My 8 week old puppy has a sore rump.

by Danette Bonner
(Mesa, Az)

My 8 week old puppy had diarrhea and received an antibiotic shot from vet yesterday. His little bum was raw so ointment applied. He still acts like he can't get comfortable sitting or laying and after he poops.

He will sit in front of me and turn his back towards me. He'll walk then sit like he is ashamed or something. When i wipe his little rump he seems to be happier. But could the crusty poop on his butt be pulling on his hair causing the discomfort?





Hi Danette
It sounds as though your little one's discomfort is most likely due to inflammation caused by the loose stools and if he's long-haired then any remaining stool left there will compound the problem.

I'd recommend trimming as much hair as you can from around his anal area and then giving him a warmth bath. Don't shampoo the sore, irritated area but you can use a gentle puppy shampoo on the rest of his fur, and carefully try to remove all traces of poop from his rear end.

Dry him gently and thoroughly and then you could apply a little plain vaseline or baby diaper rash cream to soothe his tender, irritated skin. This should be enough to help make him more comfortable and hopefully the antibiotic will cure the puppy diarrhea that caused this in the first place.

Hope this helps, and that he's feeling better soon.