My dog is CONSTANTLY licking her bum!

My Shih-Tsu/Bichon mix is constantly licking her bum and it is now bright red and very irritated. I took her to the vet when it started (it wasn't nearly as red then) and he said her anal glands were clear. He suggested that it could be allergies and that I could try her on a (1/4) 25mg tablet of Benadryl. She is little, only 12 lbs so I'm worried about this. The only other thing to try was changing her food which I did and it didn't help.

I'm thinking I may have to put a collar on her so she can't lick, but I feel bad if it is itching her so much.

Could this licking just be a bad habit now? Has anyone else had this happen?

So you haven't tried the Benadryl? It's standard practice to give Benadryl to pets for allergies, so definitely take your vet's advice and try that first. If it works, it probably is an allergy.

Has she been dewormed lately? Sometimes worms laying their eggs around the anus can cause itchiness.

What food was she on and what did you switch to? Most pet foods have very similar ingredients, so if the itchiness is due to a food allergy (seems odd that it would affect the anus, but who knows), you'd want to put her on a tootally different food with different ingredients. For example, the main ingredient in many pet foods is either a corn or soy product. Allergies to both are common, so look for something very different.

Does the food have any colouring in it? Many animals are sensitive to those dyes.. so find something without added colour. Good luck!

Try Benadryl as the vet told you, see if it will help. It is only 1/4 of a tablet according to your dog's weight. Also washing the area with dog shampoo would also be a good idea. Itchiness is such a torture for your dog. If nothing helps I would have your dog tested for allergies. Maybe there is something in the food he is allergic to? You will know once and for all what is causing the problem.

you could also take a cool face cloth and wipe her bottom down. The coolness should ease some of the itchies also.

Thanks to everyone for your advice. She has been on Benadryl now for 2 days and so far no luck. I will bathe her in new shampoo today, and get her some ointment and a collar to see if we can't help it out that way. Otherwise it's off to the vet again!

Poor little girl. How frustrating that must be for her. I hope the vet can give her something to relieve the itchies. Let us know how it goes.

how is she doing on flea prevention? My dog had that earlier this year and it was attributed to fleas. She got a one time dose of a steroid and I do flea shampoo's one a week, been clear since then.