You may notice your dog scooting their bum across the floor and think it’s just your canine friend being playful. However, it’s more likely that your dog is trying to tell you that they have a sore bum. In that case you may ask yourself; what cream can I put on my dog’s sore bum? The good news is there are different effective creams you can use to help your dog, including Neosporin, Sudocrem and various hydrocortisone creams, to name a few.
Read on to discover exactly what type of cream you should put on your dog’s sore bum to soothe it.
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My Dog Has A Sore Bum What Can I Put On It?
A sore bottom on your dog may be nothing more than a mild issue that can be quickly resolved with an over the counter cream. If that’s the case, then you can use creams and ointments such as; Neosporin, Metanium, or Sudocrem, or various anti-inflammatory creams.
What Creams Can I Use To Soothe My Dog’s Sore Bottom?
Discover more about the creams that can be put on your dog’s sore bum.
1. Neosporin
Neosporin is an antibacterial ointment which helps to heal wounds and scratches on humans. The antibacterial ointment consists of three different types of antibiotics. Neosporin can be used on dog’s bum, but only in small amounts. However, there are other ointments designed specifically to treat wounds and topical skin conditions on dogs, whether it’s a sore anus or a scrape on the leg. Therefore, it’s better to use dog specific ointment.
You should consult with a veterinarian before using Neosporin on your pooch. If you do decide to use it on your dog’s bum, then do a small patch test first to ensure your dog doesn’t have an allergic reaction to it.
Further, only use regular strength Neosporin. If your dog’s bottom is particular swollen and red you may be tempted to use something higher strength, but don’t do it. It’s also important that you don’t allow your dog to ingest or lick the ointment or it could make your dog ill.
2. Sudocrem
Sudocrem is an antiseptic cream that helps to treat rashes, eczema, bed sores and other conditions in humans. Sudocrem is safe to use on dogs and can help to sooth your dog’s sore bum. Be sure not to use Sudocrem in or around your dog’s ears, nose, mouth or eyes.
It’s true to say that Sudocreme isn’t formulated specifically for dogs. However, many dog owners report how effective it is at treating a dog’s sore bottom and helping to eliminate any inflammation or discomfort their dog was feeling.
It’s recommended that you seek the advice of a vet before using any ointments or lotions to treat your dog. And again, before using Sudocreme on your dog’s bum, do a small patch test first and wait for 24 hours. The last thing you want to do is irritate your dog’s sore bottom even more by unknowingly using a cream they’re allergic to.
3. Metanium Cream
Metanium cream is used to sooth and treat diaper and nappy rash in babies. It’s highly effective and is top rated. But can it be used on dogs? Yes, Metanium can be used on dogs who are suffering from a sore, swollen or itchy bum.
Apply a small amount of metanium to the your dog’s inflamed bum and gently rub it in. Do not wash it off.
It’s recommended that you consult with a veterinarian before using any creams to treat your dog. And you most definitely should consult a vet if your dog’s sore anus condition hasn’t cleared up after using metanium cream for two weeks. Read reviews and find out more here.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Creams
Calendula is an anti-inflammatory that’s very successful at treating cuts and wounds, dermatitis, minor burns and other topical skin conditions. It’s very safe to use on dogs and has a strong record in soothing, calming and protecting irritated skin on a dog’s bottom and other parts of their body.
Unlike some other types of ointments and anti-inflammatory creams, calendula can be used for the long term, as long as you buy a Calendula product that doesn’t contain hydrocortisone. Meaning if your dog has a reoccurring skin or bum irritation, you can safely use calendula to treat it each time.
With that said, if your dog is regularly suffering from an inflamed, red, or itchy bum, then it’s recommended that you get your dog seen by a veterinarian.
Just like the other creams mentioned above, calendula can be purchased over the counter, meaning you don’t need a prescription to buy it.
5. HawaiiPharm Calendula Extract
This calendula extract is in the form of an ointment. The instructions from the manufacturer advise the dog owner to mix the extract with water and then use as a topical treatment for dogs. It has good reviews from dog owners reporting how much it helped their dog with itching and irritated skin. You can read reviews and more information here.
6. Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid with anti-inflammatory properties. The steroid is used to heal rashes and eliminate red, itchy skin conditions. Hydrocortisone cream is very safe to use on dogs and works well to sooth and relieve an inflamed and itchy bum on a dog.
Hydrocortisone cream can be purchased over the counter. This makes it an easy and low cost way to treat your dog’s sore bum. Read reviews and find out more here.
Although it’s very effective, hydrocortisone cream could possibly result in undesirable side effects if it’s used over the long term. It’s strongly recommended that you consult with a veterinarian before treating your dog with hydrocortisone cream.
Does Your Dog Have A More Serious Health Issue?
As mentioned above, a sore bottom on your dog may be nothing more than a minor issue that can be easily treated with over the counter creams. On the other hand, a sore itchy anus may indicate that your dog has a more serious health issue, like impacted glands, intestinal parasites, or other conditions.
It’s always recommended that you seek the attention of a veterinarian if your dog has a sore bum. Even if you believe it’s only a minor issue that a cream or ointment can resolve.
Reasons Why Your Dog Has A Sore Or Inflamed Bum
Anal Gland Problems
Impacted anal glands are a common reason for why a dog may be experiencing a sore, swollen, or itchy bum.
Impacted anal glands are when the anal glands in your dog fill with fluid and are not emptied. When this happens, it causes discomfort and soreness for your dog. Therefore, your dog will normally drag their butts along the floor to try and get some relief.
How A Dog Can Develop Impacted Anal Glands
A dog’s anal glands secrete fluid, and will normally empty naturally when a dog defecates. This natural release of the fluids in the anal glands will only occur if the dog’s poop remains of a healthy consistency, which is firm but wet. The firm but wet poop of a dog applies pressure to the anal glands as it passes through the dog’s anus. This forces the glands to compress and release the fluids they had secreted.
But if a dog’s poop becomes too loose in consistency, then it will not be able to apply enough pressure to the glands to compress the ducts and have them release the fluid they have secreted. If this happens, then the dog will develop impacted glands.
If your dog develops impacted anal glands, they will scoot on their bum along the floor, as previously mentioned. However, other signs of impacted anal glands include, a strong fishy smell around their bottom, and your dog may lick their butt frequently.
If your dog has impacted anal glands, then you should seek the attention of a veterinarian. Impacted anal glands can be treated easily by a vet.
Skin Irritation
It may be the case that your dog’s bum is red and swollen due to a skin irritation. This is more than just a simple itch which all animals (and humans) experience from time to time.
Your dog may have some matted or tangled fur around their bum. Perhaps something prickly or rough has been caught in their fur. Lift up your dog’s tail and have a look to see if there’s any tangled fur or debris causing your dog discomfort.
Your dog may have sensitive skin and perhaps a new dog grooming product has irritated your four legged friend. Review what grooming products you use on your dog, have you started using a new brand of shampoo? If you use a dog groomer, ask them if they’ve used anything new on your pooch. You can also use hibiscrub on your dog as it’s a powerful antiseptic cleanser that’s effective at eliminating fungi and other bacteria that can irritate your dog’s skin.
If the skin irritation is due to a perfume or shampoo, then switch products and look for something that’s hypoallergenic.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites include things like tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms. Dogs can become infected with these parasites if they lick or ingest soil contaminated with worms.
The symptoms of intestinal worms can be generic, and present as symptoms for a variety of dog health conditions. These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased energy in your dog, and not forgetting, causing your dog to scoot their bum along the floor.
With that said, when it comes to tapeworms and roundworms, these two parasites can be observed with the naked human eye. You may see evidence of tapeworm and roundworm in your dog’s excrement, or vomit, or around your dog’s bottom.
Roundworms look like long coiled thin pieces of spaghetti, and tapeworms look similar to grains of rice.
Intestinal worms are not usually a serious condition in adult dogs. However, if left untreated they can become very dangerous for your dog. If you suspect your canine friend has intestinal parasites then seek the attention of a veterinarian. Intestinal worms can be treated quickly and successfully with medication given orally or by injection.
Anal Furunculosis
This is a condition that causes your dog’s bum to become red, inflamed and swollen. Not only that, anal furunculosis causes ulcers on your dog’s anal area. Typically speaking, this condition is found most often in German Shepherd dogs of middle age, meaning around 7 years old and above.
