Why My Dog Keeps Scratching And Biting Himself?

Or the most common reason that dogs do this is they need their anal glands expressed. Depending on your dogs size this needs to be done every two to four months. Most large dogs are able to do this on their own but with smaller dogs don't have the muscle power to do so. If his anus hole looks like pooched lips its a definite sign his anal glands need to be expressed. Not doing this on a regular bases can lead to impacted anal glands and may require surgery to correct.

Dear,

It IS her anal glands. It IS her anal Glands. It IS her anal glands..

Have your vet show YOU how to empty them.. Your baby is suffering. I find it odd that your vet is not aware of this VERY VERY common issue. Your baby may need antibiotics or even a surgery..

Please, please go to a different Vet.. This one is obviously NOT caring about the best interest of Your best friend.. Your baby is in much discomfort.. And it can be taken care of simply.

Peace and blessings from Texas

My puppy has had all of her shots...has been extensively examined...been treated for worms...ear mites and virtually everything else a puppy can be treated for...I have spent $1000 on her care thus far...she is a morkipoo (maltise, yorkshire terrier, poodle mix) is 4 months old. When I got her from the breader she began biting at her bum and tail...first biting on the right rear and then on the left rear...resembling a figure 8 and all the while growling and yelping and crying...it seems like a bit of a fit...and happens a few times a day...it is almost like she is being tormented by a dog ghost!...biting at her rear...I had one full anal gland squeezed about a month ago...I cannot figure out what the problem is...one vet suggested it is psychological..perhaps affects from being caged in a puppy mill...??? I have no clue...can anyone help??? Any and all suggestions are welcome!!! It is difficult to watch her suffer....

This could be from pain either from Impacted anal glands which  are very common in small breeds of dogs or other painful conditions affecting the anus or rectum like obstruction or constipation.   Flea allergy causes intense itchiness around the base of the tail and rear end.  Your dog is in obvious pain and discomfort, you should seek veterinary attention as soon as possible to give your animal some relief. 

I agree. You should get him checked over a the vets and they will give you something.

I have a Beagle that does this very same thing.  She's has swelling at the base of the tail that now appears to itch very badly.  I've had her since she was about 3 months old. The first time I recall asking a vet about the swelling, she thought it was a non-issue. Nothing to be concerned with.  I've mentioned it at least once a year, the itching for the last 3+/- years. My pets get regular office visits and allergy shots! I'm trying to say I take good care of my dogs.  They are my children!, not just animals to live outside and just exist!!
 
So you see I'm serious and need help!.  Her tail has been getting larger (or more swollen) as the years pass.  She'll be 7 years old this September, Septemeber the 19th, 2010. 
 
She's had allergy shots and got to Maintenance Level with still no improvement.  She doesn't eat the foods the allergy test shows to which she is allergic.  Her anal glands were removed because I thought that was the problem.  But 14 months later she still whines at you with those sad, Beagle eyes wanting her butt scratched. 
 
She gets quality flea medication from national pet store chains, is an indoor dog and she gets bathed at least once a month. I've tried everything my vet has suggested but still no resolution. 
 
My dog is miserable! An additional symptom my Beagle has is swelling under her tail at the top of her anal gland.  It has the appearance of a hemorrhoid but my vet said dogs don't get hemorroides. (I wonder why not.) She also has a serious need to scoot her butt or have her butt rubbed or scratched several times a day.  Her bowel movements appear normal, no straining or loose stools.  
 
What other suggestions can someone provide?  I'll try just about anything at this point.
 
Thank you for any information.
Antsyllee

What I have perceived from your described symptoms is your dog is trying to ease its sore anus. There is possibility of anal sac as well so check its back carefully. This situation occurs when a pet has tapeworms. You should take it to vet but for home remedy you should take care of few things. Feed it high quality food and never give it human food or leftovers. Your pet should have access to plenty of water. Give it food that is rich in fibers to soften its stools. Unclog the anal sac and get your pet's tests to confirm if there are worms or not.

Hi, sounds like your dogs anal glands may need to be expressed. Dogs have these glands and they usually empty when they go to the bathroom. When they get full it can be very uncomfortable to the dog. You can take him to the vet and have it done and they can show you how to do it so if it happens again, you can help your dog out.

It has fleas. Or poop is stuck on his butt.

There is something like a flea or a tick in bottom area which bothers them. Or it could be something is stuck in his butt which needs squeezing.

He could have flees or he could be having an alergic reaction to something and its stronger on his bottom

It is because there's something in the bum area that needs squeezing I had 2 get my friend to do it because I dint no how to do it and it stopped biting it needs doing every couple of weeks or else it will carrie on wt type of dog have you got?

I am sooooo glad I found this question!!!! My Yorkie is having the same problem! The vet squeezed his glands and said that they were empty and that is not what was wrong. He said give it a few weeks and see if he was still doing it and its getting worse. The crying is worse and the biting is worse :((( I don't know what to do either. The vet keeps charging me for the visits but I'm not getting any answers. Did you ever figure out what was wrong with your dog??

My shih tzu does this when her tail tickles her butt

Get him to a vet fast use some gaws to stop the bleeding

It sounds like your dog has fleas.a dog will scratching and bit himself when he has fleas.

How else can he scratch it? Does he have worms? Try a good bath and see if that works. Maybe he's got fleas attacking his butt!

Yupp, haha. How else??!

The best thing you can do is take him to the vet and let them do a stool test for worms. You need to have him on preventatives to keep him from getting fleas/ worm/ heart worms.