Female dogs can experience problems with their genitalia. It is important to regularly inspect the vulva of female dogs to check for its integrity.
Dog Vulva Irritation
- This means that an irritation of the dog’s vulva is evident primarily through manifestation of swelling.
- The vulva refers to the external genitalia in female dogs.
- Not all vulva irritation in dogs requires medical treatment.
Dog Vulva Swelling:
- Swelling of the vulva can be indicative of a mild infection or simply because the dog is in heat.
- When female dogs are in heat, their vulva naturally swell from the hormones present during this particular period.
- If the dog is not in heat and there is swelling, infection may be the more likely case.
Dog Vulva Infection
- One of the most common infections that can cause swelling of the vulva is a urinary tract infection or vaginal infection such as Vaginitis.
- Aside from a swollen vulva, other signs and symptoms must also be present when UTI or Vaginitis is suspected to be the cause.
- If it is observed that the dog is not suffering from an infection, other medical conditions could be the cause.
Causes and Treatment
- Being in heat and having a UTI is not the only cause for a swollen vulva.
- Other causes include an allergic reaction and complications during labor.
- Treatment of vulva swelling will depend on the causative factor identified.
- Antibiotics are usually prescribed if infection is suspected.
- Antihistamines may be prescribed for an allergic reaction.