Seeing your dog excessively licking their back end can be uncomfortable to watch — and worrying when you don’t know what’s causing it.
If the behavior is frequent, obsessive, or new, it usually means something is irritating, painful, itchy, or uncomfortable around the anus, tail base, or rear end.
We explain the common reasons a dog may excessively lick their back end, and what you can do.
Dog Excessively Licking Back End: Why It Happens
A dog excessively licking the back end is most often caused by anal gland problems, allergies, skin infections, parasites, irritation from diarrhea or constipation, or pain around the tail or lower spine.
Dogs lick to soothe discomfort. So when something is itchy, swollen, irritated, or painful — licking becomes their natural response.
Occasional cleaning is normal, but repeated licking, scooting, or fixation on the area is a sign your dog needs help.
Dog Excessively Licking Back End: Common Causes
Anal Gland Problems
Anal gland issues are by far the most common reason for a dog excessively licking the back end. Dogs have two small scent glands beside the anus that normally empty when they poop.
When the glands don’t empty properly, fluid can build up and cause swelling, pressure, and itching.
This leads to licking, scooting along the floor, or turning suddenly to chew or bite at the area.
If the glands become infected or impacted, the discomfort can become intense and the area may look red, swollen, or even ooze fluid. Some dogs also develop a strong fishy odor.
Anal gland infections are painful and do not resolve on their own, so persistent licking is an important signal not to ignore.
Read more: Dog keeps licking anus and it smells (What it means)
Allergies
Allergies are another very common reason for irritation around the back end. Dogs with allergies — whether caused by food, pollen, dust mites, or fleas — often have itchy skin. Sometimes the irritation is most noticeable around the anus, groin, and tail base.
An allergic dog may lick the back end repeatedly, chew between the toes, shake their ears, or develop red patches or rash-like skin.
Because licking temporarily soothes the itch, the behavior can become frequent and intense — which unfortunately makes the skin even more inflamed.
Over time, the skin may darken, thicken, lose fur, or become moist and sore from excessive licking.
Parasites
Intestinal worms — especially tapeworms — can make the area around the anus itchy and uncomfortable. Tapeworm segments sometimes appear like tiny white “grains of rice” stuck near the anus or in the stool.
Flea infestations also commonly cause itching around the tail base and lower back. A dog reacting to fleas may lick constantly, scratch, or bite at the skin — sometimes so much that they create open sores or hot spots.
Parasite-related irritation usually doesn’t go away until the underlying cause is treated.
Skin Infections
Moist dermatitis (hot spots), bacterial infections, or yeast infections around the back end can make the skin intensely itchy and painful.
These infections often develop when moisture becomes trapped in the fur — especially in dogs with thick coats or folds.
Licking makes the area even wetter, which allows infection to spread. You may notice redness, swelling, hair loss, scabs, or a sour or musty smell. In severe cases, the dog may cry, flinch, or refuse to sit because of the pain.
Because infections worsen rapidly, early treatment is important.
Irritation from Diarrhea, Constipation, or Soft Stool
Any stool abnormality can irritate the anal area. Diarrhea leaves the skin moist and inflamed, while hard stool can strain and stretch the anal opening.
This irritation leads to licking as your dog tries to clean or soothe the area. Dogs with loose stool may also scoot or have dried feces stuck to their fur. Those with constipation may strain or whine when passing stool.
If stool changes happen frequently, they may be linked to diet, gut inflammation, illness, or stress.
Pain Around the Tail, Hips, or Lower Spine
Sometimes excessive licking of the back end is linked to pain that is deeper than the skin. Dogs with arthritis, tail injuries, or lumbar spine issues may lick near the tail or anus because that’s where they feel discomfort.
They may also have trouble jumping, show stiffness, move slowly, or seem sensitive when the area is touched.
Pain-related licking is often overlooked, but it’s important to identify because dogs rarely complain unless something is truly bothering them.
Related: Dog licking due to stress (Why it happens)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Excessively Licking Their Back End
If your dog is excessively licking the back end, start by staying calm and observing the behavior rather than telling them off. Licking is a sign of discomfort — so the goal is to help, not punish.
Check the area gently if your dog allows it. Look for redness, swelling, irritation, worms, or discharge. If there is bleeding, pus, strong odor, or obvious swelling — your dog likely needs veterinary treatment soon.
Keep the area clean and dry, especially if diarrhea or soft stool is present. Avoid applying creams or human medications unless your vet specifically instructs you to, as many products are not dog-safe — and licking them could be harmful.
If your dog seems itchy all over, increase bathing frequency using a gentle, dog-safe shampoo and ensure flea prevention is up-to-date. Monitor diet, stool quality, and frequency to look for patterns.
For comfort, you may need to prevent licking temporarily with a cone or recovery collar — but this should always be paired with addressing the underlying cause, not used as the only solution.
And remember — persistent back-end licking is usually a medical or dermatological issue rather than a behavioral one.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your vet promptly if:
- Your dog is licking constantly or obsessively.
- You notice swelling, redness, bleeding, or discharge.
- There is a strong fishy smell.
- Your dog is scooting repeatedly.
- Your dog cries, yelps, or reacts to touch.
- There are signs of worms or fleas.
- There is visible injury, rash, or infection.
- Your dog has diarrhea or constipation.
- The skin looks raw, thickened, or hairless.
- Licking lasts more than 24–48 hours even if mild.
Anal gland infections and skin problems worsen quickly — so early treatment prevents serious pain and complications.
If anxiety, allergies, or chronic irritation are suspected, your vet may discuss diet trials, medications, skin treatments, or referral to a dermatologist.
Never feel like you are overreacting — rear-end discomfort is painful and your dog depends on you to notice.
Read more: Dog Panting and Licking (What it means)
Key Takeaway
A dog excessively licking the back end is almost always trying to tell you something is wrong — whether it’s anal gland discomfort, allergies, infection, parasites, irritation, or deeper pain.
Occasional cleaning is normal — but repeated, focused, or obsessive licking means your dog needs help.
The best approach is caring, observant, and proactive. Keep the area clean, prevent further irritation, and contact your veterinarian if the behavior continues or if you see any signs of swelling, pain, odor, or infection.
With the right care — most dogs recover comfortably and happily — and you can relax knowing you listened to your dog’s early warning signs.