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My dog keeps licking a rash. Is it safe to wait until her vet visit?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | 1 year and 9 months old | 55 lbs

My dog has what looks like a hotspot/rash/yeast infection. It could also be a UTI. I’m taking her into the vet on Tuesday, but I just wanted to know if my dog is going to be in danger if I wait that long. She doesn’t show any symptoms of discomfort, except that she keeps licking the area.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on February 23rd, 2018

We will commonly see skin problems that we call perivulvar dermatitis (infection of the skin around the vulva) when dogs have a recessed or tucked vulva. That infection can be due to a bacterial or yeast overgrowth as a result of excessive moisture that can develop in those skin folds. Treatment is geared towards drying the area (with a medicated drying wipe or solution), treating the infection (with an antibacterial or antifungal solution) and decreasing inflammation. The only concern that I would have with waiting until Tuesday would be if Ella makes the infection worse by licking at it, so you might consider using an e-collar until her vet appointment on Tuesday. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Ella feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    As long as she is behaving normally otherwise, she should be fine until you can get her to the veterinarian. Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent trauma from excessive licking. If she will allow you to cleanse the area, do so gently with a diluted chlorhexidine solution. Dry thoroughly afterwards. Ideally, you want to get her examined and diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent discomfort. The sooner treatment begins, the sooner she will begin to feel better.

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