My dog's licking a red, oozing spot near her rectum. Is it infected?

Based on the location (it appears to be just to the side and just below the anus), an anal gland abscess may have ruptured. I doubt it’s an insect bite, but I can’t rule that out completely. It could also be another type of mass such as a tumor or a foreign body (such as a grass seed) that’s burrowed into the skin and caused an abscess. Regardless, your instincts are correct; this likely needs to be treated with antibiotics. Put an E -collar (cone of shame) on him and make an appointment with your vet ASAP. Hope that’s helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It could be Barkley has an infected anal sac. Put an Ecollar on him to stop him from licking it, and take him into a vet. You can make an Ecollar at home, or buy one at a pet store. Best of luck. http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

If he is a little dog- do you have a disposable plastic bowl that you could cut the back out of to make a makeshift E-collar ? If he's large a plastic trash can can work. It should be long enough that his nose doesn't push past or it won't prevent him from licking. Also warm compressignthe area may make him more comfortable until you can be seen for antibiotics and pain management. Poor Akeilles, I hope he improves soon!

Yes, this is normal. She is likely painful. You can request pain medication for her from your veterinarian if none was dispensed. Keep the e-collar in place until she heals. Excessive licking will delay healing and may introduce more infection.

It looks like Betsy has a skin infection. If it feels like there is a lump underneath, it could indicate a skin tumor that now has a secondary infection. I would recommend to take her in for an exam. In the mean time, make her wear an Elizabethan collar to protect the area as licking it will make it worse. Wash it with an antibacterial soap and apply a topical antibiotic. I hope this helps!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Galaxy. This looks like an anal gland infection/abscess. It would be best to get Galaxy seen by your vet since these things are badly infected and need oral antibiotics or injectable antibiotics to clear up completely. Often times these dogs need sedation/anesthesia to clean up the area, express the contents of the gland completely, then start antibiotics, pain meds, anti inflammatory meds, topical wound care, e collar to prevent licking, etc. Again, Galaxy is probably in a lot of pain and would benefit greatly from adequate treatment. I would call your local rescue groups or humane societies to see if they can help with her care.

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.