SYMPTOM
Excessive licking of hindquarters
Owners may observe excessive licking of hindquarters in their pet.
Various conditions
This symptom can occur in multiple conditions and warrants further assessment.
Anal Gland Disease
The paired anal sacs can become impacted, inflamed or infected, producing discomfort and a fishy odour that prompts a dog to lick or scoot at the area for relief. Small and toy breeds are particularly prone to impaction, and soft stools or low dietary fibre can make natural emptying less effective. Repeated licking often leaves the fur around the tail base matted or stained.
Skin Irritation & External Parasites
Flea bites, contact irritants or localised allergic dermatitis around the tail base and perineum are intensely itchy and drive focused licking. Fleas often concentrate their feeding near the rump and tail head, so this region can show signs even when a full-body flea check looks otherwise clear. Secondary bacterial infection can develop where saliva keeps the skin persistently damp.
Urogenital Irritation
Urinary incontinence in spayed females, vaginitis affecting young entire females or arising after spaying, vaginal hyperplasia during proestrus or oestrus in entire females, and phimosis or paraphimosis in males, can all cause urine scald or mucosal irritation that a dog attends to by licking the hindquarters. Young entire female dogs are more prone to juvenile vaginitis, while older spayed females more often show hormone-responsive incontinence; vaginal hyperplasia itself is driven by oestrogen and occurs only in dogs that are still entire.
Perianal Fistula (Anal Furunculosis)
Chronic, deep ulceration around the anus causes ongoing discomfort that leads to persistent licking, discharge and a strong odour. German Shepherd Dogs are strongly overrepresented, reflecting a breed-associated immune component, and signs typically develop gradually in middle-aged dogs.
Compulsive or Anxiety-Driven Licking
In some dogs, hindquarter licking becomes a repetitive, self-reinforcing habit unconnected to any ongoing skin or gland problem, following a similar pattern to tail-chasing behaviours. This is more likely when licking occurs at predictable times such as periods of confinement or low stimulation, with the underlying skin remaining unremarkable despite the behaviour continuing.
Why timing matters
Early observation
Early recognition allows prompt assessment and intervention if needed.
Later presentation
Persistent or worsening signs may indicate progression requiring attention.
The significance of this symptom depends on its context, duration, and associated findings.
Conditions commonly associated
Urinary Incontinence
Dogs often lick in response to wetness or skin irritation from urine.
Anal Gland Disease
Dogs with anal gland discomfort often excessively lick their hindquarters in response to irritation or attempting to address the source of discomfort.
Anal Furunculosis (Perianal Fistulas)
Dogs with anal furunculosis frequently lick at the painful, inflamed skin around the anus.
Eosinophilic Plaque in Cats
Because plaques commonly develop on the belly and inner thighs, affected cats lick repeatedly at their hindquarters.
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Cats affected by this condition frequently turn to bite or lick at the flank and tail base during an episode.
Phimosis and Paraphimosis
Irritation from an exposed or trapped penis often prompts repeated licking at the area.
Tail-Chasing in Dogs
The same compulsive drive behind the tail-chasing can turn to persistent licking or nibbling of the tail and hindquarters between episodes.
Vaginal Hyperplasia
The visible mass of swollen vaginal tissue draws repeated attention and licking from the animal itself.
Vaginitis
The discomfort and discharge that come with vaginitis commonly prompt repeated licking at the vulval area.
When to explore further
When the symptom is persistent or worsening
When other signs are present alongside
When daily activities or quality of life are affected
When there is uncertainty about the cause
Noting when this symptom occurs, any triggers, and how it changes over time can provide useful information for veterinary discussions.
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026 · Dr Alastair Greenway MRCVS