Ask the Expert: Dachshund Obsessed with Biting Backside

Your Pet Question:

My wire-haired dachshund is constantly chewing at her hind end. I’ve had her anal glands checked and that’s not the problem. She doesn’t have fleas, and her skin is not dry. What else could be causing this?

Marie Bel, BC

The Expert Says:

There are a number of reasons why a dog will chew at its hind end. Anal glands are a very common cause and even though the dog has been checked once for annals, I would recommend a recheck to make sure they haven’t filled up again and/or are infected. Even though the dog doesn’t have dry skin, allergies can cause a dog to scratch though usually in more than one area. Another possible reason for a dog appearing to be chewing at its hind end is tail-chasing. This is an obsessive behaviour of some dogs that usually shows up at a very young age. Since you don’t say how old the dog is, it has to be considered as a possible cause. This dog should have a thorough exam by your veterinarian to explore the possible causes of this problem since this could be a clinical sign of an even more serious problem.

Dr. Nicole Gallant practices veterinary medicine at Kensington Veterinary Clinic in Kensington, PEI.