Swollen anus is a condition in which the anus becomes inflamed and may be accompanied by rectal discharge and pain.  If your dog has a swollen anus, then you may need to take your pup to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment. Swollen anuses are often caused by things like parasites, allergies, bacterial infections, or trauma. Depending on the cause of the swelling, a vet may prescribe antibiotics, certain shampoos, antihistamines or steroids, and even surgery. If you would like to treat your dog’s swollen anus at home, you may be able to do so safely and without the need for medications. Here is all you need to know about dog-swollen anus treatment at home.

All You Need To Know About Dog Swollen Anus Treatment at Home

1. Clean the area with a warm damp cloth and mild shampoo: To clean a dog’s swollen anus at home, start by using a warm, damp cloth to clean the area. Be sure to clean gently and avoid scrubbing too hard. Next, mix a mild dog shampoo with warm water to form a solution. Apply this to the affected area and let it sit for five minutes. Gently scrub the area and then rinse. Allow the area to dry naturally before applying a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. This should help to reduce the swelling.
2. Apply a cold compress to the affected area to decrease swelling: Applying a cold compress to a dog’s swollen anus can help reduce inflammation and swelling. To do this at home, use a clean cloth to soak up cold water or place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the affected area for about 10 minutes. Make sure the cloth is not too cold to prevent the skin from getting cold burns. Do not apply too much pressure when applying the cold compress and gently let the cloth rest on the affected area. You should repeat this treatment several times a day.
3. Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen: Using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to treat a dog’s swollen anus at home. First, the prescribed dosage of the medication must be determined, as dogs are usually much smaller than humans. Ibuprofen should never be given to dogs without the direction of a veterinarian, as too much ibuprofen can be toxic for dogs. For acetaminophen, the dosage should not exceed 10 to 15 mg/lb of body weight, given every 12 hours. Once the appropriate dosage and medication have been identified, it can be given to the dog orally or via injection if needed. The medication can help reduce swelling and pain.
4. Use natural anti-inflammatories such as ginger tea or topical garlic oil: Using natural anti-inflammatories to treat a dog’s swollen anus can be a simple and effective way to reduce and manage the swelling. Ginger tea is a great option to treat swelling. Boil two cups of water, add two teaspoons of fresh, grated ginger, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and let it cool before using it as a topical treatment. Apply this solution directly to the affected area twice daily for best results. Garlic oil is another option that may be used to help reduce inflammation and swelling. Simply apply a few drops of the oil directly to the swollen area two to three times a day. It is important to note, however, that garlic oil may cause skin irritation in some dogs, so be sure to do a patch test first on a small area before using it.
5. Keep the area clean and dry: The first step in treating a dog’s swollen anus at home is to keep the area clean and dry. This can be done by washing the area regularly with mild soap and water and drying it thoroughly. It is important to avoid any further irritation to the area, so it is important to use warm water and gentle soap. Additionally, it may be beneficial to avoid using a towel to dry the area as this can cause further irritation. After the area is clean and dry, a warm compress can be applied to help soothe and reduce swelling. Finally, it may be helpful to apply a mild, unscented lotion or cream to the area to moisturize and protect the skin.
6. Feed a high-fiber diet to promote regular bowel movements: A high-fiber diet can help to stimulate the digestive tract and promote regular bowel movements, thus helping to reduce swelling in the anus. To do this, switch your dog to a diet that is high in fiber, such as adding unprocessed bran and fresh, preservative-free vegetables to their food. Aim to feed these two components of the diet together in order to provide your dog with a balanced nutrient supply. Fiber can help to clean out the digestive tract and soften stool, making it easier to pass.
7. Avoid strenuous exercise in the early stages of recovery: The best way to treat a dog’s swollen anus at home is to avoid any kind of strenuous exercise. This means only gentle walks on a lead, no running, jumping, or long hikes. This will give the anus time to heal while avoiding any further damage or irritation.
8. Administer hydrocortisone cream or ointment to reduce inflammation and itching: Hydrocortisone cream or ointment is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-itching medication used to reduce inflammation and itching associated with a dog’s swollen anus. Applying the medication twice daily can help reduce swelling and relieve itching. The medication should be applied directly to the affected area. To ensure the area around the anus is clean and dry before applying the cream/ointment, gently wipe the area with a moistened cotton pad or towel. After application, wait several minutes for the medication to be absorbed before allowing your pet to lick the area.
9. Regularly inspect the area to check for signs of infection: Regularly inspecting the area to check for signs of infection can help treat a dog’s swollen anus at home by allowing you to monitor the area for any changes. During the inspection, look for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, heat, and drainage. If you notice any signs of infection, you can use warm compresses on the affected area to help provide relief from swelling and pain.
10. Make an anti-itch spray with 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water: An anti-itch spray made from equal parts vinegar and water can be used to help treat a dog’s swollen anus at home. To do this, dilute the vinegar into the water and apply the mixture directly onto the affected area using a spray bottle. Let it sit on the area for approximately 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off with water. The vinegar helps to reduce itching and inflammation while also killing any bacteria that may be present. Additionally, the combination of vinegar and water helps to restore the skin’s natural balance and prevents further irritation.
11. Provide plenty of bedding and comfortable resting areas: Providing plenty of bedding and comfortable resting areas for a dog with a swollen anus can be beneficial. Because of the discomfort associated with the swelling, providing soft materials for the area can help lessen the pain and allow the dog to find relief. In addition, the extra bedding will provide padded support for the area, which can help reduce pressure from body movement and strain on the swollen tissue. Lastly, bedding can act as an absorbent material to help prevent infection by reducing the amount of direct contact with the sore area.
12. Wipe the anus area regularly with an alcohol-free antibacterial wipe: Using an alcohol-free antibacterial wipe to wipe the anus area regularly can help treat a dog’s swollen anus at home. First, take a wipe and clean the area around the anus. Make sure to reach all the crevices and folds in the area. Repeat this process several times a day. In addition to using the wipes, giving the dog medications, such as a topical ointment or anti-inflammatory, to help reduce the swelling would be helpful.
13. Provide topical ointments or creams to soothe itching: Topical ointments or creams can be a great way to provide relief from a dog’s swollen anus at home. The ointment should contain an active ingredient such as hydrocortisone, which is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation or a combination of antihistamines and corticosteroids. Additionally, an ointment containing zinc oxide can be used to provide a protective barrier between the sensitive area and the environment while also helping to reduce itching. The ointment should be applied to the area twice a day, as instructed on the packaging.

