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My dog licks her vulva, smells bad, and pees inside. Is it a UTI?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 30 lbs

My dog won’t stop licking herself! Every time she licks “down there” there’s a horrible odor, but it only occurs when she licks. Not sure if it is a UTI but she has been peeing in the house randomly and straining to urinate.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 26th, 2018

Horrible odors are usually caused by bacterial infections. So when Macie licks her vulva, she is massaging secretions out which should be odorless. It appears she has a bacterial infection since there is a smell. She could be suffering from a vaginal infection or a UTI, Peeing in the house and straining are cardinal signs of a UTI.I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam. Bring fresh urine (you can catch it with a kitchen ladle) or do not take her out to pee before you go to the vet, as the vet will need urine to examine. Macie will need antibiotics for at least 10 days, sometimes longer,

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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