Rectal Itching in Dogs

Rectal itching in dogs is simply an itch in the anal area and is often noticed by pet parents when a dog licks or bites at the area, or scoots their behind across floors, grass or even pavement. While these behaviors are symptoms of rectal itching, the same signs can also indicate pain or discomfort in that area, all of which could be caused by a variety of issues. 

Generally, if rectal itching is infrequent, there's no cause for concern. But if your dog is often trying to scratch or scoot their anal area, they may have an issue with their anal glands, parasites, allergies, infection, or a tumor. If you feel that your furry family member is experiencing bouts of rectal itching that go on for prolonged periods of time, or that keep reoccurring, you will want to investigate the cause with your veterinarian. 

If your canine companion is experiencing rectal itching, you may see them: 

• Scooting or rubbing their behind along the floor
• Licking around the tail or anus
• Scratching or biting the area around the tail or anus
• Be restless or even distressed about the itching

There could also be additional symptoms accompanying the itching, which could help in diagnosing the cause. These could include:

• Foul odor
• Pain
• Swollen or irritated tissue around anal area
• Protrusion of tissue from anus
• Diarrhea or bloody stool

Rectal itching is a sign of a medical issue affecting your dog. While it can be more common for a dog to exhibit behaviors related to rectal itching due to an issue with their anal glands, such as impaction or infection, there are several conditions which might also be the culprit. These can include:

• Anal sacs could be full, impacted, or infected
• Environmental, food or flea allergy or sensitivity
• Yeast or bacterial infection in skin around anus
• Perianal or rectal tumor
• Perianal fissures (ulcers and cracks in the skin of the rectum)
• Fecal contamination causing irritation of skin in anal area
• Tapeworm or parasitic infection 
• Ringworm infection
• Grooming cuts or clipper burn

Some breeds are predisposed to certain issues that can cause rectal itching. These can include:

• German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Chocolate Labs, Poodles, Boxers, and Weimaraners are predisposed to food sensitivities.
  
• Basset Hounds, German Shepherds, West Highland White Terriers, Shih Tzus, Malteses, English Setters and Cocker Spaniels are prone to yeast infections around anus.
• German shepherds, Beagles, Bouvier des Flandres, Spaniels, Irish Setters, Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Labrador Retrievers and English Bulldogs have higher risk of perianal fissures.
• Smaller breeds tend to have anal gland impaction and other related problems.

A diagnosis of rectal itching can be complex, as there could be several conditions that may be causing this sign in your dog. First, your veterinarian will need to know how long your dog has shown signs of rectal itching, how often they are displayed, and any other symptoms you may have noticed. Also tell your veterinarian if your dog has been itching other areas of their body, if they've been ill recently, and how distressed your dog seems to be about the itching. Your veterinarian may also ask if your dog has traveled recently, and about their diet. 

Next, your veterinarian will want to do a physical examination, checking the anal area for swelling, skin irritations, and any protrusions. Your veterinarian will likely check your dog's anal glands to see if they are full or swollen. If a bacterial or yeast infection may be the culprit, a skin scraping or swabbing might be taken for testing.

Othe tests for various conditions could include fecal testing for parasitic infections, hair or skin testing for fungal infections, imaging for tumors, and blood and urine tests. Allergy testing may be needed to diagnose environmental or food allergies. If a food allergy is the likely culprit, a food elimination trial may be prescribed. 

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Treatment for rectal itching will wholly depend on the condition that is causing it. If the anal glands are full, they may be expressed. In some cases, a medication to soften hardened fluid may be injected. A prescription for antibiotics may be given for an infection. In severe cases, the anal glands can be surgically removed.

For food allergies and sensitivities, elimination of the offending food from your dog's diet will be required. The best treatment for flea and environmental allergies is to avoid the allergen. Flea medications and topical applications can help reduce or eliminate fleas from affecting your dog, while allergy medications can be prescribed for controlling symptoms of environmental allergies.

Both yeast and ringworm are fungal infections that can be treated with topical therapies such as medicated cream or shampoo, and oral mediations. Ringworm is contagious to other dogs, cats and humans, so decontamination of the environment will be needed. 

Tapeworms are treated by oral or injectable medications that will dissolve the tapeworms inside your dog's body. 

Perianal fissures are treated with stool softeners, antibiotic therapy, and perianal cleansing. If benign, tumors can often be resolved in intact male dogs with neutering. Malignant tumors may require chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Rectal tumors generally require surgery.

Any other conditions may require different treatment strategies.

Depending on the cause of the rectal itching, your dog may require topical or oral treatments to be administered at home. If surgery was performed, be sure to keep your dog calm during recovery. It is important to finish any medication or treatment prescribed by your veterinarian in full. Your dog may also need to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from scratching or biting the anal area while recovering. 

Be sure to keep an eye on your dog, and report any changes, signs or issues during a follow-up appointment. Rectal itching can return if the initial cause or underlying disease is not resolved. Recovery rates vary depending on the cause of the itching, but in many cases are good with treatment.

Dietary adjustments may be prescribed, including eliminating problem foods or adding fiber. Diligent flea control will be part of preventing a flea allergy or the recurrence of a tapeworm infection. Good grooming practices, which include ensuring the anal area is clean, can help to prevent further irritation for your dog.