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Why is my dog itchy and scooting after grooming? How to help.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 4 years and 4 months old

My dog was recently groomed and has been exhibiting signs of irritation near his genitals and anus (scooting, not liking walks). How can I help him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 30th, 2016

Poor Benji! This can sometimes happen after grooming, if there is some skin irritation in these areas caused by the clippers. You can try applying some topical hydrocortisone spray to the irritated areas every 8-12 hours for the next few days to help give him some relief - you should be able to find a spray labeled for use in dogs at most pet stores. I would also recommend mentioning to the groomer next time that he had this issue - that way, they can be extra careful not to give him any "clipper burn" in these sensitive areas in the future :)

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 11th, 2018

    They probably trimmed him too close around his tail and rectum. Shaving very short can cause skin irritation and thus the itching. The blood is probably from a small scab that he rubbed off when scooting. You can give him Benadryl to calm the skin. There is a section on this website that has information and dosages for common over the counter medications. You also can rub a thin film of cortisone cream on the irritated skin. If this continues your veterinarian can prescribe medication to control the itching. Usually this last about a week then as the hair grows in, the the irritation resolves and the itch will go away. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

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    Answered By Summer Walker, DVM, MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 29th, 2018

    Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is not uncommon for dogs to exhibit hind end scooting following a recent grooming. This could be attributable to irritation in the region from use of a shampoo or electric clippers, or it can also be due to irritation of the anal sacs if anal sac expression was performed at the time of the grooming. If the irritation/scooting continues it would be best to have Yoyo seen by his veterinarian to make sure the anal sacs are not infected/impacted and that there is no other cause for the scooting. Veterinarians will typically palpate the anal sacs rectally which allows a more thorough expression and exam. I hope Yoyo feels better soon.

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