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My dog has a sore near his butt. What can I do before the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My small dog has a ulcer type sore near his butt. What could have caused it and what can I do for it until he goes to the vet tomorrow?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 8th, 2015

You had asked what might cause this -- possibilities include an anal gland abscess, other infection or possibly a tumor. Unfortunately, without a physical exam, a diagnosis cannot be made. Your veterinarian should be able to diagnose the cause after the exam tomorrow. Until then, place an e-collar (cone) on your dog to prevent licking or chewing. Any treatment will depend on the diagnosis. It is likely the e-collar will need to be kept on until healing is complete.

13Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Crystal L. Nelson
Veterinary Technician
You'll want to be sure to keep the area as clean and dry as possible. If your pet seems irritated you'll want to be sure to prevent any chewing or scratching the area. You may need to pick up a cone collar to help, but be sure not to cover the wound. Your doctor should be able to prescribe medication to alleviate some of the discomfort and prevent any secondary infection. Medical intervention is necessary.
14Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
You had asked what might cause this -- it is possible that you dog has an anal gland abscess or rupture. Unfortunately a mass can also grow in this area. As Crystal stated, best to see the vet tomorrow as you indicated.
7Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 11th, 2017
You can give him a bath to help soothe the area then try some cortisone cream and discourage him from licking so he was ingest the medicine. You may need to purchase an e collar from a pet store to prevent him from licking it until you can get him to the vet for further treatment. You also need to make sure there are no fleas as an allergy can make the itching worse
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has a sudden, bloody sore on his rear. What should I do?

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!

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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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