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My dog's vaginal area is red and inflamed. Why is she licking it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | spayed | 8 years and 2 months old | 8 lbs

My 8lb Bichon has red and inflamed vaginal area? She keeps licking it. Is there anything I can do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 14th, 2017

Poor Sadie Rose! Her vaginal area is probably red and inflamed from her licking at it. Excessive licking at that area is a sign of a medical illness, such as a UTI, bladder stones, or vaginitis (infection of the vagina). This requires a visit to the vet, and I would have her seen today. The vet can do a physical exam, blood tests, and a urinalysis to diagnose what is causing her to lick her vaginal area excessively, and treat her for it. In the meantime, I would get an Ecollar from the pet store to put on Sadie Rose to stop her from licking that area. The more she licks it, the more red and inflamed it will becomes, and that can make the problem worse. I would not recommend putting any creams on it, as the exact cause of the problem isn't known, and any creams could be contraindicated. The vet can prescribe a cream if needed.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    The best thing would be to give a bath using a mild soap if the area appears soiled and place an e collar to prevent continued licking. If this is not typical behavior I'd also recommend seeing your veterinarian when possible - excessive licking could be a sign of a vulvar infection, urinary tract infection, or allergies and she may need some additional medications.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on June 12th, 2019

    The best thing you can do before Bella goes to the vet is to keep her from licking. She needs to wear an e-collar. Her licking could be caused by a yeast or bacterial infection in the folds around the vulva, allergies, or something else completely. Continued licking and scooting will only irritate the skin and make things worse. I would recommend that she see the vet before getting groomed since the groomer may wash away evidence that the vet needs to make a diagnosis. The vet may recommend waiting on grooming since it can often be irritating to abnormal skin.

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