Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my dog scooting with a red, swollen anus after diarrhea?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 7 years and 10 months old | 18 lbs

Baxter's anus is red and swollen, and he keeps scooting and licking at it. He just had his glands expressed about 2 weeks ago, but has also recently been sick with diarrhea, though he has been treated and is now getting better. Could this just be inflammation from the diarrhea, or does he need to have his glands expressed again?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 28th, 2017

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.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
This inflammation could be due to the diarrhea. The anus will get really sore from having diarrhea, but it is concerning that Baxter is scooting and licking at it. It makes me suspect that there may be more than irritation occurring, and it is possible that he is having a problem with his anal sacs. I think it would be best that Baxter is seen by a vet tomorrow for this problem so it can be definitively diagnosed and treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 23rd, 2017
Oh dear, poor Polly! Scooting and licking at the hind end occurs most commonly as a result of full anal glands, but intestinal parasites can also cause irritation. Until you can get to the vet, try putting warm compresses using a soft cloth with warm water on Polly's anus for 5-10 minutes at a time 3-4 times per day. Anal glands can become infected, impacted, and rupture if they are not addressed, so try to get to your vet tomorrow if at all possible. If she seems to be causing irritation to her anus, you can also put an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent skin damage. I hope this helps and that she's feeling better soon!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog is scooting and has a red butt. Is it allergies or anal glands?

This sounds like her anal sacs are fully and causing the scooting and itching. Even if they look normal on the outside they can be full inside. I recommend your veterinarian express the fluid in the anal sacs and they can see if they are over full or infected. The scooting can cause skin irritation. You can apply a thin coat of Vaseline to soothe the red skin. Yes allergies can cause itching but I would check the anal glands to make sure they are not the problem. Also make sure you are using warm water or something mild to clean the area after pooping. Some chemicals, soaps, and fragrances could cause a skin irritation and itching. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Snowball.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog scooting with a swollen anus and difficulty pooping?

Hello. There can be a couple of things that might be bothering Sonny. Impacted, inflamed anal glands are a primary problem. Allergies can affect the delicate mucous membranes of the rectum, & more seriously, cancer. You can try sitting his bottom in a warm bath containing Epsom salts & a good shot of povidone-iodine for 5-10 minutes. Repeat twice daily for a few days. In an older pet, it is best to have this looked at if things do not improve on their own. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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

Health & Wellness

My dog is scooting and whining. What's wrong and what should I do?

Have him seen by your veterinarian. The most common, and easiest to treat, cause is full or impacted anal glands. Normally, the anal glands are emptied during the act of defecation. In some dogs, this doesn't happen and the glands fill up, become impacted and could abscess. This would result in the symptoms described. Your veterinarian can Express the glands manually, flush them and instill medication if necessary. Antibiotics and pain medications are also sometimes dispensed. If Scooby is licking back there, place an e-collar (cone) on him until he sees the doctor.

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

Why is my dog still scooting and swollen after anal gland expression?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Continued scooting following anal sac expression may not be related to the need to be expressed further. Occasionally the anal sac may still be inflamed/irritated following the expression which may still result in some discomfort and the urge to itch. Scooting of the hind end can also be due to a superficial itch that may be related to an underlying environmental or parasite (i.e flea) allergy. It is difficult to tell from the picture without being able to palpate the rectum, but I do not see any evidence of overt swelling in the region (the anal sacs sit at 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock position at the anus). If Emma continues to appear irritated you can have her evaluated by her veterinarian to palpate the anal sacs and make sure everything palpates normally.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy is scooting after diarrhea. How to soothe her irritated butt?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diarrhea can be observed with conditions such as colitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, among many other possibilities. You could consider using A D ointment to put on the area around the anus in case it is irritated. You may find that at your local pharmacy. I recommend that you have Riley evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may choose to check for parasites and to start medications for diarrhea depending on the results. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share