My dog's back-end by the base of his tail is really itchy. Do you have any ideas how how to fix this?

Question

He keeps biting an scratching. It just started this 3 weeks ago. I have given him 3 baths with a sensitive ski flea soap. I have sat and search and searched for fleas. He does not have any.

We were also thinking maybe a food allergy and are in the process of switching his food. He has had the same brand of food for over a year now and no problems.

I have also been giving him 1/2 a bendryl every night before bed. I could probably get away with a whole tablet he is a 100 lb Lab, but I do not want to over medicate him.

I'm trying to figure out any home remedies before I take him to the Vet. Money is really tight this year and we have had to cut cost in all areas in our lives.

Answer 1

It could also be his anal glands.

Answer 2

Bottom scooting, and knawing at the base of the tail are common symptoms for 'blocked anal glands'.  If you do not know how to empty these then you will need to go to the vet to have it done.  This can be a recurring problem so you may be able to get the vet to show you how it is done (although it is not a pleasant job)  and if the problem persists for an extensive period there is an operation they can have to remove the glands.  This operation does have some possible side effects and pros and cons would need to be discussed with your vet.

All the best.

Answer 3

First of all you NEED to take him to the vet!!!! I know it can be very expensive, but you are most likely causing more problems by attempting to medicate and solve on your own! It could very well be the anal gland needing to be drained. The vet can do this very easily. Most likely isn't a food allergy if he has had the same food for this long but yes it is possible to develope an allergy at any time in life. You really shouldn't keep giving him benadryl, you could be masking other symptoms if it is something serious. I wish you luck in finding the cash to make the trip. I stuggle to set aside money in my Golden retrievers E.R. fund every month as well!

Answer 4

Labs are prone to flea allergies.  Even though you might not see any, there's probably a couple there. I thought the same thing, and my vet proved me wrong in about 10 seconds.

My lab is currently doing the same thing to an horrible degree.  I've found that oatmeal conditioner (or perhaps you could use bicarb, like you do with chickenpox) soothes the skin, and stops them from scratching at their rear.  Either that, or get an e-collar, or cut a hole in a bucket big enough for his head, so he cant' reach to scratch.

Definately switch your food - they are also prone to food allergies. Try and include some rice or pasta (just a little)  and some veggies if you can.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Yes he may still have a rouge flea and have flea bite dermatitis. which basically means the flea bite irritates his skin so much that he chews his skin and causes a skin infection. Repeat bathing irritates the situation by drying the skin out. If the benadryl is 25mg your not giving him enough. Benadryl dose is basically 1mg per pound so if he his 100lbs then he needs 100mg of benadryl make sure that it is plain benadryl with no other additives.  See your vet for antibiotics and possible steroids.