Why is my Labrador licking his anus and biting his tail so much?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Charlie. This is typically a sign there is a problem around that area. Dogs when they have an area that bothers them they lick it a lot. Licking around this area could be due to impacted and/or infected anal sacs, fleas, or intestinal worms. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. The way to know for certain is to have him seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing this licking and can treat it, such as expressing his glands, prescribing flea medication, or giving him a deworming treatment. I hope this helps!

Hello. Unfortunately, unless you can get to the bottom of the problem, these type conditions can be very difficult to cure. Bandaging while wearing a Elizabethan cone can help for a while, & if it can heal, the problem may be solved. But if this a recurrent injury, allergy, neurologic or even a compulsive-obsessive behavior, treatments are often a bit more complex involving long term medication & sometimes even amputation of most of the tail. The first thing the tail needs is antibiotics as the tail does look infected. I think you really need to see your veterinarian with Ramces to see why this has happened & what is the right direction to go in to heal things up. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This can be a classic sign seen with flea allergy dermatitis. If he is otherwise doing well, you can go ahead and start him on a flea preventative. I like Bravecto and Frontline though there are many products available in the market that are also good. If there is no improvement or he actually has a wound associated with this, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment. He is adorable! Have a nice day!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Usually chewing at the back end or bum is caused by the following: 1. Full anal glands- these can rupture if not emptied 2. Flea allergy dermatitis (an over-reaction to fleas, so one bite from a flea makes them very very itchy all over, so you don't see fleas on them but they are reacting) 3. Flea infestation 4. Intestinal worms (lead to diarrhea and itchy bum) 5. Other possible causes exist as well. I recommend that you have him assessed by a vet to check his anal glands and check him for fleas. Also, if he is dewormed then a fecal test might be recommended, and if he isn't then a broad spectrum dewormer might be recommended. Best of luck with Jagger! I hope he feels better soon!

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.

The most common things that could cause this behavior are flea bites around the back or tail, anal sacs that are full and itchy or infected, or a tail injury. You can check for fleas by combing the fur with a fine tooth comb. If you see fleas on the comb then give a bath and apply a flea prevention product. If you see him scooting I recommend your veterinarian express the anal sacs to empty the fluid and see if there is an anal sac infection. You can feel his tail and if there is a tail injury there will be one area that is more sensitive. Usually tail injuries will heal without treatment over a few days. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Savage.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Bodhi seems irritated by his hind end and is licking back there. Based off your description and the pictures, Bodhi may have inflamed, infected, and/or impacted anal glands. The anal glands are two small glands located on either side of the anus, at approximately 4 and 8 o'clock (if the anus was a clock face). Normally, a small amount of secretion of these anal glands is expressed when a dog poops. However, some dogs can experience a blockage of the ducts of the glands, causing them to become obstructed and very swollen and irritating. I recommend bringing Bodhi to your veterinarian at their next available appointment. Your veterinarian can try to express his anal glands and relieve this pressure. Your veterinarian should do a thorough rectal exam to ensure there are no other irregularities present. In the meantime, if you have one at home, Bodhi should wear an Elizabethan collar (cone collar) to prevent him from licking this area and increasing the risk of infection. If left untreated, anal glands can become abscessed and actually rupture through the skin. I hope this is helpful!