A dog’s vulva can swell during a heat period in an intact female. That is normal. If she’s not in heat or spayed, a swollen vulva may indicate inflammation, irritation, or infection. Your female dog may occasionally lick her vulva to keep the area clean, but it’s wise to report any excessive licking to your veterinarian.
If you see pink moist tissue protruding from the vulva, your dog may have a vaginal prolapse, which is when the vaginal tissue is visible at the vulva. A prolapse is rare, however, and happens in intact bitches. A tumor in the vulvar area is also possible but, again, uncommon.
Almost always, vulvar swelling is related to a heat cycle and not cause for concern. Abnormal licking or discharge could indicate a problem in the dog’s reproductive or urinary system, which should be seen by a veterinarian.
Female Dog Parts
Your female dog has a straightforward reproductive system:
- Ovaries
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Vagina
- Vulva
The ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vagina are internal—you cannot see them.
The vulva, sometimes called “dog’s private part,” is the opening that you see on the outside of the dog. Urine passes through the vulva as well as puppies if she gives birth.
Vaginitis in Dogs
Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) occurs due to a vaginal infection. If your dog constantly licks her vulva, an infection, inflammation, or skin irritation may be present that requires treatment.
Your dog may also be suffering from urinary incontinence, which may leave the vulva wet. Treatments for urinary incontinence are available, including the medication Proin.
If you notice blood or any other discharge, and your dog is not in heat, she should see a veterinarian. The discharge may be coming from higher in the reproductive tract. Pyometra, a uterine infection, can be fatal if not treated quickly. But even if your dog is spayed and you see discharge from the vulva, a veterinary visit is in order.
If your dog has a malformed vulva that traps debris, it can lead to vaginitis, and surgery may be needed to correct the deformity.
Dog Vaginitis Treatment
If your dog develops vaginitis, you may notice her frequently licking her vulva, rubbing her rear (like dogs with an anal gland problem), or chewing in that area. Some dogs will urinate more frequently. Male dogs can be attracted to a female dog with vaginitis, even if she is spayed.
Vaginitis often causes a discharge that comes out through the vulva. Any puslike discharge is abnormal and a reason for a veterinary visit.
Note: A clear but slightly thick fluid can be expected during some stages of your dog’s heat cycle. A bloody discharge usually signals the start of a heat cycle.
Puppy Vaginitis
Puppy or juvenile vaginitis can occur in female puppies from 8 weeks to about 8 months of age. You might notice some discharge or your puppy licking more than usual in the vulvar area. The vulva may swell a bit from the irritation of the licking. The hair in that area may be sticky or have dried crusts from the discharge.
These signs may wax and wane over weeks or even months. Almost always, all symptoms disappear once your pup has her first heat. In the meantime, you can gently clean the area when there is discharge. Warm water is usually sufficient. You don’t want any potent cleaning agents that might irritate sensitive tissues.
Adult Dog Vaginitis
Vaginitis in a mature female dog may be harder to diagnose and treat. If your dog is intact, your veterinarian will want to see where she is in her heat cycle. Swabs to evaluate cells and possibly a culture if the discharge indicates bacterial infection will be done. An X-ray may be taken to rule out a pyometra.
If your dog was spayed, your veterinarian may do the same testing to ensure there is no “stump pyometra,” which is an infection of the tissues left after her spay surgery.
For adult dogs with vaginitis, a gentle douche may be prescribed. Antibiotics will be used if there is evidence of bacterial infection. Keeping the vulvar area clean is important.
