He is 3 years old and while I don't see any fleas, the area just to the left of his tail is irritated and he keeps licking it. The area is red but no hair loss. I have given him 2 soothing baths to hopefully elviate the problem, as well as a couple of dog asprin to see if that would help, but he keeps digging. Help please.
2007-12-10 21:34:41 · 9 answers · asked by Bethy4 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It sounds to me like a full anal gland - these are little sacs just inside your dog's anal area that have secretions, they can get blocked and very painful. Take him to your vet, they can empty them in just a couple of seconds for him, he will be much more comfortable.
2007-12-10 22:36:28 · answer #1 · answered by bunnyrabbit22 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like the other two contributors said, it is most likely his anal sacs that need draining. Keep an eye on these throughout his life though - he could develop an infection if they aren't drained when needed. Naturally they should drain when he defecates, but sometimes this isn't the case. Your vet will show you how to empty them yourself for next time. As I said, keep an eye on these as he gets older - he could develop anal polyps later in life, which could turn cancerous. Be sure to ask your vet about this, and what he suggests is the best method of long-term treatment for your pup if he does end up with a rear-end problem later in life.
Also, you may try switching foods. My dog would started off on Eukanuba 12 years ago and had been on it for 5 (thats when the anal issue started). After that we switched her to Natural Balance, (which helped), and then finally to Wellness. She's been on Wellness for almost 4 years and has not needed to have her anal sacs drained manually by hand since then.
2007-12-11 06:48:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then take him to the vet. It could be fleas, it could be anal gland impaction, or something else entirely. You have to find out what the problem is before you can treat it.
When you're searching for fleas, look for flea dirts rather than the actual fleas - little black specks that will turn red when wetted. You'll find these close to the skin, especially around the belly, groin and armpits.
Chalice
2007-12-12 16:42:14 · answer #3 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing is to take him to the vets and see if htere is an undrelying problem.
It may still be fleas.
When a dog chews and licks like that in can cause a secondary skin infection this is why I suggest a vet.
2007-12-11 05:56:05 · answer #4 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be many different things. In my opinion it could be either a skin allergy or if he is scooting around on the ground it could be his anal glands. No matter what it is he needs to go see the Vet, especially if it continues.
2007-12-11 06:42:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might try to put vaseline, but if the problem last more than 3 days, I'll be going to see a vet. It can be worms, allergy, injury,...
2007-12-11 05:39:46 · answer #6 · answered by Véronique K 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it might be a hot spot
2007-12-11 05:55:09 · answer #7 · answered by slushpuppie86 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
worms
2007-12-11 05:37:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
he HAS FLEAS
2007-12-11 07:33:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