What Causes a Dog’s Swollen Anus?

Common causes of a swollen anus in dogs include anal gland problems, allergies, trauma, infection, or tumors. Other possible causes include poor hygiene, parasites, gene mutations, or hormonal imbalances.

Symptoms Of Impacted Anal Glands

• Scooting or dragging their bottom along the floor: This is a clear sign that your dog is trying to relieve the discomfort caused by the impacted anal glands.
• Excessive licking or chewing: Your dog may be attempting to relieve itself by licking or chewing around their anus or tail.
• Unusual odor: You may catch a strong, musky scent similar to a skunk coming from your dog’s bottom.
• Discomfort when defecating: Your dog may show signs of discomfort and strain during or after a bowel movement.
• Swelling or redness around the anus: Your dog may have inflammation in the area of the anal glands which can result in irritation.
• Anal discharge: Mucus, blood, or pus may present with an impacted anal gland.

How to Treat Swollen Anus in Dogs

1. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian: If your dog’s swollen anus persists or seems to worsen, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your vet. Your veterinarian can provide a diagnosis for the exact cause of the anal swelling, as well as treatment options.
2. Apply an ice pack: Applying an ice pack to the swollen area can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth and press it against the area for 10-15 minutes. Repeat a few times a day until the swelling goes down.
3. Switch to a hypoallergenic dog food: If the swelling is caused by an allergic reaction, switching to a hypoallergenic dog food may be necessary. This will help eliminate any foods that may be causing an allergic reaction.
4. Apply a topical ointment: Your veterinarian may recommend a topical ointment to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Follow your vet’s instructions for how to apply the ointment.
5. Administer oral anti-inflammatory medication: In some cases, your vet may recommend an oral anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and inflammation. Follow your vet’s instructions for the dosage and frequency of administering the medication.

Food to Help Dog Express Glands

• Carrots
• Bananas
• Apples
• Sweet Potatoes
• Blueberries
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Peas
• Kale
• Broccoli

How to Soothe Dog Irritated Anus?

If your dog’s irritated anus is causing discomfort, there are several things you can do to help soothe their irritation:

• Keep the area clean. Gently clean the area with a moist cotton ball or washcloth to remove any debris and irritants.
• Use commercial wipes. Commercial wipes are specifically designed to clean and soothe anal areas.
• Apply a warm compress. Dip a washcloth in warm water and apply it to the area to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Feed a high-fiber diet. Increasing the fiber content of your dog’s diet can help bulk up the stool and make passing it easier.
• Give the occasional snacks. Adding a few snacks with natural laxatives, such as plain canned pumpkin, can help keep your pet’s stool soft.
• Try an over-the-counter ointment. Ask your veterinarian about an over-the-counter ointment to help soothe the area and provide temporary relief from itching.
• Visit the vet. If the irritation persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, your vet may recommend medications to treat the infection or inflammation.

Anal Gland Supplements

• Royal Canin Anal Gland Health Dry Dog Food
• NaturVet Anal Gland Aid Supplement for Dogs
• Vet’s Best Anal Gland Support Supplement for Dogs
• Ark Naturals ProGest Digestive and Anal Gland Health
• VetriScience Anal Gland Care Dog Capsules
• VetriScience ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Dog Dental Care
• Zesty Paws Anal Biscuits Gland Support Soft Chews

FAQs

Q. What can I put on my dog’s inflamed anus?

A. It is best to consult a veterinarian before applying any topical medications to your pet’s inflamed anus. If a veterinarian determines that an ointment such as hydrocortisone or topical antibiotic cream is safe and appropriate for the situation, then you can carefully apply the medication with minimal touching or irritation of the area.

Q. How do you treat a lump on a dog’s anus?

A. The first step in treating a lump on a dog’s anus is to visit the vet for a physical exam and diagnosis. The vet may also recommend blood work and other tests to determine what is causing the lump. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include topical treatments, antibiotics, or surgery. The vet may also recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to manage the lump and improve the overall health of the dog.

Q. How do you treat a puppy’s swollen anus?

A. If your puppy’s anus is swollen, it should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will depend on the cause of the swollen anus. Treatment may include antibiotics, ointments, or a special diet. In some cases, more intensive treatments such as surgery may be needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pet owners should be aware of any unusual swelling in their pup’s anus or rectum area. If a pet has a swollen anus, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately in order to rule out any serious medical conditions. In cases where a pet is diagnosed with an anal gland infection, certain treatments at home can help to reduce swelling and irritation. This usually involves regularly cleaning the anus area and applying topical medications. Additionally, dietary changes may also be recommended to reduce the presence of irritants. It is important to note, however, that if a pet’s symptoms worsen or do not improve, they should be taken to a veterinarian for further assessment.