Why Does My Dog Keep Looking At Their Back End?

If you notice your dog looking at their back end, whether it’s a one off or if it’s something they do repeatedly, you may be wondering why they do it. If you want to know when this is simply innocent or when it should be a cause for concern, continue reading the rest of this article.

Why Does My Dog Keep Looking At Their Back End?

 

There can be multiple reasons why a dog may be looking at their back end. Some may be completely innocent, whereas others can be a lot more serious. It’s always important to look at all the symptoms and seek veterinary advice if necessary to help get to the bottom of the issues.

 

Is There A Problem With Its Back End?

A problem with their back end could be one of the reasons for them looking at it. They may be able to feel pain there so are looking to try and figure out what may be causing this pain. If you suspect this, take them to the vet.

Should I Take My Dog To A Vet?

If you believe there is a problem with your dog’s back end or you’re not entirely sure why your dog is looking at their back end, you should always take your dog to the vet. They will be able to figure out what the problem is and how it can be solved.

My Dog Keeps Acting Like Something Is Biting Her Rear End?

This could be due to having an allergy, fleas or something irritating their skin that causes them to react in this way. It’s always worth trying to figure out the reason behind this and then sorting it, either by yourself or taking them to the vet, whichever is going to be best for your dog.

Dog Keep Looking At Their Back End At Night?

Perhaps there is something in particular that is irritating them about their back end at night. Try and pick up on any changes that may happen at night as opposed to during the day that may cause them to do this. If you’re still unsure, ask your vet.

Dog Keep Looking At Their Back End After Eating?

If your dog eats quite quickly, this can cause trapped gas due to swallowing air. If you notice a combination of this and the symptoms of trapped gas, such as appearing in pain, this may be the reason for looking at their back end and you may want to seek advice on how to help with this.

22 Reasons Why Your Dog Keeps Looking At Their Back End

Love To Play With Their Tail 🙂

Dogs often have a lot of energy and are always looking for ways to release this energy. This may take the form of wanting to play with/chase their tail. If they’re looking at their back end, it may be because they’re looking for ways to release energy and want to chase their tail.

Anxiety (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

All dogs are really attached to their owners so when their owner goes away, this can bring on separation anxiety. They may be constantly looking behind them to check that you’re there. To help them, start leaving them alone for short periods of time and gradually build this up to longer times.

Boredom (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

If your dog is bored, they will often be looking for anything to do. One of these things may be chasing their tail which will happen if they are looking at their back end, see their tail and see as it’s something to cure their boredom. Try and give them stimulating things to do, such as playtime and going for walks.

Excitement (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

Sometimes dogs who are excited may be constantly looking at their back end. For example, if your dog is excited to be on a walk, they may be constantly looking at their back end to look at you to see if you are enjoying the walk as much as they are.

Skin Irritation Due To Infection (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

These are normally caused when something, such as fleas, has been irritating your dog and they have been scratching at that area, which then leads to infection. They become painful and is all they can focus on. In these cases, they need medical intervention to treat the infection.

Skin Irritation Due To Allergies/Canine Atopic Dermatitis (Cad) (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

If your dog appears irritated and is also looking at their back end, it might be due to an allergy. They may also come out in hives, swelling, sneezing and even diarrhoea. Make note of when these symptoms started so you can identify the cause and also take them to the vet.

Tics & Fleas (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

A sign your dog is looking at their back end due to have tics and/or fleas is if you see them constantly itching or trying to itch themselves. They may also rub against you or start rolling around on the floor. If so, check them for fleas and keep up to date with their flea treatments.

Trapped Gas (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

Trapped gas can be caused by eating foods that are difficult to digest, such as beans and those high in fats. This often isn’t something too painful for dogs and is often something you should be able to leave and it will pass. But if it continues, a trip to the vets may be needed.

Constipation (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

Constipation can be caused by stress, dehydration, a low-fiber diet, amongst other things. If you notice your dog hasn’t pooped for a few days or notice any discomfort, this could be a sign of constipation. Ensure they have a good diet and are hydrated to try and prevent this.

Joint Pain (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

If your dog has joint pain, they may limp, have difficulty moving, or not want to do any exercise. Painful joints can be due to a number of reasons but may be more common in older dogs. Regardless, take them to the vet so they can help them, such as giving them supplements or physical therapy.

Abscesses (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

Abscesses on your dogs back end can cause them a lot of issues. They may become quite painful and the area will need to be cleaned and they will need to be put on antibiotics. In this case, a trip to the vet will definitely be needed.

