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My dog has runny diarrhea with mucus and is licking his anus. Why?
Updated on September 23, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 3 lbs
All of a sudden, my dog has been having loose runny dihearea with pockets of mucus. It comes and goes. And he's been licking his anus alot.
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 1, 2017
It sounds like your dog has a severe case of colitis, or an inflammation of the colon. Colitis can be caused by many different things. Some of the more common causes include intestinal parasites, dietary indiscretion, food intolerance, irritable bowel disease and viruses. Brownie is probably licking around his anus because of the pain and inflammation associated with diarrhea or he may have an issue with his anal glands. I would recommend taking him in to the vet to be examined. He may need fluids to correct any dehydration that can occur because of fluid loss, a fecal examination performed, have his anal glands checked and antibiotics and/or probiotics to help the diarrhea clear up.
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