The presence of bacteria and yeast on the skin is normal; however, if either appears in excess, or if the skin barrier is unhealthy, or if the dog is immunocompromised, an infection can occur. Bacterial or yeast infections of the skin can be very itchy and result in constant licking of the affected area.
If your dog is focusing the licking on their rectum or groin, they may be experiencing anal sac, urinary tract, or reproductive organ infections. Your vet may first express your pet's anal glands to rule out infection and impaction.
Male dogs lick themselves at their privates to keep them privates clean. However, abnormal preputial (sheath) discharge is the biggest cause of excessive genital licking in male dogs. UTIs, prostate cancer, and urinary incontinence are leading causes of discharge and issues of a dog's privates.
Common Causes. Other than grooming, there are a few main answers to the question of why dogs lick their butts — anal gland issues, skin infections, parasites and allergies can all lead dogs to lick down there.
Dogs May Lick Because of Anal Glands
In most dogs, these glands will express on their own any time they go to the bathroom. Occasionally these glands will fail to empty, causing them to become impacted or irritated. Your dog will show you either by scooting or licking at the area excessively.
E-collars are the ideal tool to prevent pets from licking a surgical incision or other area of concern. To prevent chewing or licking of the flank (side of the body), thighs, abdomen (belly), or groin area, you may place a child-size (cats, small dogs) or medium (middle- to large-breed dogs) T-shirt on your pet.
Often, if pets are left alone too long, they will lick and chew an area of their body until it gets raw and sore. This is most common in pets with high energy levels that are bored, or that aren't getting enough exercise or attention.
Itchiness caused by an allergy or certain type of food is often the wrongdoer, but excessive licking can also be caused by pain somewhere in your dog's body. This is often the case for older dogs with arthrosis. In addition, there could be a behavioral cause, such as stress or anxiety.
As with other dog behaviors, there can be several reasons that lead dogs to lick or chew their paws. These include injuries; skin problems; environmental, parasite, or food allergies; and boredom or anxiety.
When dog scratching gets out of hand, it is often the result of allergies to food or environmental triggers, including mold and pollen. Dogs may also develop a skin irritation called contact dermatitis when they encounter substances like pesticides or soap. Boredom or anxiety.
Dogs who keep itching but don't have fleas or mites are more likely to have a skin infection. These infections may be bacterial or might be fungal. Yeast infections may also be a culprit for some itching in dogs.
Be on the lookout for the following signs: Your dog is scooting on the carpet. Your dog is licking his bottom a lot. If your dog's glands are really full, they may leak out a stinky, pungent smell.
WHAT DOGS NEED THIS SERVICE? Certain breeds (usually on the small side) are more likely to need monthly, manual expression of their glands: Chihuahuas, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Basset Hounds, and Beagles top the list. However, anal gland issues can affect dogs of all sizes.
It is much easier to express your dog's anal glands if you have someone to help you gently restrain your dog as the expression is often uncomfortable (though not painful unless there is an infection or obstruction) and your dog may feel some pressure while you are pushing on the glands.
What can you give a dog for severe itching? If your pet has severe itching, it is time to get them to the vet. However, for mild cases, giving them a soothing bath, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and an effective next-generation flea medication can all be a good place to start.
Flea allergy dermatitis, seasonal allergies or atopy, food allergies, contact dermatitis (e.g., soaps and perfumes), and sarcoptic mange (mites) are some of the most common causes of pruritus in dogs. "Pruritus due to skin disease is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek veterinary care."
Topical Benefits – It's been known to help skin conditions like hot spots, bites, stings, or itchy, dry skin. Shampoos made with organic oils such as coconut oil can improve damaged skin and reduce allergens. Some pet owners have even made a DIY paw balm with coconut oil as one of the ingredients.
Repeatedly licking their paws can be a sign that they are stressed or anxious, or could suggest that they are in pain, feeling nauseous, uncomfortable or itchy."
Close contact with other dogs is typically what causes mites to be transmitted to your pet, but some mites can also get onto surfaces in the environment (e.g. bedding) and infest a dog when they come in contact.
The itching is probably caused by sensitivity to the mites' droppings. Initially, infested skin will erupt with small, solid bumps. Because the dog scratches or bites itself to relieve the itch, these bumps and the surrounding skin are often damaged, causing thick, crusted sores.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Borax
Sponge bathing your dog with a Borax and hydrogen peroxide solution is a popular treatment for mange. Hydrogen peroxide and Borax together might help resolve the mange mites and heal the skin sores.