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Why is my female dog licking her private area, stiff, and shivering?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed

My dog seems to be uncomfortable, walking stiffly and licking her private area frequently and occasionally shivering. Is it possible it's a yeast infection?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 8th, 2018

It sounds like Honey is in pain or has an infection. Since she is licking her vulva frequently and walking stiffly there is a possibility that she is suffering from a urinary tract infection or, especially since she was not spayed, a uterine infection, which is potentially life threatening.
Please take her to your vet for an exam as a urinary tract infection can potentially turn into a serious kidney infection , and a uterine infection is potentially fatal.
A UTI is usually treated with a course of antibiotics, and a uterine infection is usually treated by surgery, ie the pus-filled uterus and ovaries are removed and your dog will also be prescribed pain medicine and antibiotics.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 16th, 2020

    That looks pretty abnormal. I recommend Sandy be examined by the veterinarian. She likely needs either antibiotics or antifungal medications. This could be related to something like a bacterial infection, a yeast infection or a hormonal imbalance. She also needs to wear an elizabethan collar at all times to prevent any licking. Do be aware that sometimes a bladder infection can present this way as well. I hope they figure out the issue quickly.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 12th, 2017

    To me the vulva does not seem swollen, it seem normal, but of course it may be more swollen that it usually is. in such a case it could be due to a slight infection, either in the urinary tract or vagina. for now i would recommend just monitoring it, if it gets worse then you should take her to the vet to get it checked.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 27th, 2016

    Her vagina could be swollen due to an infection, a UTI, or going into heat if she isn't spayed. I would take her her into the vet first thing in the morning. Doing a physical exam, blood tests, and a urinalysis, the vet can diagnose what is causing a swollen vagina, and can prescribe a treatment for it.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Why is my dog licking her private area and peeing herself at night?
Hello, Licking the vaginal area excessively could be a sign of a urinary tract infection or vaginitis. A dog urinating in their sleep could be a sign of a urinary tract infection or urinary incontinence. An infection, kidney disease, or an endocrine abnormality could change the appearance or smell of her urine. Many dogs urinate when they are excited and that part is totally normal. I would recommend taking her into her veterinarian. They will likely recommend a urinalysis to start. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why is my dog licking her vulva and leaking clear fluid when walking?
I am sorry to hear about Stella! I would recommend that she sees her veterinarian for an examination. We can have dogs get infections of bacteria or yeast in the vulva area, but we can also see this symptom as a sign of a urinary tract infection or some urinary incontinence. Your vet can examine her and check for signs of infection, and based on their findings make a treatment plan. Your post states that your dog is spayed, if she was not spayed we would also be concerned about the chance of a pyometra, or infected uterus, which would need to be seen right away.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog is whining, licking her vagina, and in pain: UTI or vaginitis?
I would suspect either a urinary tract infection or vaginitis, either way she will likely need a course of antibiotics in order to resolve this, i recommend taking her to your vet ASAP in order to get it treated.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog has white vaginal discharge, licks, and pees often. Why?
It sounds like Margo may have an infection in the uterus or lower genital tract. This is most common following a recent heat cycle. I would advise that she be examined by her veterinarian to confirm this. If she does have a uterine infection, your vet can advise you about the best treatment which may include oral antibiotics or having her spayed depending on the severity.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why is my dog licking her private parts and crying after a new shampoo?
Some dogs do have allergies that can make them focus on the vulva and sometimes they can even end up with an infection around the vulva. You could use a warm washcloth to wipe daily to see if it will help. If she’s not improving in a few days or if you start to notice urinary issues I’d recommend having your vet examine her.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why does my female dog keep licking her vulva or private parts?
Hello, sorry to hear about Ollie. Occasionally, female dogs can have a hooded vulva which can cause a dermatitis around the area which may elicit itchiness and a mild infection. Other causes such as allergies and fleas can also contribute to being itchy around that area. I would inspect the region and if you see dark brown pigmented fur or red skin, I would make an appointment with your veterinarian to have her evaluated. Hope this helps and best of luck
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my female dog licking her raw privates? Are fleas the cause?
Hi. Poor Luci. The fleas may have started her licking, or she could have a skin infection in the area. Some female dogs (especially if overweight) dribble a bit of urine and can develop urine scald or yeast infection in that area. It may be a combination of all of the above. You can treat for fleas and gently bath with medicated dog shampoo but if that doesn't help Luci needs to see the vet for exam and approriat medication.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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