My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area After Grooming – Causes and Solutions

If your dog starts licking her private area after grooming, it's likely due to irritation or discomfort caused by the grooming process itself. This can be especially true if your dog has sensitive skin.

Some common culprits behind post-grooming licking include ingrown hairs, skin irritation from grooming tools, and even minor cuts or nicks. These issues can be painful for your dog and trigger excessive licking as a way to soothe the affected area.

In addition to skin irritation, your dog may also be experiencing anxiety or stress related to the grooming process. This can cause her to lick her private area as a way to self-soothe and calm down.

Additional reading: Dog Eye Irritation after Grooming

Dogs often lick their private areas due to normal grooming activities, but excessive licking can be a sign of an underlying issue.

Some common causes of excessive licking in female dogs include estrus, a natural cycle where the vulva becomes swollen and there may be a discharge of blood. This usually occurs every 4 to 12 months and lasts for 1 to 2 weeks.

Other possible causes include vaginitis, a condition caused by trauma, foreign bodies, tumors, clotting disorders, anatomical abnormalities, or hormonal abnormalities, which can lead to excessive licking and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Here are some possible reasons for excessive licking in female dogs:

Estrus

Grooming

Vaginitis

Pyometra

Allergies

Skin infection

UTI (urinary tract infection & stones)

Stress, anxiety, and behavioral problems

If this caught your attention, see: Dog Ear Infection after Grooming

Excessive licking in female dogs can be caused by a range of factors, from normal grooming activities to underlying medical issues.

Estrus, a natural cycle in non-spayed females, can cause swelling and discharge, leading to self-grooming habits like licking the vulva. This cycle typically occurs every 4 to 12 months and lasts for 1 to 2 weeks.

Grooming can also cause itching, especially if the hair around the genital area is cut too short or if foreign substances irritate the skin.

Vaginitis, a condition caused by trauma, foreign bodies, tumors, clotting disorders, anatomical abnormalities, or hormonal abnormalities, can cause a female dog to lick her privates. Young female puppies may develop 'puppy vaginitis', which usually resolves after estrus.

Pyometra, a condition where bacteria invade the uterus during estrus, can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria and cause symptoms like licking privates and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Allergies, whether environmental or food-related, can cause itching in the genital area. Environmental allergies, such as those caused by seasonal changes in pollen, can also cause itching in the genital area.

Skin infections, caused by an abnormal growth of bacteria or yeast, a weakening of the skin barrier, or a decrease in immunity, can occur in the genital area. Pustules or bumps may be observed in the case of a bacterial infection, while a fungal infection can cause the skin to appear dark red and have an odor.

Here are some common causes of excessive licking in female dogs:

Stress, anxiety, and behavioral problems can also cause excessive licking in female dogs.

Dogs do lick their genital areas as a standard part of grooming. This behavior is usually a quick pass, and your dog won't focus intensely on the area.

However, if your dog grooms this area multiple times a day or seems to focus on the area for long periods of time, there may be something else going on. In some cases, excessive licking can be a sign of an underlying issue.

Some common causes of excessive licking due to grooming include irritation caused by foreign substances or hair being cut too short around the genital area. This can lead to itching, which may prompt your dog to lick the area excessively.

If you notice your dog exhibiting this behavior, it's essential to observe their overall behavior and look for any signs of discomfort or pain.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be a common cause of excessive licking in dogs. UTIs are caused by bacteria that often respond well to antibiotic treatments.

Dogs with UTIs may lick their privates excessively, especially after urinating. They may also pee more often and strain to urinate. Like humans with UTIs, animals with UTIs will also feel the urgency to urinate but produce very little.

Expand your knowledge: How Often Dog Grooming

If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, it's essential to take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis. The vet may perform a physical examination, imaging tests, blood and urine tests, and a skin cytology test to determine the best course of treatment.

Here are some common signs of UTIs in dogs:

• Swollen or red vulva

• Difficulty urinating or increased urination frequency

• Rubbing or scooting the genitalia or perianal region on the floor

• A bad smell when urinating

• Pus or blood-like discharge from genitalia

If your vet suspects a UTI, they may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. In some cases, supplements or special diets may be recommended to help prevent repeated infections.

If your dog is licking her private area after grooming, it's essential to pay attention to her behavior and physical condition. Redness or swelling around the genitalia can be a sign of a medical issue.

Observe your dog's behavior closely, as excessive licking can be a symptom of various problems, including vaginitis, pyometra, or skin infections. If you notice any unusual odors, such as a bad smell when urinating, it's a cause for concern.

Pustules or bumps on the skin around the genitalia can indicate a skin infection, while discoloration of the skin can be a sign of vaginitis or pyometra. Difficulty urinating or increased urination frequency can also be symptoms of a urinary tract infection or stones.

Rubbing or scooting the genitalia or perianal region on the floor can be a sign of discomfort or pain, while pus or blood-like discharge from the genitalia is a clear indication of a medical issue.

Here are some common symptoms associated with female dogs licking their privates:

If your dog continues to lick her private area after grooming, it's essential to take her to the vet for a proper diagnosis. The veterinarian will perform a medical examination and work with you to conduct a physical examination to make an accurate diagnosis.

They may ask you some questions to help determine the cause of the behavior, such as when the symptoms started, under what circumstances they often appear, if your dog has not been spayed and when her most recent heat was, and if there are any other symptoms besides genitalia licking.

A physical examination will be conducted to look inside the vulva and vagina, and imaging tests may be used to check for vaginal and uterine abnormalities and problems with the urinary system. Blood and urine tests can also check for other potential problems in the body and evaluate the condition of your dog's urinary system.

If an infection is suspected, a skin cytology test will be used to confirm it. This involves taking a sample of skin cells from the affected area to examine under a microscope.

Here are the potential tests and exams your vet may perform to diagnose the issue:

If your dog is licking her private area after grooming, it's possible that there's something bothering her down there.

Some medical conditions that can cause excessive licking include vaginitis, which can be caused by trauma, foreign bodies, tumors, clotting disorders, anatomical abnormalities, or hormonal abnormalities.

Pyometra is another condition that can cause symptoms like licking privates and abnormal vaginal discharge. It's caused by bacteria invading the uterus through an open cervix during estrus.

Allergies can also lead to itching in the genital area, whether it's environmental allergies like pollen or food allergies.

UTIs (urinary tract infections and stones) can also cause discomfort and lead to excessive licking.

Stress, anxiety, and behavioral problems can also cause your dog to lick her private area excessively.

Common signs of a UTI include pustules or bumps on the skin, and a dark red appearance with an odor.