How to Clean a Female Dog's Vulva
Introduction
Dog's Perspective
Her body is changing during heat cycles, and your dog might be curious. Excessive licking could cause dryness and itching. She might feel a bit off because of hormone changes. This may show in her mood.
The Bathing Method
The Wipe and Treat Method
Caution & Considerations
- If your dog is not in heat and her vulva is showing discharge, consider seeing your veterinarian.
- A swollen vulva is normal during a heat cycle.
- She may be self-cleaning by licking, but excessive licking can cause dry, itchy skin which will irritate even more.
- Dogs can develop yeast infections that can cause itching and discomfort.
- If your little girl pup has a yeast infection or other infection in the vulva area, you may also notice an unpleasant odor.
- Apple cider vinegar and water can help reduce yeast if your girl pup is experiencing a yeast problem.
- If she gets yeast infections often, adding yogurt or kefir to her diet might help yeast from growing.
- A daily vinegar and water wipe down might be necessary for the dog who has chronic yeast infections.
- If her skin is dry and irritated from excessive licking, 100% coconut oil from your kitchen can help soothe her skin. It is okay if she licks the coconut oil off, you just may need to reapply.
- Bathing your pup on a regular basis should also help with keeping all areas clean. Be sure to wash her face with a cloth before using it to wash her vulva and backside.
Conclusion
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Her vulva area has dark brown spots I can’t get rid of. I shampoo that area with silvet mc shampoo that the vet recommended. They won’t come off the worst is right on the vulva vaginal what’s supposed to be an open area. Help
0 Dog owners recommended
Thank you for inquiring about Daphne's problem. I would contact the vet to be sure. I looked up the directions and I see that the shampoo may take a few weeks to work as I believe it is used for a fungal problem. Don't overuse it just in case, but definitely check with the vet for verification of the directions in Daphne's case, and to see how long the vet feels it will take for the problem to be cleared up. All the best!
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We give mini baths every month but she tends to turn brownish by her vulva. She has been spayed already. What or how do I do to keep her from having that??
0 Dog owners recommended
Hi Cathy Ann, thank you for your question. You have cute dogs! As for Mini's brown staining in the area around the vulva, I would recommend a visit to the veterinarian to rule out anything like infection or injury. Sometimes the staining can be caused by something as simple as Mini's saliva (from licking the area) turning brown when exposed to the air. Then, we have to wonder why she is licking the area so much? At the vet visit, you can inquire as to how to keep the area clean after they rule out a health problem. All the best to Mini!
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Grooming Success Stories
So picked up our puppy to tge happy surprise she wasn't 8 weeks but 7 and had puppy vaginitus (confirmed by the vet and swab test). I got probiotic snd put apple cider vinegar or lemon in her water and 2ml of live bio yoghurt 2 times a day. Happy dof in 2 days. Also cleaned hef every wee and poo. Great advice. From new pup parent.
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