Persistent Cat or Dog Scratching Bottom: Possible Cause

Top 4 Signs of Anal Gland Inflammation in Cats

Licking at the Rear and Scratching the Floor

When a cat's anal glands become blocked and inflamed, it can lead to itching and pain. To alleviate discomfort, cats may resort to scratching the floor or excessively licking and biting their rear. These behaviors are clear warnings of anal gland inflammation.

Fever

Suddenly, a cat might show signs of a lack of energy, preferring to sleep more than usual. This could be a sign of a fever. Symptoms often include a dry nose, hot ears, sweating paws and armpits, and a general lack of vitality. A fever in cats could be due to anal gland wounds that have become ulcerated and inflamed, or it might be related to a weakened immune system. If you notice your cat has a fever, it's crucial to take them to the vet for a checkup and treatment immediately.

Loss of Appetite

A blocked anal gland can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult for cats to eat. This can lead to a loss of appetite. Another common reason for a cat's loss of appetite is stress or anxiety, which can be triggered by environmental pressures.

Diarrhea or Constipation

Longterm diarrhea in cats can prevent them from properly expelling their anal glands through defecation, leading to inflammation and potentially ulceration. This ongoing pain can make it hard for cats to defecate, or they may even avoid doing so, eventually leading to constipation. Anal gland inflammation is not something that can heal on its own, so it's important for owners to keep a close eye on their pets' anal licking behavior, check for any abnormalities, and seek medical treatment promptly.

2 Common Reasons Why Dogs Keep Scratching Their Rear End

Constantly scratching at the rear can indicate a parasitic infestation! With spring comes the peak season for parasites. Dogs that keep scratching their bottoms might be infected with parasites or suffering from anal gland issues.

Parasitic Infection

White, grainlike specks in a dog's feces could indicate a tapeworm infestation, with each segment containing around 5,000 eggs. Parasites can rob dogs of nutrients, leading to severe malnutrition and harming their health over time.

Anal Gland Infection

Some small dogs struggle to naturally expel anal gland secretions. If not removed promptly, the buildup can lead to blockages and inflammation, prompting dogs to scratch their rear ends to relieve the discomfort.