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There are many wonderful advantages to having a long-haired pooch. They’re fun to snuggle, many breeds shed less than their short-haired cousins, and with proper care and grooming, they are exceptionally beautiful. On the downside, all that extra hair can act like velcro, collecting leaves, dirt, and worst of all, poop. So, should you wipe a dog’s bottom in this scenario?
Has your long-haired dog ever fallen victim to the dreaded “poop butt”? If so, read on for tips and tricks that could help you prevent and manage this problem.
1. Keep Hair Neatly Trimmed
Whether you prefer your dog’s hair long and silky or trimmed short in a “puppy cut”, grooming is essential for preventing fecal matting. According to the AKC, dogs need grooming about once a month depending on breed, hair length, and coat type.
If you go to a dog groomer, ask them to trim thoroughly around the anus, rear legs, and under the tail. Many people also request a short trim around the penis or vulva. This prevents urine staining and reduces the likelihood of fecal matter infiltrating the urinary tract and causing infection. This type of hygienic trim is often referred to as a “potty patch”.
Home care such as brushing, bathing, and spot-cleaning are essential for dog parents of long-haired dogs. Yet, trimming should be left to the professionals unless you have groomer training and experience.
2. Feed a High Quality/High Fiber Diet
Soft, loose stools are far more likely to become caught in your dog’s hair than firm, well-formed stools. For dogs free of intestinal issues, a consistent high-quality diet should be enough to achieve healthy bowel movements.
Whether you prefer commercial dog food, home-cooked meals, or a raw diet, ensure your pup gets all the essential nutrients they need. Also, make sure they consume an adequate amount of fiber.
Tip: Adding a probiotic+prebiotic can do wonders for solidifying your dog’s poop.
3. Consult Your Vet
Matted poop in the hair around a dog’s anus is so common it even has a veterinary term: pseudocoprostasis. If it’s left untreated, it can become far more than just a hygiene issue. The combination of fecal matter and hair can completely obstruct the rectum, making it impossible for your dog to poop. Knowing this makes wiping your dog’s bottom a bit less dreadful.
“Not being able to pass stool is a big problem,” says Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, staff doctor at NYC’s Animal Medical Center, “and your dog may start vomiting, stop eating, or even develop diaper rash under the matted fur and feces.”
If your dog suffers from chronically soft stools, constipation, or fecal impactions, see your vet. They will run laboratory tests to determine if your pup has parasites, an infection, or a chronic condition like inflammatory bowel disease. Your vet can also help you formulate a healthy diet plan.
4. Keep Wipes Handy for Quick Clean-Up
Unfortunately, a little bit of poop is most likely going to get caught in your long-haired dog’s coat now and then. Cleaning it up quickly when the stool is still moist and pliable will help you prevent a small problem from compounding into a much larger one.
Moist grooming wipes are gentle on your dog’s skin and help deodorize the hair as they clean.
5. Use Waterless Shampoo Between Baths
Waterless shampoos are a great way to clean up your dog’s fanny between bath times. Over-bathing can dry your dog’s skin and make the hair dull and lifeless. Waterless shampoos remove feces and leave your dog fresh and clean without the ordeal of a full bath.
Of course, you should always wipe your dog’s bottom when it gets dirty. Yet, these tips can help you better avoid the unfortunate “poop butt”. Your dog will thank you for it in the long run.
Toledo, United States.
