What Can We Do if Our Dog Has a Very Sore Bottom?

A dog with a sore bottom is trying to tell its owner something is wrong. While only a veterinarian can say for sure what is wrong, a likely culprit is the dog's anal glands. These glands, located on either side of the anus, are filled with a fluid primarily used to scent-mark territory. If the glands become clogged or impacted, it can make for a very sore bottom. Emptying the glands provides relief.

  1. Symptoms of Anal Gland Problems

    • Dogs with an anal gland problem may drag their sore bottom across the floor (called scooting), lick or bite their bottom excessively, strain to defecate, chase their tail, and/or have anal discharge. The glands can also become infected and abscess, which is very painful. A symptom of infection is if the dog attempts to bite or scratch when the owner touches the area near the tail. Infections require veterinary attention.

    Expressing the Anal Glands

    • When the anal glands are painfully full and the dog has not been able to empty them, the owner, a veterinarian or groomer will need to "express" the contents. The glands are located at roughly the five and seven o'clock position beside the anus. Expressing the contents involves gently pushing with a finger below the glands and upwards until a strong-smelling fluid is released. For dogs with ongoing problems, the glands may need emptying every few weeks.

    Alternatives to Expressing

    • More squeamish dog owners can try soaking the dog's sore bottom in a few inches of warm Epsom salts water. A cooperative dog can be seated in the bath, or the Epsom salt water can be applied with a cloth. A general rule of thumb is a half cup of Epsom salts per gallon of water. This process may help the anal glands release the fluids. The dog should not be allowed to drink the Epsom salt water as it can make it sick.

    Helping through Diet

    • Dogs with very sore bottoms may have a recurrent impacted gland problem. Feeding the dog a high fiber diet can help to relieve the pain. A high fiber diet makes the dog's stool more bulky which puts more pressure on the anal glands to release the fluids, reducing the risk of impaction.