Anal furunculosis is considered a chronic condition, which means it can last for the rest of a dog’s lifetime once they develop it. Veterinarians are not able to identify exactly what causes anal furunculosis, but the lesions and ulceration are due to the dog’s immune system lacking in some area.
Since almost 85% of all cases of anal furunculosis are seen in German Shepherd dogs, it’s something German Shepherd dog owners should be aware of. If you have a German Shepherd with a red and swollen bottom, then take them to a vet right away. Anal furunculosis can be treated by a veterinarian with surgery or drugs.
Food allergies
Food allergies in dogs can result in them having diarrhea. If your dog has diarrhea then this can result in anal gland problems, including impacted anal glands.
As discussed above, a dog’s stool has to be a consistency of firm but wet. This consistency is required in order to compress their anal glands so that the glands release secreted fluid each time a dog defecates. But if a dog has diarrhea then its stools are too loose and watery to compress their anal glands when they defecate. This means the anal glands become too full with secreted fluid. This causes your dog’s anus to become sore, irritated and red.
The most common food allergies that a dog can have include chicken, soy and dairy. Ultimately, if your dog is eating foods they’re allergic to, the end result could be a sore and itchy bottom.
If you notice your dog’s bottom becoming inflamed and sore a few days after giving them a new type of food, then your dog could have a food allergy. Seek attention from your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s diet.
How Can I Soothe My Dog’s Sore Bottom?
You can soothe your dog’s sore bottom by applying an anti-inflammatory cream to it, such as Calendula, or hydrocortisone cream. Both types of anti-inflammatory creams are safe to use on dogs and very effective at soothing a dog’s sore bottom.
You can also use other over the counter ointments such as Sudocrem, Neosporin and Metanium. These three creams are not made specifically for dogs, but many dog owners report having good results when using them to soothe their dog’s itchy painful bum.
Apply a small amount of the cream to your dog’s bottom and gently rub it in until it has been absorbed. Do not wash the cream off. Repeat this process daily until your dog’s bottom has been healed.
With that said, it’s always recommended that you seek the attention of a veterinarian if your dog has a sore bottom.
7. Can I Put Sudocrem On My Dog’s Bum?
Yes, you can put Sudocrem on your dog’s bum. Sudocrem is an antiseptic cream that helps to treat rashes, eczema, skin inflammation, bed sores and other conditions. While Sudocrem is not made specifically for dogs, it’s perfectly safe for dogs and highly effective at resolving red itchy skin conditions in dogs.
Having said that, you should seek the attention of a veterinarian before you attempt to treat your dog for any conditions.
8. Can I Put Coconut Oil On My Dog’s Sore Bum?
The short answer is yes, you can put coconut oil on your dog’s sore bum. Coconut oil is perfectly safe for dogs. With that said, there are other substances that are far mor effective at healing and resolving a dog’s sore bum. These include Calendula cream and Sudocrem.
Calendula is an all natural anti-inflammatory that is highly effective at eliminating soreness, itchiness, and inflammation on a dog’s bum and other parts of their body. Calendula is an over the counter cream, meaning you don’t need a prescription to buy it.
Sudocrem is designed for use on humans, however, it’s very safe for dogs. Sudocrem is known to successfully treat eczema, skin inflammation, diaper rash and other itchy and sore skin conditions. Sudocrem is trusted by many dog owners to sooth and calm a dog’s sore bottom.
If you prefer to use coconut oil on your dog’s sore bottom, then be sure to only use organic extra virgin coconut oil. This is the highest grade of coconut oil available. This means the oil’s therapeutic and healing properties will be at their most potent and effective.
9. Can I Put Vaseline On My Dog’s Bum?
Yes, you can put Vaseline on your dog’s bum. It’s safe for dog’s as long as you prevent the dog from licking off the Vaseline. However, while it’s known that Vaseline has some anti-inflammatory properties, there’s no evidence that it can help to reduce inflammation in a dog’s anal sacs. Nor is there any evidence that it can reduce soreness in a dog’s bum.
