# Dog Hemorrhoids or Anal Gland Trouble? What to Do Most dogs do not get true hemorrhoids. When a dog has a sore bottom, bleeding near the anus, or scoots across the floor, the cause is almost always anal gland disease, a perianal fistula, or a rectal growth. Knowing how to treat dog hemorrhoids starts with understanding that the problem is usually something else entirely. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - True hemorrhoids (swollen veins inside the rectum) are rare in dogs. Anal sac disease is the most common disease of the anal region in dogs [1]. - Scooting, licking the rear, straining to poop, and a foul smell point to anal glands, not hemorrhoids. - Never squeeze your dog's anal glands if the area is red, swollen, hot, or painful. That can be an abscess, and it needs a vet. - Warm compresses and a soft, high-fiber diet are reasonable home steps for mild irritation. - See a vet the same day for a swollen bottom, pus, or blood, and right away if your dog seems very painful or stops eating. ## What Is Really Going On Down There? Dogs have two small sacs on either side of the anus, just under the skin. These anal sacs make a thin, foul-smelling liquid that normally gets squeezed out when your dog poops [1]. In skunks, the same glands spray scent. In dogs, they mostly just empty quietly. When those sacs do not empty, the contents build up. The gland can become clogged (impacted), inflamed (sacculitis), infected, or filled with pus (an abscess) [2]. In rare cases, a tumor grows in the gland [2]. All of these cause the same signs owners notice: licking, scooting, and pain when sitting or pooping. True hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. Veterinarians rarely diagnose them in dogs. The anatomy and the way dogs carry their weight make this problem uncommon. So if you are searching for hemorrhoid cream for your dog, stop. Human hemorrhoid products are not made for dogs and can cause harm. Other real problems in this area include perianal fistulas (deep tunnels that form around the anus), rectal polyps, perineal hernias, and rectal diverticula. A perineal hernia is a bulge near the anus where pelvic muscles have weakened, and it can trap stool in a pouch [3]. These are all different from hemorrhoids and each needs its own plan. ## Signs Owners Notice First Watch for these clues. They overlap a lot between conditions, so the pattern matters more than any single sign. - Scooting or dragging the rear on carpet - Licking or biting at the tail base and bottom - Straining to poop, or crying out while pooping - A bad, fishy smell near the rear - A swollen, red, or hot spot beside the anus - Blood or pus on the stool, on the fur, or on bedding - Sitting awkwardly or refusing to sit - Constipation or small, ribbon-like stools Straining and pain during pooping have a medical name, dyschezia, and it shows up with anal sac disease, hernias, and other rectal problems [2][3]. If your dog is scooting, see [Dog Anal Glands Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-anal-glands-symptoms) for a closer look at what each sign means. ## Causes and Risk Factors Anal sac disease has several known triggers. The sacs may fail to empty during pooping, especially if stools are soft. Poor muscle tone in overweight dogs plays a role. So does overactive gland secretion, which happens with certain skin conditions [2][1]. Size matters. Small-breed dogs are predisposed to impaction and sacculitis, while large and giant breeds are rarely affected [2][1]. A survey of veterinarians put the incidence of non-neoplastic anal sac disease in dogs at about 15.7% [4]. That same survey found diarrhea, skin problems, obesity, and certain breeds raised the risk [4]. Some dogs get repeated bouts no matter what you do. Others have a one-time problem after a bout of diarrhea. Age, body condition, and breed all shift the odds, and your vet can tell you where your dog falls. ## How Vets Tell These Apart Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam. Your vet will feel around the anus, check the sacs, and look for swelling, pain, or a mass [2]. They may check the character of the sac contents, since that helps separate impaction from infection [4]. If the picture is unclear, your vet may use microscopy, ultrasound, or a biopsy [2]. A rectal exam can find polyps or a hernia. Bloodwork may be added if your dog is unwell or heading to surgery. | What you see | Likely cause | First step | |---|---|---| | Scooting, fishy smell, soft stool | Anal sac impaction | Vet visit for expression and diet review | | Red, hot swelling beside anus | Anal sac abscess | Same-day vet visit | | Blood and mucus with straining | Rectal polyp or colitis | Routine vet visit for exam | | Bulge near the anus, hard stools | Perineal hernia | Vet visit, often surgery | | Multiple draining holes around anus | Perianal fistula | Vet visit, medical management | This table is a starting point, not a diagnosis. Only your vet can confirm what is happening. ## How to Treat Dog Hemorrhoids and Anal Gland Trouble at Home Home care works best for mild, non-infected irritation. If the area is swollen, hot, or draining pus, skip ahead to the vet. ### Safe home steps - Warm compress. Hold a warm, damp washcloth against the area for a few minutes, a couple of times a day. This eases discomfort and can help a clogged gland drain. - Keep it clean. Gently wipe the rear with a soft cloth after pooping. Pat dry. - Stop the scooting surface. Block access to rough carpet if your dog is dragging the rear, since this can scrape the skin. - Add fiber and water. Firmer stools help the sacs empty naturally. Ask your vet about a fiber source and how much to use. - Manage weight. Extra pounds reduce muscle tone and raise the risk of anal sac problems [2][4]. - Use an Elizabethan collar. A cone stops licking and biting, which is often what turns mild irritation into an infection. ### What not to do - Do not use human hemorrhoid creams, ointments, or wipes. They are not formulated for dogs. - Do not squeeze an inflamed or painful gland. You can rupture an abscess. - Do not give human pain relievers. Many are toxic to dogs. - Do not wait on a swollen bottom. Abscesses can burst and need drainage and antibiotics. If you want to learn the technique for routine expression, read [How Do You Express Anal Glands On A Dog](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-do-you-express-anal-glands-on-a-dog). For dogs with repeated impaction, [Impacted Anal Glands In Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/impacted-anal-glands-in-dogs) covers longer-term options. ## Treatment Options Your Vet May Use Treatment depends on which problem your dog has. For impaction, manual expression is the mainstay. Your vet squeezes the sacs to empty them, and most dogs feel better right away [2][4]. If an underlying issue like diarrhea or a skin problem is driving the buildup, treating that matters just as much [4]. For infection or inflammation, vets often add antimicrobials or anti-inflammatory medication [2]. Your vet calculates the dose from your dog's weight and health, so never guess at a dose yourself. For an abscess, the gland usually needs to be drained. Some dogs need it opened and flushed, plus antibiotics and pain control. This is not a home job. For repeated or stubborn disease, surgery to remove the sacs is an option. A 2025 report on 50 dogs having both sacs removed found that most complications were mild and resolved within two weeks [5]. Serious complications were uncommon but did occur [5]. Your vet can talk through the risks for your dog. For perineal hernia, surgery repairs the weakened muscle. One case report used a mesh and collagen sponge to reinforce the repair, and the dog had no recurrence at one year [3]. A separate study found that dogs neutered before hernia repair were more than four times as likely to have the hernia come back compared with dogs neutered at the time of repair [6]. For perianal fistulas and rectal polyps, treatment ranges from medication to surgery. Your vet will tailor the plan to the diagnosis. ## Recovery, Outlook, and Long-Term Management Most dogs with simple impaction do well with expression and a diet change. Recurrence is common, though. In one survey, impaction was the anal sac condition most likely to come back [4]. That means ongoing attention, not a one-time fix. After abscess drainage, expect a few days of medication and a recheck. Keep the cone on until your vet says otherwise. Licking reopens wounds. After sacculectomy, most dogs recover within a couple of weeks, with mild swelling or discharge being the most common issue [5]. Fecal incontinence is a known risk of this surgery, so discuss it with your vet before scheduling. For hernias, recovery involves stool softeners, restricted activity, and a recheck schedule. Recurrence risk is higher in dogs neutered before repair and in dogs that lose bowel control after surgery [6]. Long term, keep your dog lean, keep stools firm, and keep skin conditions under control. Those three habits do more than any single product. ## Prevention You cannot prevent every case, but you can lower the odds. - Feed a consistent, balanced diet with enough fiber to keep stools formed. - Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Obesity is a listed risk factor for anal sac disease [4]. - Treat diarrhea promptly. Soft stool is a common trigger [4]. - Manage allergies and skin disease. Seborrhea and skin problems raise the risk [2][4]. - Check the rear during grooming. Early swelling is easier to treat. - Ask your vet about routine gland checks if your dog is a small breed or has had impaction before. