Vulva dermatitis – every dog owner dreads seeing those angry red patches on their pup’s private parts. I know I hate seeing my dog scratching and licking down there constantly. It looks so uncomfortable! In this article, we’ll discuss what typically causes flare-ups of vulva dermatitis in dogs and some home remedies you can try to ease your dog’s symptoms.
Vulva dermatitis is inflammation of the skin around a dog’s vulva area. It’s usually triggered by allergies, infections, or other irritants that sensitize sensitive skin. The irritation and itchiness can be painful and bothersome for a puppy.
The good news is some simple home treatments, and lifestyle changes can be tried to help soothe a dog’s vulva dermatitis flare-ups. In this article, we’ll go over changes to diet, ointments that can be applied, and other handy home tips to try. By experimenting with different remedies, pet parents can control their dog’s dermatitis and their pup’s bottom to be happy and healthy.
What Causes Vulva Dermatitis in Dogs?
Contents
Now that we’ve covered the basics of vulva dermatitis let’s dive into what typically causes this irritation and inflammation around your pup’s private parts. I’ve seen dogs deal with vulva dermatitis from a range of sources. Based on my personal experience and research, these are some of the most common culprits behind flare-ups:
Allergies
Like people, dogs can develop allergies to foods, environments, and other substances that cause itchy skin reactions. Allergic reactions around the vulva are common. It could be something in their diet or seasonal allergens they’re exposed to. Figuring out the specific allergen is critical.
Bacterial or Yeast Infections
Infections from bacteria, yeast, or other microbes can develop in the vulva, especially in dogs with weakened immune systems. This causes significant irritation and vulva dermatitis symptoms. Antibiotics or antifungals may be needed.
Chemicals and Irritants
Exposure to perfumes, cleaning products, or other chemicals around the house can irritate the sensitive vulva skin in some dogs. Things like urine, feces, and grass could also trigger a reaction. Avoiding irritants can help prevent flare-ups.
Identifying which causes may be at play is an essential first step toward treating your dog’s vulva dermatitis. Let’s review the home remedies and relief options that can help once the underlying cause is identified.
Home Remedies to Soothe Your Pup’s Vulva Dermatitis
Okay, you figured out what’s causing your dog’s vulva dermatitis – great work! Now let’s get into some home remedies you can try to ease her discomfort and irritation down there. Based on what’s worked for my dog and recommendations from vets, here are some handy home remedies to try:
Dietary Changes to Reduce Inflammation
Switching up her diet can make a massive difference if your pup has food allergies. Try an elimination diet or limited-ingredient food without common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy, etc. You can also ask your vet about prescription hydrolyzed protein diets. Omega fatty acid supplements can decrease inflammation too. My dog’s dermatitis improved so much after I changed her food.
Ointments & Cleansers for Soothing Relief
Gently cleaning the vulva area daily with a hypoallergenic, unscented wipe or washcloth is essential to prevent infections. Using a natural oatmeal-based cleanser can also be soothing. Apply a thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment like zinc oxide after baths and cleaning to protect the skin. I recommend calling your vet first for ointment recommendations.
More Tips to Prevent Flare-Ups
Watch for products or environments that trigger your dog’s vulva dermatitis. Avoiding perfumes, chemicals, urine, feces, grass, and other irritants can help prevent flare-ups. Keeping your home clean and your pup’s rear end clean is critical! Also, ensure she doesn’t lick or scratch excessively, which can worsen irritation.
How does vulva dermatitis manifest in dogs?
Dog vulva dermatitis is an inflammation of the vagin. It can lead to irritation of the affected area in the vulva. This is a bacterial infection. Other conditions include viral infections, hyperplasia, steroids, foreign bodies in the vagina, or tumors. They may also lead to dog dermatitis.
You may notice signs of dermatitis through discharge. You may also see increased urination or frequent licking of the area.
Vulva dermatitis is a condition that results in swelling, irritation, and vaginal discharge. Often the situation requires antibiotic medication, depending on the cause. However, some home remedies can be used to give your dog some relief or get your dog back to health. Home remedies often require simple ingredients you may already have inside your kitchen. Vulva dermatitis in dogs is very easily treatable once a diagnosis is made, and some dogs may find relief with home remedies.
With a combination of home remedies and veterinary treatment, most cases of vulva dermatitis can be managed successfully. Work with your vet to diagnose the underlying cause and provide relief. With diligent care, your dog’s vulva can heal, and she’ll be comfortable again.
References:
- Hillier, A. and Lloyd, D.H., 2001. Non-antimicrobial antimicrobial treatments in veterinary dermatology. Veterinary dermatology, 12(4), pp.163-174.
- Hillier, A., Lloyd, D.H., Weese, J.S., Blondeau, J.M., Boothe, D., Breitschwerdt, E., … & Rankin, S. (2019). Guidelines for the diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy of canine superficial bacterial folliculitis (Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases). Veterinary dermatology, 30(4), 163-e43. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/vde.12757
- Vercelli, A., Raviri, G., and Cornegliani, L., 2006. The use of essential fatty acids in canine atopic dermatitis: a clinical review. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 42(5), pp.283-287.
- Rosser Jr, E.J., 2004. Diagnosis and management of diseases of the anal sacs in dogs. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 40(2), pp.93-100.
- Mueller, R.S., 2012. Treatment of demodicosis in dogs: 2011 clinical practice guidelines. Veterinary dermatology, 23(2), pp.86-e21.
Amanda Wingfield is a certified Diabetes Management Specialist who also holds an MD in Endocrinology, with certifications from ABIM and AACE. She has a decade of experience serving thousands of patients through her independent practice and has been working in the capacity of an expert diabetes consultant for the past 4 years. Ms. Wingfield is revered by her regular readers for her in-depth research and evidence-based analysis of diabetes medications, supplements, and treatments, and her highly critical style of writing.