What Causes a Dog to Want to Lick or Bite at His Hind Haunches?

A happy, healthy dog will romp and play and seek approval. Sometimes, a dog may have health or behavioral problems and will exhibit these problems by chewing or licking. When a dog focuses its chewing or licking on its hind haunches, it is a sign that there may be a problem requiring a visit to the veterinarian.

  1. Allergies

    • Dogs develop allergies like humans.

      Dogs can develop allergies at any time during their lifespan. Dogs may be allergic to a wide range of things including their food, laundry detergent, air freshener or pollen. They may develop springtime allergies, just like humans. A veterinarian can determine the cause of your dog's allergy and can prescribe medication to resolve the problem, or may suggest a change of diet.

    Flea bites

    • A flea bite can cause a dog to lick and chew.

      A flea bite can cause a dog to lick or chew its hind haunches. A bite can cause skin irritation and itching, and once a dog chews the affected area, the skin irritation is exacerbated.

    Boredom

    • A bored dog can exhibit chewing or licking behavior.

      A dog who is bored or anxious from being left home alone may chew or lick his hind haunches as a reaction to the anxiety. A dog will typically pick one spot on the body to chew or lick, like its hind haunches, and will chew obsessively until the area becomes raw and sometimes infected. To prevent this from happening, a vet will be able to advise how to deal with a dog's anxiety or behavioral issues while treating the infected spot at the same time.

    Anal Glands

    • A dog may need its anal glands expressed to stop chewing and licking.

      A dog may lick or chew his hind haunches due to an anal gland issue. Dogs have fluid built up in their anal glands which can cause them to rub their rear on the floor or chew at their hind area. When an anal gland is plugged up, a visit to the vet or the groomer can alleviate the problem by expressing the anal gland. If not expressed, the anal gland can not only cause discomfort, but can also cause a fishy odor from your dog.