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My dog has a painful abscess near her behind. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 9 years old | 16 lbs

it looks like coco has an absese by her behind what can i do about it thanks

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 1st, 2018

This could be an anal gland abscess. You need to take Coco to your vet or a petER today, as this is a very painful condition. The vet will check both anal sacks, evacuate them and flush the abscessed one. He will instill some antibiotic ointment and prescribe pain medication for your dog.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 27th, 2016
It does sound like Prim needs pain medication based on your description of her. With treatment, you should have seen some improvement in symptoms within 24-48 hours, but if she is getting worse (terrible pain, doesn't want to walk around much, doesn't want to move to eat or drink), then this is not normal, and she should see a vet right away. I would take her into an ER vet now for an exam. The vet can prescribe pain medication for her, and can do any other treatment they feel is necessary. Do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 6th, 2017
I am sorry to hear the Bell is hurting. It sounds like she has an anal gland abscess and these are very painful. I would make an appointment with a veterinarian tomorrow as they often need to be treated with oral antibiotics and pain medication. Until then, you can try a warm compress on the area for 10-15 minutes to encourage drainage. Please do not give her any human pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or Tylenol as these can have serious side effects in animals. If you feel like she is too painful, then please seek veterinary care tonight.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has a painful hole or wound near her butt. What should I do?

This is most likely due to a ruptured anal gland abscess. Have her examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. Your veterinarian should check the other gland and express (empty) it if necessary. Antibiotics will probably be dispensed. Pain medication may also be dispensed if indicated. place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking until she has healed.

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My dog has a painful, infected bump near her butt. Could it be anal glands?

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.

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Why does my dog have a painful red bump on their anal area?

It could be an [anal gland abscess](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs). This occurs when the anal glands do not fully empty during the act of defecation resulting in inflammation, impaction and infection. Have her examined by your veterinarian for confirmation and treatment. This may include sedation followed by lancing, draining and flushing the abscess. Antibiotics and pain management will likely be indicated. Topical treatment may not be sufficient. An e-collar (cone) can be used to prevent licking until she sees the doctor. Afterwards, you can have her glands expressed (emptied) regularly and add additional [fiber](https://www.petcoach.co/article/high-fiber-diets-anal-gland-disease-in-dogs/) to her diet to[ prevent recurrence](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-prevent-impacted-dog-anal-glands).

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Why does my dog have a pus-filled bump near her anus? Can I squeeze it?

Hi and thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This appears to be what we call an anal gland abscess, which is an infected anal gland. The anal glands are two sacks location at the 4 and 10 o'clock position that are usually expressed when your pet poops. However, some pets have a hard time expressing and emptying these sacks on their own, which leads to them filling up and getting infected. This needs to be addressed by your vet unfortunately because the sacks needs to be opened up and flushed. This often has to be done under a mild sedative. For now just apply a cold compress to the area. I hope that Fiffy gets better soon. Best wishes and take care.

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My senior dog has an abscess above his anus. What should I do?

Yes. Abscesses are infection and require treatment. Abscesses can become chronic or even turn into something like septicemia. It’s best to get them taken care of quickly. Make an appointment with his veterinarian. You also need to prevent licking and he should wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. I hope it heals quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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What is this swollen lump on my dog's butt and what should I do?

This is likely her anal gland that is inflamed and infected and likely to rupture. There are anal glands found on every dog that are just inside the rectum roughly at the 4 and 10 o'clock position that should empty on their own when your pet poops. However, some pets have a hard time doing this, and these will fill up and become infected. You will need to take Copper to your vet soon to have these flushed out, lanced, and then he will need to be placed on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. I hope that your pet Copper gets this resolved soon. Talk with your vet about getting his anal glands expressed regularly at the vet to hopefully prevent this from happening in the future. Best of luck to you both. Take care.

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