Ultimately, while you can put Vaseline on a dog’s sore bum, it’s not recommended that you do. This is because there are other creams and ointments that are more effective at healing a dog’s sore anus and eliminating itchiness and swollenness on a dog’s bum. These creams include Calendula, Sudocrem, hydrocortisone cream and Neosporin. However, it’s recommended that you consult with your veterinarian to get advice on the best treatment for your dog.
10. Can I Put Bepanthen On My Dog’s Bum?
Yes, you can put Bepanthen on your dog’s bum. Bepanthen is safe to use on dogs. Bepanthen cream is a nappy and diaper cream designed to protect babies from the causes of nappy or diaper rash. Bepanthen is mild yet effective and has great reviews. While it’s safe for dogs, it’s only effective at dealing with minor swollen or itchy bum conditions on dogs.
If your dog has more serious inflamed or itchy bum condition, it’s recommended you take your dog to a veterinarian to get treatment instructions.
Can I Use E45 Cream On My Dog’s Bum?
E45 is an itch relief cream that’s design to treat itchiness, rashes, eczema, and other dry and scaling skin conditions in humans. Therefore, it’s not recommended that you use E45 itch relief cream on a dog’s bum or anywhere else on a dog.
If your dog is suffering from an itchy or inflamed bum, there are other creams you can use, these include Sudocrem, Calendula and hydrocortisone cream. Seek the attention of your veterinarian to get treatment advice.
My Dog’s Bottom Is Red And Swollen, What Should I Do?
If your dog’s bottom is red and swollen then the first course of action is to take your dog to a veterinarian. It may be a mild issue that can easily be resolved with an over the counter cream, such as Sudocrem, Hydrocortisone cream or Neosporin. Or it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as impacted anal glands or intestinal parasites and worms.
Whether it’s a minor issue or a more serious one, don’t worry. Red swollen bums on dogs are a common occurrence. Even if the issue is caused by something more serious than an allergic reaction, veterinarians successfully treat and resolve impacted anal glands and intestinal worms all the time.
My Dog Has An Inflamed Bum, What Should I Do?
If your dog has an inflamed bum, then you should take your canine friend to see a veterinarian. Your vet will be able to expertly examine your dog and provide effective treatment. Often, an inflamed bum on a dog can be treated quickly and effectively with creams such as Calendula, Neosporin, Sudocrem, and anti-inflammatory creams. These types of creams can be purchased without a prescription, making them very accessible for all dog owners.
With that said, don’t give your dog any type of treatment until you’ve sought the advice of a veterinarian.
Home Remedies For A Dog’s Itchy Bum
There are some home remedies you can perform to help heal and treat your dog’s itchy bum
Calendula Compress For Itchy Bum Relief In Dogs
This article has already discussed how effective calendula cream is at alleviating soreness and itching on a dog’s bum. If you prefer you can try a calendula compress.
Fill a cup with warm water. Pour in a teaspoon of salt. Add 8 to 10 drops of calendula oil to the cup. Mix the fluid thoroughly. Next, soak a clean cloth in the mixture until it’s fully saturated. Apply the cloth to your dog’s bum until the cloth becomes completely cool.
You should repeat this procedure every 1 to 2 hours, until your dog’s bum is no longer swollen. Or until the anal glands open up and drain.
Increase The Amount Of Fiber In Your Dog’s Diet
This home remedy can help if your dog is having problems passing stools.
An increase in fiber will make your dog defecate on a more frequent basis. It will also help keep your dog’s stools at a healthy consistency, which is firm but wet. If your dog’s stools are firm but wet, their anal sacs will compress and release their secreted fluid when your dog defecates.
It’s important that you increase your dog’s fiber intake gradually over a few weeks. A sudden in crease in the amount of fiber your dog consumes can give her an upset stomach or cause her to become constipated.
Foods that contain lots of fiber which are suitable for dogs include, flaxseed, kelp, carrots, and brown rice.
Final Thoughts On What Cream Can I Put On My Dog’s Sore Bum
Don’t ignore it when your dog is scooting along the floor on their bum. It could be nothing, but it’s more likely to be a sign that your canine friend is experiencing discomfort in their anal area.
The good news is there’s lots of different creams and ointments that can be used to effectively treat your dog’s sore, swollen or itchy bum.
But the first step is to get your dog checked over by a veterinarian and let them advise you on the best treatment for your dog.