My female dog's vulva is red. What could be causing this symptom?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 11 lbs
My dogs vagina is red and I’m not sure why she just started today please help!
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 9th, 2019
Inflammation in that area can make it look red. Dogs can get vaginitis, infections, tumors or it can get inflamed if she has been licking at it more than normal. Pay close attention to her urination habits as a UTI can cause pain which can cause increased licking. If the redness does not go away after a few days, if she seems uncomfortable or itchy, or if you see a change her urination, have her seen by her veterinarian. It never hurts though to have it checked out right away. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 19th, 2021
I agree that the area of skin above Ripley's vulva looks quite red and inflamed. Redness in this area is typically caused by excessive licking. Dogs tend to lick their hind ends for a number of reasons, including full anal glands, fleas, allergies, parasites, and urinary tract infections, among others. You can start by putting an e-collar (cone) on Ripley to prevent her from licking more, as that will only make this area more irritated. Also be sure that she's receiving a good quality flea preventive. K9 Advantix II is a good over the counter option, but there are many more effective prescription flea preventives that you can obtain from your vet. You can also apply a bit of bacitracin ointment to this area twice a day. If the lesion does not improve within the next week or if it gets worse at any point, you'll need to take Ripley to her vet for further evaluation. I hope that everything goes well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 2nd, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Judging from the photos, it appears as though there is a large amoubt of moist redness near her vulva. I would recommend having her urine checked to ensure a urinary tract infection is not the cause. I would apply malacetic conditioning spay until resolved. I would also recommend using a plastic cone to help prevent her from licking. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I am also available via consultation if needed.
12Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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