My dog keeps biting his bottom. Could it be anal gland problems?

Hello. She may be having some irritation from her anal sacs/glands. These can become impacted or infected and are itchy or painful. A veterinarian or even some groomers can express these for you. Try calling a grooming center to see if they offer just that service alone to keep your costs low. There may even be instructional videos online to teach you how to do it yourself, but it can be unpleasant and most dogs do not like it. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

I would try feeding him some canned pumpkin with his next meal. This will sometimes help dogs naturally express their anal glands. By tomorrow, if his condition is not improved I would have a veterinarian clean them out. They can become impacted and infected.

Poor Tank! There are a number of problems that could cause this behavior. He may have a skin problem causing him to be itchy, such as [fleas](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-check-your-pet-for-fleas-and-ticks), [allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies/), a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites ([mange](https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-is-mange-in-pets)). He could also have a problem with his [anal glands](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs), which are located on either side of the rectum and sometimes become overly full or infected. I would recommend having him examined by a veterinarian as soon as you are able. He or she can check the anal glands and also do some simple skin tests, if needed, to determine the problem and get him started on the appropriate treatment. In the meantime, place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent licking.

It may be that Nara has a problem with her anal sacs causing her to bite the area and scoot on her bottom. They may be impacted and need to be expressed. I'd have her seen by a vet for this behavior so she can get treated.

Your pet may have an inflamed or infected [anal gland](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/conditions-of-the-anal-glands). [Impacted or abscessed anal glands](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs) are very painful and makes it difficult to defecate or even move. Without treatment, an impacted gland may abscess and rupture, causing a open wound on your pet's rear that will require wound care, antibiotics and pain relief. I recommend getting your pet seen by your vet. He or she will express (empty) the anal glands, clean her up and possibly start her on antibiotics and pain medication if indicated. You can ask to be shown how to express the anal glands yourself at home so you can avoid impaction or infection in the future. Increased dietary fiber or supplements, such as [Glandex](), may help prevent anal gland issues as well.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I suspect Blu has either skin allergy (for example flea-bite allergy) or impacted anal glands. Please, get him seen by your local vets as he likely needs anti-allergic medication and a good quality flea and tick prevention. Also his anal glands should be emptied. Do not worry - this treatment should not be very expensive. Good luck

There can be several possible causes of Riley's abnormal behaviors, including irritation from full anal glands, parasites or seizure activity. That said, if Riley is aware and responsive to you at all times, seizures seem less likely. Anal glands are scent glands that typically empty with a bowel movement, but sometimes they need to be manually emptied. If this continues, Riley should be seen by her vet to express/empty her anal glands and check a stool sample for the presence of parasites.