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What's causing my dog's rash, discoloration, and bump near her vulva?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 2 months old | 40 lbs

My dog has had discoloring on her hair and skin around vulva as well as A rash around the scar from being spayed as a puppy, there’s no smell but I just noticed a pimple like bump on her vulva

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 25th, 2019

That does look a bit irritated. Issues such as allergies, or even issues like bladder infections can cause itching or irritation. If Laika is licking the area, it can also increase irritation. I would place an Elizabethan (cone) collar on her to keep her from licking it and keep the area clean with pet wipes or a washcloth. If the irritation continues, or you see signs such as straining to urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, strange discharge, etc, then seeking veterinary care is best.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 18th, 2023
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on the pictures you provided, there definitely appears to be darkened spots / lesions near the vulva. If Meeko is licking at the area, it could indicate a urinary tract infection. She could also be licking if the urine is collecting on the fur and sitting there, causing irritation. If her urinary habits are normal and urine appears to be normal (if you can see it), try treating the skin using something called Miconahex spray (easily obtained online) and apply this twice daily until resolved. If she continues to have problems or is having urinary issues as well, I would take her in to be seen by your veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on January 7th, 2017
Poor Nala! She may have a urinary tract infection or vaginitis causing her to lick her vulva excessively, or she could have a skin infection or allergy-related problem causing itching of the skin in this area. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to - he/she can do a urinalysis or some simple skin tests if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 30th, 2017
It could be that Nala is scratching her skin causing these sores. This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, she will need a spot on treatment such as Advantage or Revolution. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the scratching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why does my female dog have bumps on her vulva or genital area?

This presentation could be due to a localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

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What to do if my dog has a red, blotchy rash near her privates?

This looks like local irritation or infection. You would need to have Belle physically examined by your veterinarian, though, for confirmation. In the meantime, keep the area clean and dry. You can use pet wipes or plain, unscented baby wipes to gently clean the area. Dry thoroughly afterwards. A small amount of plain cornstarch will work to keep the folds in her skin dry. An e-collar (cone) should be used to prevent further licking. This, along with cleaning, may be enough to allow healing, but if not then Belle will need to be seen by your vet. Monitor for lethargy, excessive urination, difficulty urinating or spread of the rash.

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My dog's vulva is red and irritated. What's the best treatment?

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