One thing you may initially overlook about dogs is their pooping habits. Dogs are very fastidious animals who like things clean and hygienic wherever they are. For this reason, dogs wipe their butt after pooping by scooting through grasses, ground, or carpet, which helps remove stubborn matter.
Should You Wipe Your Dog’s Bottom?
It is ideal that, as a pet owner, you should wipe your dog’s butt because it cleanses your dog and keeps them tidy and healthy. However, if this is done too often, it could lead to skin irritation and infection. If left untreated, this can even develop into something more serious, like anal fistula.
In extreme, it might lead to a rupture in the rectum itself. This is why dogs don’t have to wipe. You should only wipe your dog’s rear end if they have issues with their bum, for example, soreness. Also, if they are experiencing a stomach problem, like dysentery.
The invention of antimicrobial pet wipes proves that dog wipes that follow the composition are safe and effective.
How to Clean Your Dog’s Bum?
Here are the comforting steps on how do dogs clean their bum:
1. Wipe Your Dog’s Bottom Using Dog Butt Wipes: A Quick Solution
Your dog’s butt can be annoyingly dirty and smelly. Wiping them is the promptest solution.
- Bring dog butt wipes close to you to get them as quickly as possible.
- Pick up your dog, entertain or close the door first so that they cannot get out or bolt away while you wipe their behind.
- Immediately, lift the tail with your hand so you can clean it well while they are preoccupied.
- Quickly reach the butt wipes with your other hand and gently wipe your dog’s bum.
Note: Not all dog wipes are safe to use, be mindful when buying.
Relative to this, a study on the efficacy of wipes containing chlorhexidine, climbazole, and Tris-EDTA (Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid) was conducted. These solutions are found in some dog wipes. The study showed that after 15 minutes of application, there was a rapid reduction of skin infection in dogs.
2. Prepare Essential Materials
A must-have for a cleaner and better result.
- Hypoallergenic dog wipes. This will not irritate your dog’s skin.
- Dog shampoo. If wipes are not available, you can use this instead (apply a pea size only, mix with enough water).
- Water alone. This is safer than mixed with other shampoo or soap.
- Dog hair clippers. Prepare this in case you need to cut the fur around the bum.
- Microfiber towel. Use this for better absorption of excess water.
Note: Use warm water. A temperature of 98°F or 37°C for winter dogs. Make sure to dry your pets after.
Wipe or Brush Around the Bum Hair
You can use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub around the anus of your dog. It helps prevent dirt and bacteria that causes anal problems and diseases like giardia and parvoviruses from collecting in this region. Additionally, brushing around the anus will encourage your dog to let you clean around it, which helps with house training.
Wiping around the anus with a damp cloth or using a dog wipe will do the same. It’s a good idea to do this before you go to bed since odors can build up throughout the day, especially if your dog spends time outdoors.
Rinse and Repeat as Needed
There are times when it is difficult to remove their dirt because it sticks hard. If this happens, repeat the procedure: add a little more shampoo and water for a more effective outcome. This can be done by mixing a few drops of shampoo with enough warm water to create a paste.
Once you have the right consistency, use your fingers or cloth gloves to apply the paste to the soiled area. Leave it on for about 5 minutes (do not leave your dogs alone, they might lick that part), then rinse it off with clean water. Wipe them immediately.
Give Your Dog a Bath
Dog grooming is not a one-time event. It should be scheduled to keep your dog looking and feeling its best. Follow these steps to groom your dog:
- Select a day when your dog is relaxed.
- Keep the area where you are grooming clean and sanitized.
- Put your dog in a comfortable area.
- Start bathing them by brushing their hair. Most dogs enjoy being brushed, especially with a bristle brush.
- Provide plenty of chew toys to keep their mind occupied.
- Groom your dogs before they get too excited.
- Apply dog shampoo. Do not apply it directly. Mix it with adequate water before applying.
Dry Your Dog’s Bum
It is necessary to use the right drying procedure for your dog’s rear end to avoid the risk of bacterial infections. Drying your pet’s bottom is crucial so do it at a slow, constant pace. Dry your dog’s bum in a natural setting, outside (make sure not to expose them directly to the sun), in an air conditioner, or damping gently with a clean cloth.
Take into account that you can’t use a hairdryer on your dog’s behind — it could cause burns. As long as you’re using a safe method for your dog, then you should be good to go.
Trim the Bum Hair if Necessary
Animal hair is a protective and insulating coating. It is also the gateway to the inner health and well-being of dogs. Trimming is decisive, so be sure to do it when only necessary. You can do this when it has a wired poop that sticks into it and if it hinders the cleaning of the bum after poop.
To do this, be sure to use dog-friendly hair clippers. You may also want to be cautious with the razor as well. If you use a manual razor, you may consult a vet for proper guidance and safety.
How to Prevent Fecal Matter from Sticking on Your Dog’s Bum?
Since pooping is a natural thing for dogs, the only thing that you can do is to prevent the fecal matter from building up and sticking on your dog’s bum. Here are some ways to do that:
Keep the Fur in the Bum Area Neat
Doing this can help your dog feel comfortable. Brush your dog’s fur at least once a week to remove dead hair and prevent coiling that causes the dirt to stick. Avoid bathing your dog too often. This can yield dry and dull fur. Use cleaning products formulated for dogs and trim the hair neatly and when necessary.
Do Regular Bathing
Dogs are fussy animals. They like licking, a way to clean themselves. So they don’t need baths as often as humans do. You can wash your dog every couple of weeks or once a month with a regular wash. By giving them a bath, you are actually helping them stay clean.
Keep the Potty Area Clean
A clean potty is being healthy! The potty area should be kept clean to prevent a sticky-messy poop. You may want to put a clean towel to soak their pee. It is also advisable to clean their mess right away, so make sure cleaning products are accessible.
Cleaning their bunghole doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for your dogs. You can let them play and let them feel relaxed.
Should you wipe a dog’s bottom? Our pets are like members of our family, it is paramount to love them. Making them tidy and healthy is our responsibility.