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Why is my dog itchy and scooting after grooming? How to help.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 4 years and 4 months old

My dog was recently groomed and has been exhibiting signs of irritation near his genitals and anus (scooting, not liking walks). How can I help him?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 30th, 2016

Poor Benji! This can sometimes happen after grooming, if there is some skin irritation in these areas caused by the clippers. You can try applying some topical hydrocortisone spray to the irritated areas every 8-12 hours for the next few days to help give him some relief - you should be able to find a spray labeled for use in dogs at most pet stores. I would also recommend mentioning to the groomer next time that he had this issue - that way, they can be extra careful not to give him any "clipper burn" in these sensitive areas in the future :)

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on October 11th, 2018
They probably trimmed him too close around his tail and rectum. Shaving very short can cause skin irritation and thus the itching. The blood is probably from a small scab that he rubbed off when scooting. You can give him Benadryl to calm the skin. There is a section on this website that has information and dosages for common over the counter medications. You also can rub a thin film of cortisone cream on the irritated skin. If this continues your veterinarian can prescribe medication to control the itching. Usually this last about a week then as the hair grows in, the the irritation resolves and the itch will go away. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Summer Walker, DVM, MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 29th, 2018
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is not uncommon for dogs to exhibit hind end scooting following a recent grooming. This could be attributable to irritation in the region from use of a shampoo or electric clippers, or it can also be due to irritation of the anal sacs if anal sac expression was performed at the time of the grooming. If the irritation/scooting continues it would be best to have Yoyo seen by his veterinarian to make sure the anal sacs are not infected/impacted and that there is no other cause for the scooting. Veterinarians will typically palpate the anal sacs rectally which allows a more thorough expression and exam. I hope Yoyo feels better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 26th, 2017
This may be a reaction to a shampoo or spray that was used or the clippers occasionally. Scooting can be a sign of parasites or impacted anal sacs. You can give him a bath in case it is a reaction and if no improvement see your vet to check him
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my dog licking his butt and acting agitated after grooming?

Poor pup! It sounds like he may have some irritation in this area. This can sometimes happen due to skin irritation from the clippers (if his rear end was shaved), a local allergic reaction to the shampoo or other grooming products, or possibly even an anal gland problem since this often causes dogs to act this way. I would recommend getting a topical hydrocortisone spray or ointment labeled for dogs (you can get this at Walmart or most pet stores) and apply to the area to help soothe it. You can also get him a plastic e-collar if needed to keep him from continuing to lick the area and make it more irritated. If he's still acting uncomfortable after 24 hours, I would recommend having him seen by a vet to determine the problem and get him prescription medication to relieve the discomfort.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog scratching and red after grooming? What helps?

By your description, your dog might have a sensitivity to being groomed and may have developed "clipper irritation" (aka "clipper burn"). Clipper irritation is not an actual burn. It is, in fact, similar to the type of skin irritation people experience when they shave too close on dry or sensitive skin. [Professional groomers](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-signs-of-a-good-groomer) may recommend the following types of treatment to help soothe the skin and calm the scratching: * Bathing in plain oatmeal or [oatmeal shampoo](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/earthbath-oatmeal-and-aloe-totally-natural-pet-shampoo) for pets * Gently applying witch hazel to affected areas * Gold Bond medicated powder or plain cornstarch * Triple antibiotic cream or ointment * [Hydrocortisone spray](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-spray-with-5-hydrocortisone) for pets (available in petstores) * Bag Balm * Specific treatments for soothing clipper or razor irritation (available in petstores) - sprays, gels, shampoos * Diaper rash cream With some of these suggestions you will need to make sure that your pet cannot lick off the treatment. Rubbing creams or ointments in completely and/or wiping off excess, using an [E-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar) (cone), or only applying when you can observe your dog closely can all help to prevent ingestion and excessive licking. If your dog has open wounds or any of her wounds worsen even with treatment or appear infected, please see your veterinarian immediately. She may have developed a skin infection secondary to the clipper irritation.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog so itchy after grooming? What can I do to help?

Loose hairs would be one possibility, and some dogs are itchy when their skin gets a little dry after grooming. If his skin looks red or he has bald patches it might be a good idea to have him examined by your vet to make sure he hasn't developed dermatitis secondary to the grooming.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog scooting and struggling to poop after grooming?

It is difficult to tell from your question whether you requested Bogey's anal glands to be expressed or not. Scooting the bottom is a fairly typical sign of anal gland irritation. If Bogey DID have his anal glands expressed I would anticipate the scooting will resolve in the next day or so. If he did NOT have his anal glands expressed then this is something that likely needs to be addressed. Clipping and shampoo could also cause irritation around the hind end, and should pass within a couple of days.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Dog's butt red and licking after sanitary shave. What can I do?

I would give him a cool water bath with a hypoallergenic shampoo to soothe the skin. He should be in a cone if he’s licking the area. It is most likely from the shaving. You can give Benadryl to calm the itching. There is a section on this website with dosages and facts about common over the counter medications you can give your dog. The cortisone cream may help calm the skin too. This may take several days for the irritation to improve. If he makes sores please take him in for an exam and medication to control the itching. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sky.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Dog's private parts red/swollen after grooming? What can I do?

Oh no, poor Benji. Take a cup of oatmeal, and put it into a blender to make a fine paste. Then add to to a warm bath for him, and put him into it. Have him seen by a vet in the morning to get this treated.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog scooting, licking his anus, and having diarrhea?

It sounds like Benji need to be seen by a veterinarian. The diarrhea may be causing the external irriation around his rectum or he may have an anal gland infection or impaction. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the issue and address it appropriately. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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