How to Clean a Female Dog's Vulva
Easy
5 - 15 Minutes
1 Day
Introduction
Your dog’s vulva is a tender part of her body. When she goes into heat, you might see discharge or blood coming from the area. She might lick a lot to clean herself, but it’s also important that you help her stay clean and sanitary during this time. You may notice her vulva swelling, especially during heat cycles. This is normal and doesn’t require any extra attention. A simple wipe or bath will often do the trick, but while she has discharge, you may also consider keeping her bedding clean and keeping her at home and isolated, especially from intact male dogs.
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
Most Recommended
5 Votes
Shampoo
Towel
Step
1
In the bath
While your dog is in the bath, use a washcloth to wipe her private areas, including her vulva to get it clean.
Step
2
Face first
Always start with your dog's face, so bacteria from others parts of her body do not cross to the face.
Step
3
Sit in water
If your dog has discharge or is in heat, sitting in the water while you wash her body and face might help remove any stains from her skin and fur. Keep the temperature comfortable. If her skin is irritated, water that is too warm may hurt.
Step
4
End with vulva
After your dog’s face and body have been washed, use the washcloth to wipe her vulva. Remove any dried blood or discharge. If she’s swollen, she might be sensitive, so be cautious not to rub too hard with the washcloth.
Step
5
Rinse and dry
Be sure to rinse any dog shampoo off her entire body to avoid dry, itchy skin. With a towel, pat her dry.
Recommend grooming method?
The Wipe and Treat Method
Effective
0 Votes
Towel
Step
1
Vinegar and water
Mix half and half vinegar and warm water in a small bowl.
Step
2
Soft cloth
Once the water and vinegar are mixed, soak a washcloth or soft cloth in the mixture, absorbing what you can into the cloth. You can squeeze excess out so the cloth is not dripping, or allow the excess to drip onto the dog’s skin.
Step
3
Wipe
Gently wipe the vulva from front to back. The vinegar will work on killing yeast and some bacteria.
Step
4
Dry
With a dry cloth, gently pat dry. Allowing the area to air dry is fine as well, but keep your dog from licking as it dries. She likely won’t enjoy the taste of vinegar.
Step
5
Treat
If her skin is dry and uncomfortable, or if she is not in heat but is licking too often, apply coconut oil to her skin to soothe the itch.
Recommend grooming 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
Caring for and cleaning your dog's vulva isn't much different than cleaning the rest of her body. You should know if she's in heat and the way her vulva will change during this time. When she's not in heat, a regular bath and self-cleaning work just fine unless she's itchy and irritated. This could signify a yeast infection, which can also be easily treated.
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Mini
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??
Darlene Stott
Dog Groomer
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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