…and other less than savory things to think about. Don't mention it!
We humans are exceptionally picky creatures when it comes to our own pimples. We have toilet paper of varying thickness and softness, pre-moistened wipes with aloe, rose water and even cucumber, not to mention bidets that heat, wash and blow-dry our base. When COVID hit, our habit of hoarding toilet paper made headlines. Before the pandemic, I had ordered a box of Who Gives a Crap toilet paper while drinking wine. It's durable, beautifully packaged – and who would have thought I'd look so chic, let alone be a hero to the less prepared!
Back to the poop...when we notice that our dog or cat has a nasty berry in their fur, or that their little round rectum isn't exactly pristine, we can't help but wonder if we should provide a little hygiene help .
Want to help your dog clean his butt if you notice he doesn't have shiny hips? Or should you let nature take its course?
Why don't dogs usually need help wiping their butts?
Why is it that healthy dogs and cats usually have a nice clean bottom, but we humans need extra steps to keep our nether regions nice and clean? Without getting too explicit, let's just say there's only air between a dog's butt and the ground, and maybe a few bits of fur. Unlike humans who experiment with unusual foods and spices, dogs generally eat a consistent, standardized diet specifically designed for proper digestion in dogs. This results in beautiful compact stools.
Dogs and cats instinctively keep themselves as clean as possible by grooming themselves with their tongues. Therefore, you should not reprimand your dog if he licks his genitals neatly. If you find yourself embarrassed because your pet has lifted his paw to self-clean in front of visitors, simply distract your pup temporarily with a toy and let him bathe again later.
How does a dog get a dirty butt?
A healthy dog who eats a nutritious diet usually does not need extra help in his nether regions. But here are a few reasons why cleaning can get complicated for them:
- Your dog is a non-shedding breed that requires monthly grooming, and a long, matted coat disrupts a dog's normally perfect elimination system.
- Your puppy has become a little too wet to clean his own bottom.
- Your dog will suffer from diarrhea from eating indigestible food because it is infected with an internal parasite, bacteria or virus, making it difficult for your dog to control his intestines.
- Your dog has a smelly or irritated bottom due to clogged anal sacs – two small glands that contain a pungent secretion that is usually emptied when your puppy poops.
- Your dog may experience stiffness as he ages or simply become uninterested in grooming – or in anything more strenuous than sunbathing – as he ages.
While cleaning your dog's back occasionally is something you can do yourself, these underlying health issues may require the attention of a professional groomer, a change in diet, or a consultation with your veterinarian.
What should I use or do to keep my dog's bottom clean?
Most dogs benefit from a monthly bath. Encourage your dog to sit in a few inches of warm water to soften the dirt around the bottom while you wash the rest of the body. Scrubbing your dog's sore back with soap can cause burns and irritation and is usually unnecessary. Once the dirt has been softened with warm water, it can usually simply be rinsed or gently wiped away.
Pre-moistened wipes or a washcloth can help between baths. Dogs recovering from a bout of diarrhea, or who have persistent loose stools due to chronic intestinal problems, may need periodic cleaning. A soft cloth dampened with warm water or hypoallergenic pet wipes made specifically for the sensitive areas around a dog's eyes, ears or bottom can be applied gently.
Keep the fur around your dog's bottom neatly trimmed. Use scissors with rounded tips, being careful not to cut too close to the skin. Those scissors are super sharp!
A wet coat can sometimes make problems worse.Matte coat retains feces and dirt and dries slowly when soaked. The moisture can cause skin irritation or infection, so call a groomer for an appointment. If you notice that your dog's anus is completely covered by mats, this is an urgent problem that requires immediate attention from your groomer or veterinarian before your dog's ability to eliminate is completely blocked.
Feed your dog a quality diet. Good food means firm stools, and less - if you don't overfeed. If your dog is gaining weight, reduce portion size and be careful not to give your friend too many dog treats or greasy table scraps. Your vet can recommend a food if you find all the options on the pet store shelves overwhelming. Our Basset Hound ladies had a bit of "too much junk in the trunk" when they first came to us and had to cut back on their calories. Our vet suggested introducing green beans (frozen or fresh) to add volume without the calories. We also added a small pumpkin for Bella's diet. The girl loves her pumpkin and the fiber keeps her regular.
Always collect their droppings. Make it easier on yourself and use a dooloop!
Just like Murphy's Law - "what can go wrong, will go wrong" - there is also the dog doo accessory, Lassie's Law: "Any poop left in the yard goes straight into the house (on a shoe )."
Sometimes your dog will roll in leftover BMs, but usually it's poop on a shoe that causes the biggest mess. Keeping your dog's play area enclosed means both people and pets are less likely to experience a sticky, smelly disaster. And by having your trusty dooloop on hand, filled with a few clean poop bags, you'll be ready to pick up your dog when you go for a walk together. Other dog parents will also thank you for keeping their feet and paws clear. If you don't have your own colorful dooloop yet,pick up a package online here!
When you take your next walk with your dog, thank Mother Nature for the great job she did in designing the back end to be as mess-free as possible. So as pet parents, let's pay it forward by cleaning up what they leave behind.
