Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anus and rectal area of the body. And yes, our four-legged friends can also get hemorrhoids. Although they don’t occur often, they can be very painful for our furry companions. That said, if your dog does get hemorrhoids, the best thing you can do is to take your dog into the vet as soon as possible.

This article will provide you with a brief explanation of hemorrhoids, discuss the potential signs and symptoms, and then finish off with dog hemorrhoid treatment options.

What Are the Sign of Hemorrhoids in Dogs?

Typically, there are two main signs associated with dog hemorrhoids – itching and bloody stools. If you notice your dog continuously itching his rectal area, it’s something you should take note of. Bloody stools in dogs is also a common sign of hemorrhoids. The reason being, your pup may drag his bottom across the ground or against certain objects to itch and relieve the pain he’s experiencing. Given the hemorrhoids are just beneath the skin and very sensitive to the touch, this can cause them to burst. Once a hemorrhoid has burst, blood will be present in the dog’s stool the next time he goes to the bathroom.

Hemorrhoids can be tricky, though. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s recommended you schedule a visit with your vet. Because hemorrhoids are so uncommon, you’ll want to get a definitive confirmation your four-legged friend does, in fact, have them and is not suffering from another underlying health condition.

What Causes Hemorrhoids in Dogs?

While it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of dog hemorrhoids, understanding the cause can be equally as important. It’s actually more common for dogs to experience other problems such as anal tumors or gland problems, which can easily be mistaken for hemorrhoids. That’s why it is so important to discuss your dog’s individual symptoms and come up with a proper diagnosis.

Dog hemorrhoids are usually due to pressure in the rectal area. Pressure causes the vessels to expand, which in turn results in an increase in blood flow. Aside from pressure, there is also evidence that poor diet and/or genetics can play a role in the development of hemorrhoids. Oddly enough, just because a blood vessel is bulging doesn’t mean you can see it – hemorrhoids can be both internal and external. While external hemorrhoids can be found outside the rectum, directly under the skin, internal hemorrhoids are found inside the rectum, which can make them harder to detect.

How Can This Be Treated?

You can act now and do some research to understand what causes tumors in dogs and how to keep your dog healthy through a nutritious canine diet. When it comes to treatment for dog hemorrhoids, there are several different methods.

If it’s been confirmed your dog indeed has hemorrhoids, there are a few treatments your vet may recommend. One is witch hazel. Try damping a cotton ball in refrigerated witch hazel and applying it directly to your dog’s hemorrhoids. The combination of witch hazel and cold temperature helps constrict the blood vessels. You may even want to try doing this up to three times a day.

When it comes to making changes to your dog’s diet, the best thing you can do is to up his fiber intake. Increasing the fiber in your dog’s diet will significantly help in aid digestion. Instead of dry dog biscuits, feed him fiber-rich foods like carrots, apples, oats, whole grains, legumes, pumpkin, and flaxseed. Do your best to eliminate dairy products from his diet until the hemorrhoids have subsided.

Last but certainly not least, make sure your furry friend is drinking plenty of water. Do what you can to increase your pup’s water intake. When your dog is drinking enough water, eating nutritious foods, and getting daily exercise he’s in the best position to live a happy and healthy life. As with most other medical conditions, diet and exercise have the power to fend off hemorrhoids. Both diet and exercise have an immense impact on your pup’s bowel movements and increases overall blood flow, therefore allowing hemorrhoids to heal.

Sources:

“How to Treat a Dog’s Hemorrhoids at Home.” Cuteness, www.cuteness.com/article/treat-dogs-hemorrhoids-home.

“Can Dogs Get Hemorrhoids?” PetMD, 14 Aug. 2018, www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/can-dogs-get-hemorrhoids.

“Can Dogs Get Hemorrhoids?” WagWalking, 7 Dec. 2017, www.wagwalking.com/wellness/can-dogs-get-hemorrhoids.