How to Treat a Dog's Hemorrhoids at Home

Treating hemorrhoids in dogs

Dogs develop hemorrhoids in the same manner and for the same reasons as humans, though their rate of incidence is far less frequent. A hemorrhoid is basically a swollen blood vessel located in the anus that has begun to protrude as a result of an amplification of blood to the affected area brought on by an increase in strain, stress or pressure. They can be safely treated at home, though with caution and care, as protrusions are prone to rupture, resulting in bloody bowel movements and discomfort for your pet.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Witch hazel
• Cotton balls
• Canned or frozen vegetables
• Pumpkin puree
• Petroleum jelly
• Cotton swabs
• Baby wipes
• Aloe vera gel

1. Consult a veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis. Hemorrhoids are characterized by visible protrusions from the anus, blood in the dog's bowel movements and the dog dragging his rear or otherwise attempting to scratch it. Hemorrhoids can easily be confused with tumors, fissures, rectal prolapse and impacted anal glands. However, if you're confident in your diagnosis or if a veterinarian has confirmed it, move on to Step 2.

2. Place a bottle of witch hazel into the freezer for an hour or into the refrigerator overnight. Apply to the affected area three times daily by saturating a cotton ball with the chilled witch hazel and pressing it against the affected area. Hold in place until the cotton ball is no longer cold. The combination of the medication and the coldness will cause the affected blood vessels to tighten, reducing their size.

3. Change the dog's diet. Include more fiber by adding vegetables to their food or giving the dog a spoonful of pureed pumpkin every day to bulk up their stool. Switch from dry dog biscuits to jerky-type treats and avoid giving your dog dairy products, especially cheese.

4. Encourage the dog to drink more fluids by making sure there is a constant supply of fresh water and by giving the dog extra physical exercise. The activity will not only help "move things along," but it will increase blood flow and make the dog thirsty.

5. Prior to taking the dog for a walk, use a cotton swab to apply a light layer of petroleum jelly to the anus. After he has done his business, clean the anus gently by wiping with a baby wipe; apply aloe vera to the affected area.

Tips & Warnings

• Monitor the dog's bowel movements during the treatment period, as you will need to apply the aloe immediately after to stop the itching.

• Commercial products are available to treat dog hemorrhoids; they're available online or through large pet supply stores, if you prefer.

• Try to keep the dog from scratching; it is very easy to damage the blood vessels when a hemorrhoid is present. This can lead to more serious complications, such as infection. If you see the dog dragging its bottom, apply more aloe vera immediately.

References

• Amoils.com: Pet Hemorrhoids

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish