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My dog's butt is red and swollen, but he's not scooting. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male | neutered | 9 years old | 30 lbs

My dogs but is red and swollen, he doesn’t scoot. What can it be. I took a photo how can I send it to you

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 25th, 2018

Thank you for providing pictures of Madden's anus for me to see. From the pictures, it could be that he has a rectal prolapse, or he could have impacted anal sacs causing this redness and swelling. The best thing to do is take him into a vet as soon as possible. The vet can diagnose what is causing this redness and swelling, and can treat him for it. Good luck, I hope this helps!
Vote Icon10Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 11th, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Buster. Oh that is quite swollen. This could be a problem with his anal sacs, and it can rupture if not treated quickly. It could also be a growth. Given that you did see blood in his poop and the appearance of the anus, I do not think this can wait until the weekend. I'd take him into a vet today. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 22nd, 2019

    Tyy needs to see a vet. This could be a prolapse or tumor of the anal gland. Since he is not neutered this could be related to an enlarged/inflamed prostate. Please get Tyy to your vet for an exam as soon as you can.

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    4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 9th, 2017

    I recomend Pooh Bear have a veterinary visit. If he has been straining to defecate this can cause superficial bleeding but prostatic cancer or a polyp in the colon is also a possibility. Impacted anal glands may cause rectal bleeding or parasites can also potentially do this. The vet may recommend taking a stool sample to look for parasites and will likely do a rectal exam. From those findings they will discuss what Pooh Bear needs next. Good luckhope he feels better soon

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My dog's butt is red and swollen. Is it allergies or anal glands?
Honestly, it could be either from these photographs. If she's not scratching or dragging her bottom and the puffiness is the only symptom at this time, I would keep an eye on it. If it doesn't improve or resolve in a couple of days, I recommend getting her seen by your vet for an exam.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why is my dog's anus red, swollen, and constantly being licked?
Red’s anus does look irritated and I can see some redness on the underside of his tail as well. He might be licking due to irritation from full anal glands, parasites or allergies. I would recommend having your vet examine him and check his anal glands. They may want to check a stool sample as well. Oral or topical medications might help. I would recommend putting an e-collar on to prevent licking until you can get to the vet.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog has a sore, swollen spot near his rectum. What could it be?
I would recommend that you have it checked out by a vet. From just your description, what you may be seeing could be a perianal fistula, an abscess, and infected anal gland, a rectal prolapse, a wound caused by scooting or excessive licking, etc. Prevent Roscoe from licking, and if you see him scooting then he may need to wear a doggie diaper to prevent further damage to the area. If you can take a picture and attach it to a new post, we may be able to help you a bit more.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my dog scooting with a red, swollen anus after diarrhea?
Either is possible - diarrhea can cause irritation and 'itchiness' of the anus and perianal area. Baxter's anal glands could also be full since they are normally emptied during defecation and his stool probably hasn't been bulky enough to express them. If his anal area looks irritated you could apply a thin layer of Vitamin A+D ointment or Petroleum jelly to the area, but if he keeps scooting I'd recommend taking him in to have his glands checked.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Dog I'm sitting has a bleeding, swollen butt. Should I call vet?
Ouch, poor Dudley! It could be he has growth on his anus or his anal sacs could be impacted and infected. Yes, definitely take him into a vet before his owner comes home. The vet can diagnose what is causing this swelling and bleeding, and can treat him for it. Best of luck, I hope this helps.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog's anus is red, swollen, and wet after grooming. Is it serious?
Hi there and thanks for posting. Certain shampoos or sprays may irritate the skin and anus especially if she has a history of sensitive skin. Sometimes the groomers will express the anal glands as part of their grooming routine. If that was the case, sometimes there can be a small amount of inflammation afterwards especially if the anal sacs were very full. She may also have a skin infection or infection of the anal sacs as well which may be unrelated to the grooming. Feel free to send along pictures or you can also request a consult with me to share pictures and I can provide additional feedback. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog's anus is swollen with poop stuck. Is flesh coming off? When to see a vet?
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is a little difficult to say exactly what is going on with Daisy - she may have a recital prolapse (a condition where some of the tissue in the rectum actually comes out) or chronic irritation if she is scooting on carpeted areas. Scooting may be related to anal gland impactions, infections, or intestinal parasites. I recommend having Daisy seen by a vet as soon as possible because she is likely uncomfortable and the conditions above require treatment. I hope all is well!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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