Why is my dog obsessively looking at her butt and acting panicked?

Question

My question is similar to one already asked "My dog keeps looking quickly back at her butt like she is surprised and panicked...." However, we have brought her in multiple times. Her anal glands are fine, no constipation, no UTI, no stones in her urine, no signs of infection. Yet this problem is getting worse and worse, and little Margie is getting more and more desperate burying her butt into anything close by and sitting stalk still refusing to move. What else could cause this behavior? Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Female | spayed | 4 years and 1 month old | 17 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Hi there. This behavior is actually a common compulsive behavior in Miniature Schauzers, and is thought to have a genetic basis in some affected dogs. It sounds like your veterinarian has done a good job of ruling out an obvious medical issue that could be contributing, such as constipation, spinal pain, dermatitis, anal gland issues, etc. You might consider talking to your vet about a trial course of an anti-inflammatory medication such as prednisone and/or a medication for neuropathic pain such as gabapentin if these things have not been tried yet - some dogs will respond favorably to these meds, even without a specific diagnosis. If there is no response to medical therapy and no evidence of a physical problem can be found, then the problem is likely behavioral. In that case, I would recommend seeing a veterinary behaviorist for a full evaluation and treatment plan, as these issues can be challenging to treat without expert help. Most dogs with compulsive behavior issues will require a detailed training and management plan as well as medication to see significant improvement. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here: www.dacvb.org

Why is my dog obsessively looking at her butt and acting panicked?

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