My dog scratches her vulva, lifts her leg, and cries. What's wrong?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Sophie!! Possible causes are: burning feeling from a UTI or crystals in her urine, impacted anal glands or skin issue or fleas on the back part of her. I would put her in the tub and rinse her off back there to see if it helps. If she is still agitated and crying then I would collect a urine sample and have her seen by a vet this morning. I wish Sophie the best!

Hello and thank you for your question. Lucy is exhibiting the signs of cystitis. This is an inflammation of the urinalysis bladder. It can be caused by an infection, bladder stones or crystals in the urine. It would be best to have Lucy examined by your veterinarian and a urinalysis fine to determine the exact cause and necessary treatment. Cystitis can be uncomfortable and it is best to have her looked at as soon as possible to get her some relief. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lilo. That could be a cyst, an infected area, or a growth. She's doing these behaviors because it's bothering her. I'd have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning to get this diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.

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.

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Without seeing Lucy it is hard to say for sure. Gnawing at one area could be a sign of an allergy, like a flea allergy or pain. Even if you aren't seeing live fleas it doesn't mean they aren't there. And for dogs that are allergic, they tend to lick and scratch over the tail base. If there is a painful joint or area, dogs will lick a lot. At 13 it is very likely to have arthritis pain, this would also explain the buckling in her back. I recommend taking Lucy to the vet for a thorough physical exam and blood work to start anti-inflammatories. Please do not give any medications over the counter until you talk to your vet. In the meantime, you can wash the area with a mild soap (like Dial) and water to relieve some of the inflammation. Good luck and kisses to Lucy!

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.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Humping and licking can also be related to Booba's heat cycle if she is not spayed. However, if she is spayed, a bladder or vaginal infection is also possible. Signs of a bladder infection include frequent urination, blood in urine, or urinating where she shouldn't. Vaginal infections can involve redness of the vagina along with discharge. Both of these conditions can be easily ruled out by your vet with an exam, bloodwork, and a urinalysis if necessary. I hope all is well!