Why is my unspayed dog licking her inflamed vulva? Heat, UTI, or vaginitis?

Question

I have a female, 10 month old Great Dane and for the last week she has been furiously licking her genitals. She has yet to be spayed. Her behavior seems to be normal beyond the constant licking however both areas, especially the vulva have become quite enflamed. I have done some research and it seems she may be experiencing her first heat period but there are also signs of a possible Urinary Tract Infection and maybe vaginitis. This has me concerned. Do I need to see a vet? Pet's info: Dog | Great Dane | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 25 days old | 100 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

This may be a sign of juvenile vaginitis, which is a condition that will go away when she has her first heat and is an indication not to spay before she has had her first heat. By licking herr vagina, however she is introducing bacteria and irritating the tissue, and it may be necessary to put a cone on her to keep her from licking as well as a necessity for prescription antibiotics. The inflammation points to this. She could also be having her first preestrus (bleeding before the first heat) and could be cleaning herself excessively. As you wrote above, this could also be a UTI. I suggest you have her examined by your vet so any possible infection can be treated and she will stop the excessive licking which is rather detrimental.

Why is my unspayed dog licking her inflamed vulva? Heat, UTI, or vaginitis?

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