PET HEALTH
Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Their Butt? 5 Potential Causes
If your dog is licking their butt a lot, it might be a sign of potential health issues — or it might be nothing to worry about at all. Take a look at five common reasons why your dog may be licking their rear end, and remember to schedule a visit to your vet if you notice excessive licking or other symptoms.
When in Doubt, Get Your Dog Checked Out
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Butts? Common Causes
In many cases, dogs lick their butts as part of their normal grooming process. Cleaning their rears can help a dog remove dried feces and dirt from their fur, kill bacteria, and relieve itching.1
However, if your dog begins to lick their hindquarters excessively, it might be a sign of a larger problem.1 Below are five potential butt-related health issues your dog might experience.
1. Anal gland issues
Every dog has two small anal glands located near their butt. These glands contain a liquid that dogs release for various reasons, like when having a bowel movement.1,2 And sometimes, anal glands get inflamed, impacted, or develop bacterial infections. In these cases, a dog may lick, scratch, chew, or drag their rear end across the floor for relief.
To treat anal gland issues, your veterinarian might recommend lifestyle changes, such as a fiber-rich diet. They might also be able to manually perform anal gland expression to release built-up fluid.1,2
If the dog’s anal glands have abscesses, surgery might be the best course of treatment.1,2
2. Parasites
External parasites — like mites, fleas, and ticks — might bite, cause irritation or skin infections, or trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.1 Internal parasites, such as tapeworms, enter a dog’s body as larvae and then attempt to exit the body as they reach maturity. If a parasite affects the area around your dog’s butt, the dog may lick or scoot to try to relieve the discomfort.1,3
Dogs generally need regular treatments to reduce their risk of contracting parasites, and your vet can likely advise you on the best prevention options.4
3. Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can experience hives, itching, and other issues caused by allergic reactions. In some cases, allergies may even cause itching and irritation on your dog’s bum — leading to licking. If you suspect allergies, try to pinpoint the irritation. It may also be a good idea to give your vet a call to ensure it’s nothing more serious.
Depending on the extent of the allergies, your vet may recommend allergy testing. They can also usually prescribe treatment to help alleviate allergy symptoms.1
4. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections often occur when bacteria from feces, the skin, or the rectum infect a dog's urethral opening.1 UTIs in dogs may cause excessive or painful urination, among other symptoms. Your dog may lick their nether regions to relieve discomfort.5
If you suspect your dog has a UTI, your vet can run tests to identify the precise bacteria causing the infection. They can then recommend appropriate treatment, which often is a course of antibiotics.1,5
5. Canine tumors and cancer
Some dogs may develop tumors, including cancer, in the anal area. In some cases, excessive licking can be a symptom. A vet can run the appropriate diagnostics and, if necessary, recommend treatment.1
How To Get a Dog To Stop Licking Their Butt
Sometimes, getting your dog to stop licking their rear may be a matter of simple lifestyle changes. For example, bathing your dog more often or changing their grooming routine might help remove bits of debris which may be causing discomfort.1
Still, if your dog keeps licking excessively after these adjustments, it may be time to see a vet.
When To Take Your Dog to the Vet
If you notice your dog licking their butt excessively, keep a close eye on them. In some cases, the behavior could be a sign of anal or rectal issues. If so, other symptoms may emerge, such as:6
- Vomiting5
- Diarrhea
- Inflammation or skin irritation
- Constipation
- Reluctance or straining to defecate
- Unusual stool (e.g., worms or blood present)4
- Loss of appetite or weight5
- Lethargy or weakness
If your dog begins experiencing these problems, make plans to visit your vet. And remember, if you have concerns about the potential cost of the visit, dog insurance may help relieve the pressure on your wallet.
For example, consider Eddy, a one-year-old poodle from Georgia. Eddy needed anal gland expression after an allergic reaction, and his MetLife Pet dog insurance policy reimbursed his pet parents for $140 of the $180 vet bill.7
Consider Dog Insurance Before Excessive Licking Emerges
If you notice your dog licking their rear end, it’s hopefully nothing to worry about. But if you need to see a vet, pet insurance from MetLife Pet may be able to help. Get a policy before problems develop so you’ll be ready for anything and better avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.8 Plus, our Preventive Care add-on can help you get coverage for routine care, such as anal gland expression.
Request your free quote today, and help spare yourself (and your dog) a pain in the butt later.
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