Have you noticed your dog’s bottom is red, swollen, and itchy? Is your pooch dragging his bum on the floor or trying to lick the area? There can be many reasons for a sore bum in dogs. Most are easy to deal with. Always check with your veterinarian before using any cream on your dog’s sore bum. But in the meantime, here is what the experts say you should do if your dog has a sore bottom.
Constipation is a common cause of a sore bum in dogs due to hard stools and straining. If your dog suffers from constipation, try increasing fiber in her diet, upping her hydration with plenty of fresh, clean water, and increasing her daily exercise. Also, talk to your vet about canine supplements containing flaxseed or psyllium.
Your dog’s bum can become red, swollen, and itchy due to various other reasons, including overgrown hair, anal gland dysfunction, diarrhea, fecal contamination, allergies, injuries, worm infestations, flea infestations, bacterial infections, fungal infections, or tumors. If your female dog’s private area is swollen, it could mean she is in heat. Most causes of a sore bottom in dogs are easily treatable. There is no need to panic if your dog has a red and swollen bum.
Warm compresses are one of the most effective home remedies for a dog’s sore bum. Do not use any human ointments or harsh chemicals on your dog’s bottom - it is a delicate area. Always ask your vet before putting anything your dog’s bum or you could end up causing more harm than good.
Vaseline is non-toxic for dogs but it is not 100% safe for your pooch. If your dog licks or ingests Vaseline or another petroleum-jelly based skin product, it can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. Also, Vaseline can trap dirt and bacteria against your dog’s skin and make the problem worse.
Do not use baby bum cream on your dog. It is neither safe nor effective. If your dog’s bottom is irritated, use a product that has been specially formulated for dogs. If the signs and symptoms of bum soreness do not improve after a few days of using home remedies or over-the-counter products, make an appointment with your vet. It could be a skin infection that needs to be treated with prescription medications.
You can put small amounts of Sudocrem on your dog’s bottom. This product contains zinc oxide which is a generally safe and beneficial ingredient. However, note that zinc oxide is very toxic for birds.
Make sure you only apply a small amount of Sudocrem on your dog’s skin. Avoid sensitive areas like near the eyes or inside the ears. Make sure your dog does not lick or ingest the Sudocrem you have applied to soothe a sore area.
Do not put hemorrhoid cream made for humans on a dog’s bottom. Your vet can prescribe a special anti-hemorrhoid cream for dogs that will give your pet relief from bum irritation, soothe the itching, and shrink the blood vessel causing the symptoms.
Do not use human hydrocortisone cream on dogs with skin problems or a sore bum. There is a hydrocortisone cream made especially for dogs. It can be used to calm minor skin irritations, skin allergies, inflammation, infections, etc.
Preparation H ointment is not toxic for dogs. You can use a small amount of the ointment to treat your dog’s inflamed or sore bum. This ointment may provide relief from painful hemorrhoids and keep your dog more comfortable. However, remember that Preparation H is not designed for dogs. There are other anti-hemorrhoid medications that work much better and are safer for dogs.
Coconut oil is generally safe and nontoxic for dogs. You can apply small amounts to the fur or skin, including your dog’s sore bum. Virgin coconut oil is best. It will help add moisture to your dog’s skin. Besides a sore bum, coconut oil may also help with bug bites, stings, or itchy, dry skin.
As mentioned, warm compresses are effective in relieving a dog’s sore bum. Other home remedies include castor oil cream and zinc cream.
06 January, 2023