Dog bottom problems – when should I see a vet?

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: PDSA

Contact a vet today

This can have a serious cause – contact your vet today if any of the warning signs below apply, or if you are unsure. Most bottom problems are not urgent, but some, such as an anal prolapse, are an emergency.

When to contact a vetWhat to do now

Contact a vet if you see any of this

  • Anal prolapse

What you can do now

  1. Contact your vet.
  2. Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
  3. Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
  4. Keep fresh water available.
  5. Let your dog rest somewhere calm.

Don't

  • Do not give any human medicine.
  • Do not wait if it gets worse.

What it can mean

A bottom problem can be linked to blocked anal glands, anal gland abscesses, vaginal prolapse or pyometra.[1] Blocked anal glands often cause scooting and an itchy, irritated bottom.[1] Anal gland abscesses are usually very painful.[1]

Other signs that can come with it

  • Scooting
  • Pain
  • A bad odour or farting more than usual
  • Blood in poo or around the anus
  • Constipation or straining to poo
  • Wounds or sores near the bottom
  • Swelling around the anus
  • Licking their back end or vulva more than usual

Possible causes

  • Blocked anal glands
  • Anal gland abscesses
  • Vaginal prolapse
  • Pyometra

What the experts say

“Scooting ; Pain ; A bad odour or farting more than usual ; Blood in poo or around the anus ; Constipation or straining to poo ; Wounds or sores near the bottom ; Swelling around the anus ; Licking their back end (or vulva) more than usual”

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

Get it on Google Play

OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.

Common questions

What signs can come with a dog bottom problem?

Signs can include scooting, pain, a bad odour or more farting than usual, blood in poo or around the anus, constipation or straining to poo, wounds or sores near the bottom, swelling around the anus, and licking the back end or vulva more than usual.[1]

What can a dog bottom problem mean?

It can be linked to blocked anal glands, anal gland abscesses, vaginal prolapse or pyometra.[1]

Are dog bottom problems always urgent?

Most are not urgent, but some, such as an anal prolapse, are an emergency.[1]

Sources

  1. PDSA

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages

Other symptoms in dogs

ConjunctivitisConstipationCoughingDandruffDiarrhoeaDroolingEar problemsEye problemsEyelid LumpsFlatulenceHair lossHead tilt