Poodle hygiene:
yes, we need to talk about butts

Poodle hair grows everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere — the area around the anus and genitals is no exception.

For hygiene reasons, the hair around these areas needs to be kept short and clean. On average, poodles need a sanitary trim about once a month, although some dogs may need it a little more often.

These areas should also be included in your regular hands-on check of your dog. When checking for injuries, skin problems or parasites, don’t forget to look under the tail and around the genitals. Ticks love soft, delicate skin, and unfortunately these are exactly the sort of places where they may attach unnoticed.

Long hair around natural openings can become soaked with urine or other secretions, or contaminated with faeces. Apart from the terrible smell, constant moisture and contamination can cause significant skin irritation. That’s extremely uncomfortable for the dog — and not particularly pleasant for anyone cuddling them either!

And a very simple hygiene rule: keep these areas as clean as you would keep your own. If your dog has had diarrhoea, soft stool, or simply got dirty, clean them up. A dog shouldn’t be walking around with faeces stuck to the hair around its bottom.

If faeces have already dried into hard little clumps stuck to the coat, don’t pull or tear them off dry. The skin around the anus is very delicate and you can easily hurt it. Soften everything first with warm water. If it is very firmly stuck, a little mineral/paraffin or coconut oil can help soften it. Then gently wash the area with a mild shampoo, rinse thoroughly and dry it.

What if your dog is scooting?

If your dog suddenly starts dragging their bottom along the floor, there are several possible reasons:

• constipation or difficulty passing stool

• something stuck to or around the anus

• local irritation, including irritation after clipping too closely

• gastrointestinal upset or something rough or poorly digested in the stool

• intestinal parasites

• full, impacted or inflamed anal glands

The first thing to do is have a look.

If you can’t see an obvious problem, gently wash the area with warm water and a mild shampoo, rinse thoroughly and dry it well. If the skin looks mildly irritated, you can apply a very thin layer of plain dexpanthenol cream, such as original Bepanthen, but make sure your dog cannot lick it off.

Please don’t routinely express your dog’s anal glands yourself unless your vet has specifically advised you to do so.

One particularly important warning: if you see something long hanging from the anus — string, thread, ribbon, fabric or another swallowed object — DO NOT pull it. If part of it is still inside the digestive tract, pulling can cause serious intestinal injury. This requires prompt veterinary attention.

And, of course, if you see significant swelling, bleeding, discharge, severe pain, or your dog is struggling to pass stool, don’t try to treat it at home — see your vet.

Otherwise, the basic rule is simple: look, clean, dry and monitor. If there is no obvious explanation, the dog remains uncomfortable, keeps scooting, or the problem returns, it’s time to see your vet.

Poodle grooming isn’t only about making them beautiful. Keeping the less glamorous areas clean and comfortable is just as much a part of proper coat care.