HELP!! Crying when pooping

[Lab lover]

My almost 12 week-old pup has been pooping normal until tonight. He was yelping and crying with poop coming out of his bum. The poop was soft. It was absolutely heartbreaking to witness. My husband got a rubber glove out to see if he could gently pull the poop out. Finally finished pooping and we brought him in and washed his bum in the sink. We don't see anything there, his anus looks puffy but that could be from straining I think. I don't think he got into anything and we just had him at the vets a few days ago for his checkup, stool sample sent out to check for worms and parasites and that was fine. He has been eating fine today, playing, peeing etc. He has been rubbing his bum on the ground for the last week or so. Any ideas on what this might be.

[Moe]

Rubbing their bum can be a sign that their anal glands need to be expressed.

[Lab lover]

But if his anal glands need to be expressed Would that cause him to cry when pooping??

[Moe]

That I don't know. I'd keep an eye on it today and call the vet it it happens again.

[Hays]

After witnessing that, I would likely call my vet and let them know you realize the pup was just checked for worms and parasites but maybe they have another type of worm/parasite....maybe he ate something he shouldn't have? A rawhide, a piece of sock/underwear, squeeker from a chew toy while you weren't looking..? could be a number of things. Better to be safe than sorry. If the pup still does it on the next poop, call the vet immediately and just inform them. They will likely want to check out his digestive system.

[Nikkiey]

Originally Posted by Lab lover

But if his anal glands need to be expressed Would that cause him to cry when pooping??

Yes!

Juneau doesn't shed so we don't have to take him to the groomers (ever) and that's usually where they express their anal glands - or at the vet. Anyways, we'll start noticing Juneau dragging his bottom or we'll hear the yelp when he goes outside to poo (or both) and that's when we'll know it's time to get them expressed.

My suggestion, if you're comfortable with it, try and express them yourself first before going back to the vet and having other tests run and paying for those. I mean sure, if your dog becomes lethargic or is no longer passing anything or eating and drinking, then take them to the vet.

If you're not comfortable with it call your vet or your groomer and ask them if they can express them for you.

[Lab lover]

Going to vet's at 2:30 will update later

[Lab lover]

Anal glands were very very full. Had them expressed and now he is on antibiotic. It was horrible that poor baby screamed so much. Hopefully he feels better now. Thanks everyone for the advice.

[Nikkiey]

I'm very happy he's feeling better!

[Hays]

So glad to hear he is feeling better! Poor thing! Thoughts and prayers are with you and the little guy!

[lindamarie]

Oh the poor baby!! I hate when they are in pain and cry!! So sad!
Glad things are on the mend. WHEW!

When you said "soft poo", I got the idea it may be the anal glands.
Normal, harder poo's are able to push on the glands and express them naturally.
During our search for a food for Bogart, some of his stools were softer causing the glands to fill up. I think the type of food plays an important role here.

[mitch54]

I don't know about anal glands.....what is that, how does it happen, when does it happen, how do I fix it??

[Cappy_TX]

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