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My dog's anal area is bleeding and he keeps itching it. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Male | neutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 96 lbs

Hi there Switzerland is 7 yrs old mix of Swiss mountain dog & Rottweiler. He has blood dripping from his anal area but not in his stool (no diarrhea and his urine is not red). He chews at area like as if it itches. I noticed the blood is slowly dripping out very little. What can I do? It's not a lot, but it's been 2 days. His stool is normal. I have Forticept blue butter (an antimicrobial gel). Any advice is welcome.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 28th, 2024

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. I am sorry to hear that Switzerland is having this issue. Please understand it is very difficult to give advice without examining him or at least seeing a photo. Based solely on your description it sounds like he had an impacted anal gland that ruptured. I do think it is best to take him to a vet for an exam. The first thing you need to do though is to get him a cone collar to wear so he stops chewing at the area. If the area is still bothering him the other anal gland (they have two) may be impacted/infected as well, hence, an exam is important. There is nothing you can do to sop the bleeding at home but you can put antibiotic gel/cream on it until you can get him to the vet. Again, without the cone collar though, he will likely lick off anything you apply topically. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-recovery-cone-collar-large-1225-21-3498991 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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