Dogs are known as man’s best friend for good reason. They’re loyal, loving, and always happy to see you.
But like any other animal, they have their bathroom habits that can sometimes be a little too much information.
So should you wipe your dog’s bottom?
Dogs do not generally need their bottoms wiping. There may be the odd occasion when you may need to help your dog if they have been sick with diarrhoea or if they have got faeces stuck in their fur, but this is not something that needs to be done on a regular basis.
How do I help my dog if he has poo stuck to his fur?
If your dog has got poo stuck to his fur, there are a few things you can do to help him.
First of all, give him a good brush to get rid of any big pieces of poo.
You may need to use a comb to get rid of any smaller pieces that are stuck in his fur.
Once you have removed as much as you can, you can give him a bath. Use a mild shampoo and make sure you rinse all of the soap out of his fur.
If your dog has very long fur, you may need to trim the area around his bottom to stop any poo getting stuck in there again.
What can I use to clean my dog’s bum if we are on a walk?
There can be the odd occasion when you are out walking with your dog and he ends up with dangly bits of poo hanging from his bottom.
This is often caused by him eating something, such as grass, which hasn’t digested properly and has resulted in ‘dangly poo’ that will not break off.
My dogs have experienced this and I’ve been able to find a wide leaf or similar to free the offending faecal matter, although it can be a challenge to keep your hands clean.
Another option is to use a doggy poo bag or to keep some tissue or similar in your pocket – just in case.
How often should I wipe my dog’s bottom?
You only need to wipe your dog’s bottom if he has been sick or if there is poo stuck to his fur.
If you are unsure whether your dog needs his bottom wiping, it is best to consult your vet.
What if my dog keeps scooting across the floor?
If your dog keeps scooting across the floor, it could be a sign that he is trying to clean his bottom. T
his could be because he has poo stuck to his fur or because he has an itch.
If your dog is scooting and you are not sure why, it is best to consult your vet.
They will be able to give you advice on how to clean your dog’s bottom and whether there is anything else you need to do.
What about dogs with long hair around their backsides?
If your dog has long hair around his bottom, you may need to trim the area to stop any poo getting stuck in there.
This is particularly important if your dog has a lot of fur or if he is a breed with long hair, such as a poodle.
If you fail to keep the hair under control then he could end up with a matted area around his bottom which will quickly become a poo problem.
Having helped dogs with this I can assure you that it is much better to make the effort to keep the area clear of hair as opposed to dealing with a toughened, matted, pooey mess later.
Final Words
Dogs do not generally need their bottoms wiping and it is something that you only need to do if he has been sick or if there is poo stuck to his fur.
If you are unsure whether your dog needs his bottom wiping, it is best to consult your vet.
They will be able to give you advice on how to clean your dog’s bottom and whether there is anything else you need to do.
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