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Why is my dog's vulva brown after heat and she's licking it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 20 lbs

My dog just finished her second heat cycle and now the tip of her vulva is brown! When she was bleeding I bathed that area every other day to keep it clean. But I stopped after a week and days later she started licking it again. That’s when I noticed it got darker at the tip. At first I thought it could be from the discharge during her heat, but I’m not so sure anymore. It’s like a stain. She’s also been sleeping more than usual so I’m very worried! What should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on May 26th, 2019

Sometimes the genitalia can experience hyperpigmentation after a heat cycle. Some sort of infection is also possible and a physical exam is needed to tell the difference. I recommend to call your veterinarian who is most familiar with Zoe. They may recommend an exam. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 1st, 2019
This looks like hyperpigmentation. This could be normal (it looks normal to me). It could also be due to hormonal fluctuations or inflammation. You may not be seeing any discharge because she is licking it off before you see it. If she continues licking it a lot then she should be examined by your vet to be on the safe side.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on June 22nd, 2019
These are normal symptoms for a dog in heat. But the hair around the vulva is stained brown, which could indicate a yeast infection or UTI. I would have Lola examined by a vet just to be safe and check out these other possibilities.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

My dog's vulva skin is dark after heat bleeding stopped. Is it normal?

She is going out of heat and you will Roxie the swelling start to decrease. If there is no mucous vaginal discharge and she is acting normally, then I would not worry about the skin changing colors. There is not a known condition that causes this, but it is normal and usually will turn back with time. You may notice this happen on her belly too and it does not have to be related to a heat cycle

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Why is my dog's vulva red and licked excessively while in heat?

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Why is my dog's vulva blue/grey and sensitive after her first heat?

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Is it normal for my dog to obsessively lick her swollen vulva in heat?

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Why is my dog licking her vagina with discharge after giving birth?

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My dog is bleeding and licking after heat. Is it an infection?

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My dog has dry, dark skin around her vulva. What should I do?

Great pictures! This could be a mild infection - I can't tell without being able to look at all her skin. You can try bathing her with a regular dog shampoo every other week to see if that helps. If the dark areas gets worst, or Zoey starts itching, or you start seeing little red dots or pimples on Zoey's belly or near her vulva, she should go in to your regular veterinarian for evaluation.

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