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My spayed dog's vulva is red and irritated. Is this a concern?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed

my dog has gone red around the urethra she nearly 5 yr desexed is this normal

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 25th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are describing sounds as if the folds of skin around the vulva are red inside. This happens commonly when urine get a trapped in the skin folds and causes irritation. It is especially common in dogs with excessive skin over the vulva and can even predispose to urinary tract infections. I would recommend using malacetic conditioning spray, mal a ket wipes or preva wipes to keep the skin around the vulva clean. If this worsens or does not resolve, I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 28th, 2018

    This looks like a skin infection around Willow's vulva. I would recommend putting an elizabethan collar on her so she doesn't lick at it and then taking her to a veterinarian when you can get an appointment. I would recommend getting a urine sample performed to see if she has a urinary tract infection also. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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