You’re relaxing on the couch, enjoying a quiet evening, when suddenly your dog plops down and starts going to town… back there.
Loud licking. Determined. Zero shame. And you’re just sitting there like, seriously?
It’s awkward, maybe even a little gross, but also kind of alarming when it becomes a regular thing. So let’s talk about why dogs lick their anus and when it’s a sign something’s actually wrong.
Sometimes It’s Just A Quick Clean
Let’s get this one out of the way. Dogs do some grooming. That includes their butts. If it happens once in a while, especially after pooping or rolling around, it might just be their version of wiping.
They don’t have toilet paper. They use their tongue.
Gross, but fair.
If your dog does it once and then moves on with their day, it’s probably nothing to worry about. But if they’re licking constantly, or seem obsessed with it, there’s usually something else going on.
Anal Glands Can Be A Real Pain In The Butt
Literally. Most dogs have two little scent glands near their anus that release a bit of fluid when they poop.
It’s part of how they mark territory and say hello to other dogs. Sometimes those glands get full, irritated, or infected, and that’s when the licking starts.
You might also see scooting across the floor, straining to poop, or a funky fishy smell that makes your eyes water.
Anal gland issues are super common, especially in small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Shih Tzus. But they can happen to any dog.
Parasites And Allergies
Worms can cause butt licking too. Tapeworms in particular like to make themselves known by causing itchiness and irritation around the rear. If you’ve seen something that looks like rice near your dog’s behind, it’s time to bring that up to your vet.
Then there’s allergies, food or environmental. They can cause itchy skin, inflamed ears, and yes, butt discomfort. A dog with allergies might lick their paws, their belly, and their backside in one itchy rotation.
You won’t always spot a rash, but the behavior itself is a big clue. Some dogs will start licking before you even see redness.
A Story From The Dog Park
One of the regulars at the park had a beagle who kept sitting abruptly mid-walk and licking her backside every five minutes. Her owner thought maybe she had something stuck, like a sticker burr or mud from the trail.
After checking her and finding nothing, he gave her a bath, hoping that would help. But the licking kept going.
A vet visit later? Impacted anal glands and a mild allergy to her new kibble. Once they switched her food and got the glands expressed, the licking stopped almost overnight.
Sometimes it’s not just one cause, it’s a combo that flies under the radar.
How To Check (Without Going Full Detective)
First things first: if your dog lets you, gently lift their tail and look around the area. You’re not trying to diagnose anything major, just checking for swelling, redness, cuts, or anything weird.
If the area looks raw, oozy, or painful, leave it alone and call your vet.
Wipes made for dogs can help clean up mild messes or soothe minor irritation. Just don’t use human wipes or scented baby wipes, they often contain alcohol or perfumes that can make things worse.
What You Shouldn’t Do
Don’t yell or scold your dog for licking their butt. They’re not being naughty. They’re uncomfortable and doing what dogs do to fix it.
Also, don’t try to express anal glands on your own unless a vet or groomer has shown you how. It’s not as simple as squeezing a zit, it can cause damage if done wrong. Not to mention, it’s messy in ways you really don’t want to find out the hard way.
If you catch your dog in the act, calmly redirect them. Give them a toy, call them over for a treat, or take them outside for a quick walk. But don’t make a big fuss. You want to break the habit without turning it into a game or punishment cycle.
When To Call The Vet
If the licking happens more than a few times a day, or your dog seems obsessed with it, it’s time to schedule a visit.
Same goes if you notice:
- Scooting
- Swelling or discoloration
- Bleeding or discharge
- A strong smell
- Trouble pooping
- Restlessness or whining while licking
Vets can check for infections, parasites, allergies, and more. They’ll also rule out anything more serious, like tumors or injuries near the area.
At-Home Tips That Actually Help
If the issue’s mild or recurring and your vet gives the go-ahead, there are a few things that can help from home.
High-fiber diet: Adding canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling), fiber-rich kibble, or dog-safe veggies can help your dog pass stools more easily. That puts less strain on the anal glands and keeps things moving.
Probiotics: These help with gut health and may reduce irritation from the inside out. Some come in chewable form, which makes life easier.
Medicated wipes: Keep a few on hand for quick cleanups after walks or play. Look for ones with aloe or witch hazel, just make sure they’re labeled safe for pets.
Enrichment: Sometimes dogs lick because they’re bored. Puzzle toys, scent games, and training exercises can distract them and reduce obsessive behaviors.
Long-Term Prevention Is Key
If your dog is prone to anal gland flare-ups or allergic reactions, managing their health day-to-day matters more than one-time fixes.
Stick to regular grooming schedules. Watch for signs of food intolerance. And don’t skip routine checkups, your vet may catch a brewing issue before it becomes a full-blown problem.
If your dog’s licking is tied to stress or anxiety, calming supplements or behavior training might be needed. Some dogs develop licking as a compulsive behavior, especially after long periods of isolation or trauma.
Myths That Need Busting
Let’s clear up a few common misunderstandings:
- “All dogs lick their butts, it’s normal.” Not if it’s constant. A quick clean here and there is fine. Obsessive licking is not.
- “Just give them a dewormer and it’ll stop.” Not always. Worms are only one cause—and dewormers don’t fix allergies or gland issues.
- “It’s just a phase.” Nope. Dogs don’t outgrow gland infections or food sensitivities.
- “It’s dirty but harmless.” It can lead to infections or signal something deeper. Always worth checking.
Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse
Too many dog owners wait until the licking turns into scooting, swelling, or worse before acting. It’s one of those things that feels silly to bring up… until it’s a problem that costs hundreds at the vet.
Early intervention saves your dog pain, and saves you money and stress.
Even a quick phone call or chat with a groomer can point you in the right direction.
Wrapping Things Up
Dogs licking their anus might be gross to watch, but for them, it’s usually just a way of saying, “Hey, something’s bothering me.” Whether it’s a blocked gland, a bug bite, or a bad batch of food, there’s almost always a reason.
It’s your job to pay attention, not panic. Check the area, note how often it’s happening, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most of the time, the fix is easier than you think.
So the next time your pup starts going at their backside like it’s a personal mission, what are you going to do about it?