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Why is my dog scooting and licking his rear? Is it anal glands?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | 8 years and 6 months old | 12 lbs

My Chihuahua started scooting yesterday and keeps licking his bottom. He went to the vet Friday a week ago. I wonder if something happened when they took his temperature. It looks swollen and leaky, but he won't really let me look. Should I take him to an emergency vet

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on August 13th, 2017

Your pet sounds like he has an inflamed or infected anal gland. This probably doesn't have anything to do with his getting his temperature taken, but it is a little surprising that, if his glands were full then, they didn't bring it to your attention or express them then. This condition is very painful and makes it difficult to defecate or even move. Without treatment, the gland may rupture, causing a open wound on your pet's rear that will require wound care and antibiotics as well as some pain relief. I recommend getting your pet seen by your vet. They will express the material from the anal glands (which is very smelly), clean him up and possibly start him on antibiotics. You can ask them to show you how to express the anal glands yourself at home so you can avoid impaction or infection in the future.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 4th, 2020

    Hello. Jr.'s anal glands may be full or impacted & require cleaning out. This is something easily done by your veterinarian. He may also have some allergic skin disease, & this is a common area that is affected. You can purchase Zymox Hot Spot spray online. This contains a small amount of hydrocortisone & may be soothing to his bum, but you should make sure it is not his anal glands that are bothering him. Left untreated, they can become infected & rupture. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 31st, 2017

    It may be an infcetednir abscessed anal gland as this can cause some pain and inflammation and bleeding. It typically needs to be flushed with antibiotic cream and have medication to give by mouth to clear it. This usually has to be done with sedation at the vet due to discomfort You can have the anal sacs emptied regularly to prevent this

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 1st, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. I would recommend that he sees his veterinarian tomorrow if it is too late tonight. He will likely need his anal glands expressed. These are small glands that sit under the skin on either side of the anus. They are supposed to excrete a fluid every time the dog defecates. The glands can become painful and itchy if they are too full. In rare cases, they can become infected and potentially rupture. In this instance though, there is usually a red painful lump near the anus. I hope this information helps!

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