A dog will sometimes lick her vulva to help keep it clean. Intermittent licking is rarely a problem unless you also notice a vaginal discharge or changes in the vulva's appearance, her overall health has worsened, or the licking becomes more frequent or intense.
The presence of bacteria and yeast on the skin is normal; however, if either appears in excess, or if the skin barrier is unhealthy, or if the dog is immunocompromised, an infection can occur. Bacterial or yeast infections of the skin can be very itchy and result in constant licking of the affected area.
Some ideas include using bitter sprays to discourage licking, having your dog wear a special collar to prevent access to hot spots, or keeping your dog close by your side when you're home. Addressing anxiety or boredom.
If your dog is licking themselves, you, or objects excessively, to the point that it seems like a self-stimulatory behavior, this might be a sign of anxiety, boredom, or pain. Obsessive self-licking can also be a sign of allergies or other health problems.
Normally, your dog will only require a few licks to keep things clean in their private area — a quick groom after urinating or a loose bowel movement. Anything more might indicate a range of health issues.
It's normal for an unspayed dog's vulva to swell during certain points in her estrus cycle, or heat. The canine estrus cycle has four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. The vulva will begin to swell during proestrus and remain enlarged to varying degrees throughout estrus and diestrus.
There are six major causes of why your dog may obsessively lick [3]. These include: allergies, boredom, dry skin, hormonal imbalance, pain, and parasites. Allergies may be environmental or food-based.
Some signs of a female dog going into heat may include lower energy levels, more aggressive behavior, differences in leg-raising while urinating, urinating more often than usual, and even running away from home. This is unlike male dogs, who do not experience heat cycles.
Heat usually lasts between 2-4 weeks. Early in the cycle, a female dog may not be receptive to male dogs, although some are receptive through the entire cycle. It can be shorter or longer and you'll know the cycle is over when all her vulva returns to its normal size and there's no more bleeding or discharge.
The typical heat cycle will last between two and four weeks. Your dog or puppy will be fertile during this entire time but there is a small period, 9-10 days into the cycle, where they are especially fertile.
Even though your dog will bleed, she isn't in pain during heat. However, being in heat can make your dog uncomfortable and fidgety. If her symptoms seem to be causing her pain, consult your vet.
Most dogs come into heat twice per year, although the interval can vary between breeds and from dog to dog. Small breed dogs may cycle three times per year, while giant breed dogs may only cycle once per year.
Whether she is in heat or not, if she needs a quick wipe, a wet washcloth or wet wipe for dogs will work wonders. She will lick her privates clean when she knows they need to be cleaned, but if you'd like to wipe her after going potty, a wet wipe is an easy and efficient way to keep her clean from front to back.
You shouldn't use baby wipes on your dog. “People tend to think that what is safe for humans is also safe for animals, but this is not true,” says Dr. Klein. “Ingredients in human wipes are not formulated for dogs, especially those with fragrances.”
As mentioned, there will be some bloody discharge when your dog is in heat, and will likely groom herself during this time by licking. Do not discourage this behavior as it is normal.
Q: Should I let my dog have a heat before I spay her? A: Medically, it's better to spay your dog before their first heat. It greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. People who wait to spay their dogs until after their second heat greatly increase the risk of mammary tumors in their pets.
Progesterone hormone can become higher which can lead to aggressive behaviour in a female after a season has ended. If your dog is having a phantom you will also start to see nesting behaviour. She will attempt to create a safe area for her puppies (though non-existent) picking an area within the home.
Some female dogs experience heavy vaginal bleeding during estrus, while other dogs have minimal bleeding. If you are concerned about your dog, consult your veterinarian. "...the most obvious recognizable sign is vaginal bleeding."
Heat can be messy, having a packet of baby wipes on hand ready to go can help keep your home clean. Some dogs can get quite snuggly during their heat cycle, so make sure to make time for extra cuddles. Also make sure you dog has plenty of access to fresh clean water.
When female dogs enter the estrus portion of their cycle, vocalizing becomes even more common, particularly if you also have an intact male in the house. Moaning, whining, crying, and even screaming serve as a form of "mating call" to male dogs throughout the neighborhood.
When in heat, your dog's vulva will swell and redden. This can be very pronounced and alarming to dog owners seeing it for the first time, but it a normal part of estrus. Bloody or straw-colored discharge from the vulva: Your dog will have a discharge from its vulva while in heat.
In this first stage of heat, your puppy's vulva will look swollen or larger than usual. During proestrus, she'll also produce a bloody vaginal discharge and may pee more often. Things change mentally too. She may show differences in behavior, like being more jumpy or on edge than usual.
Being in heat for the first time can be a confusing experience for your girl. She's going to need extra love and attention. Pups tend to get quite snuggly during this time, so set aside some extra slots for lots of cuddles. Maybe consider a lap desk so you can work and snuggle simultaneously.
A dog in heat can bleed for around seven to 10 days. During this first stage of the reproductive cycle, the female will not accept a male.