Archive

• My Dog seems to have an itch on his bottom. He sometimes sits and spins as if to itch. He get's a bath every two weeks- just had a bath last friday. He is up to date on his tick and flea application, and was just recently tested for heartworm which was negative -- he had his 6 month shot. Recently I thought he had an itch, the thinking was he had dry skin. We were given apoquel 4.5mg tablets however his coat is fine. What can I put on his bottom to help with the spinning/itching?

  Hi Brittny,
  I recommend that you take him into see a veterinarian. The behavior that you are describing can be caused by a couple of different things. These include an anal sac impaction or infection. The anal sacs are near the rectum and they usually express naturally when to pet goes to the restroom or in times of stress. If the gland becomes inflamed, the duct can become obstructed which causes the liquid to back up in the sac which causes discomfort. This discomfort can cause scooting or itching at the rectal area. The other cause would be a skin issue like infection or allergies. Your vet can talk to you more about the cause of this behavior and the treatment that he needs after they have examined him.

Answered by:

John Smith, DVM
Veterinarian

Dr. John Smith is a graduate of LSU, Class of 1998. He has over 10 years of experience...

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