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article cannot tell you what is wrong with your dog. Only a veterinarian who examines your dog can do that. Use the timing below as a guide. Contact your vet the same day if you see: - A red, hot, swollen area beside the anus - Pus, blood, or a foul discharge - Your dog crying when sitting or pooping - No poop for a day or more, or repeated straining with nothing coming out Go to an emergency clinic right away if: - Your dog seems severely painful, pants heavily, or cannot settle - The swelling has burst and is bleeding a lot - Your dog is vomiting, weak, or collapsed - Your dog's gums are pale Call for a routine visit if: - Scooting or licking has lasted more than a few days - The smell near the rear is strong and persistent - Your dog has had repeated bouts of impaction - You notice a new lump or bulge near the anus For a suspected poisoning from a human product, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do dogs get hemorrhoids? True hemorrhoids are rare in dogs. The far more common cause of bottom pain, scooting, and bleeding is anal sac disease, which is the most common disease of the anal region in dogs [1]. If your dog has these signs, ask your vet to check the anal glands first. ### Can I treat my dog's bottom problem at home? Mild irritation often responds to warm compresses, gentle cleaning, a cone to stop licking, and a firmer stool from added fiber. Anything swollen, hot, or draining needs a vet, since that pattern suggests an abscess. Never use human hemorrhoid products on a dog. ### Why is my dog scooting if it is not hemorrhoids? Scooting usually means the anal glands are full, inflamed, or infected. It can also come from allergies, tapeworms, or a perianal fistula. Your vet can tell the difference with a quick exam. ### What does blood near my dog's bottom mean? Blood can come from an infected gland, a polyp, colitis, or a tear in the skin. A small streak after a hard stool is often minor, but blood with pus, swelling, or pain needs a same-day visit. Bring a photo of the area if you can. ### Will removing the anal glands fix the problem for good? Surgery removes the source of the trouble and helps most dogs with repeated disease. In one report, most complications after the procedure were mild and cleared within two weeks [5]. Fecal incontinence is a possible risk, so weigh the decision with your vet. ## Related Articles - [Dog Anal Glands Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-anal-glands-symptoms) - [Dog Anal Gland Abscess Home Treatment](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog-anal-gland-abscess-home-treatment) - [How Do You Express Anal Glands On A Dog](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-do-you-express-anal-glands-on-a-dog) - [How To Express My Dogs Anal Glands](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-to-express-my-dogs-anal-glands) - [Impacted Anal Glands In Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/impacted-anal-glands-in-dogs) - [How to Express Your Dog's Anal Glands at Home: When and How](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/senior-and-chronic-care/express-dog-anal-glands-home) - [Do Dogs Get Hemorrhoids? Causes of Rectal Bleeding](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/do-dogs-get-hemorrhoids) - [Blood Clots in Dog Poop: Causes and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/blood-clots-in-dog-poop) - [Blood in Dog Urine or Stool: Treatment Options](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/blood-in-urine-stool-dogs-treatment) ## References 1. [Disorders of the Rectum and Anus in Dogs - Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-rectum-and-anus-in-dogs). Merck Veterinary Manual. 2. [Anal Sac Disease in Dogs and Cats - Digestive System](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/diseases-of-the-rectum-and-anus/anal-sac-disease-in-dogs-and-cats). Merck Veterinary Manual. 3. [Combined use of polypropylene mesh and collagen sponge in the surgical repair of perineal hernia with rectal diverticulum in a dog](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40802454/). Acta veterinaria Hungarica, 2025. 4. [A Cross-Sectional Study on Canine and Feline Anal Sac Disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35011201/). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2021. 5. [Modified closed sacculectomy in 50 dogs with non-neoplastic anal sac disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39304327/). Veterinary surgery : VS, 2025. 6. [Dogs neutered prior to perineal herniorrhaphy or that develop postoperative fecal incontinence are at an increased risk for perineal hernia recurrence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39778339/). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2025. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)