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Why is my dog's vulva turning black and blue? Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 7 months old

My dog's vulva is turning black and blue. What should I do? Is it something serious?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2016

Unfortunately, without images or a physical exam, it is difficult to determine exactly what is going on with your dog. There are [multiple potential causes](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/skin-ulcers-and-draining-lesions/) for the symptoms. That said, black or bluish discoloration of the skin may indicate necrosis (dying off of normal tissue) or a severe inflammatory reaction (if mainly black and also coarse to the touch). I would suspect a potential spider/centipede bite or severe yeast infection (if mainly black and coarse to the touch) or severe [vaginitis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/vaginitis/) are potential causes which should also be looked at by your vet ASAP. If this is a spider/centipede bite, it should be treated quickly with steroid therapy to stop the reaction from spreading and causing systemic (whole body) illness. Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking until she sees the vet.

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