Impacted Anal Glands (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

Anal gland issues are incredibly common with dogs. If you see your dog dragging their bum along the ground, sleeping with their bum facing you or sniffing their bum, this is probably the issue. Either your dog groomer or vet will be able to aid with this.

Anal Sac Disease (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

This may also be the case if your dog is dragging their bum along the ground. If the sacs aren’t fully released when your dog poops, the liquids inside harden and block the glands. You will need to take them to the vets so they can squeeze the anal sacs to release the liquid.

Problem With The Anus Area (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

There may be something that is irritating this area and in this case, check and clean their area with something appropriate. For example, they may have sat in something that is itching them so cleaning this off will help them greatly.

Tapeworms (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

If your dog isn’t up to date with their flea treatment, they may get tapeworms. If you notice your dog is dragging their bum along the floor, this may be a sign of tapeworm. To solve this, take them to the vet so they can give them some medication to solve it.

Tumors Rectal/Intestinal (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

Rectal tumors are rare but the bigger they are increases the risk of them being cancerous. Dogs with this may have diarrhoea or the urge to poop, even when they don’t need to.

 

Intestinal tumors are growths in the lining of the intestines and are also rare. There are often many of them which can cause a blockage and if these are cancerous, they can spread to other areas of the body quite quickly.

 

If you find your dog vomiting, has a loss of appetite, has blood either in their stool or vomit, has an abdominal lump, or has diarrhoea or constipation, take them to the vets immediately for a diagnosis.

Hip Dysplasia (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

If your dog is struggling to get up and down the stairs, this may be a sign of hip dysplasia. This happens when the hips and joints don’t fit together or move properly. This can be quite painful and is probably worth a trip to the vets to see if anything can be done.

Arthritis (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

This is quite a common form of joint pain that both humans and dogs can experience. It’s more common in older dogs, but younger dogs can experience it too. They may be a bit stiff. Difficulty getting up. Crying at certain movements. It may be worth a trip to the vets to see what treatment they can offer.

Luxating Patella (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

Luxating patella is a knee problem. It could be due to dislocation, injury or an abnormality in their growth. This normally only lasts a few seconds, but if there are continuous symptoms, such as sniffness in one or both back legs or skipping some legs, take them to the vet as surgery may be needed.

Intestinal Parasites (Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

Intestinal parasites take the form of hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, giardia, and coccidia. These all have symptoms such as diarrhoea, poor growth as a puppy, weight loss, and vomiting and can be due to eating or drinking something that’s contaminated. You will need to take them to the vet to get them treated.

Weather It Too Hot

This may be a sign of heat exhaustion, with other signs including excessive panting, excessive drooling, changes in gum colour, increased pulse, and excessive thirst. Take them indoors into a cool area, put wet cloths on them, give them some water but don’t force them to drink, and take them to the vets if symptoms persist.

Exposure To Harsh Chemicals

There can be many reasons why a dog is exposed to a number of harsh chemicals, no matter how hard you try to prevent them from being near them. For example, if your dog has fleas or to try and prevent them, you may use flea control chemicals. Even something as innocent as lawn fertilisers can be harmful. Try and limit this exposure by checking chemicals in products so nothing bad will happen.

When To Worry When Your Dog Keeps Looking At Their Back End?

If they appear to be in pain in any way or if it’s something they’re constantly doing, this may be the reason to worry a little bit and may also possibly be worth a trip to the vet. Hopefully it shouldn’t be anything too serious, but it’s always worth getting them checked out just in case.

What To Do If Your Dog Keeps Looking At Their Back End Take Them To The Vet

If looking at their back end is a repeated behaviour, this could potentially be the sign of something serious. It may not be something to worry about, but just for your peace of mind, take them to the vets anyway so they can see what’s up and provide the appropriate treatment.

Exercise

As dogs often have a lot of built up energy, one of the best ways for them to release this energy is to get plenty of exercise. This is helpful if you notice every time your dog looks at their back end they are chasing their tail, exercise is the way to solve this issue.

Change To A Simpler Diet (Kibble / Raw Diet /Fresh Food)

Changing your dogs diet to foods which are easier to digest will help solve issues such as having trapped gas. If you believe this is caused by the foods they’re currently on, look at some different foods you could try and ask a professional for advice if needed.

Hydration

Lack of hydration may be a cause of constipation and an array of other issues that may cause your dog to look at their back end. Hydrating them avoids these issues and regardless of whether there is an issue or not, is important anyway.

 

References

13 Reasons Your Dog Keeps Looking At Their Back End

9 Reasons Why Your Dog Keeps Looking At Their Back End

7 Reasons Why Dogs Look At Their Back End & Tail: Vet Tips