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Dog's vulva red and irritated after grooming. How to soothe it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

My 7.5 year old Chihuahua has swollen, irritated and red vulva after visiting the groomer yesterday. There is not discharge or odor but she is constantly licking and appears to be experiencing discomfort. She will not sit on her bottom. What can I do to provide her with some relief

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 28th, 2017

My guess is that she got some razor burn around the vulva. Do you have any hydrocortisone cream? If so, I would use that. Just put a thin layer on the vulva (not inside) twice a day. Do not let her lick it off. If she is licking you will need to get her a cone collar to wear.

If you don't have any hydrocortisone cream you can get some at any drugstore. I recommend getting 0.5%. These ones that are made for dogs would be best. You can get them at Petco. I prefer the spray to the cream.

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-hydrocortison-cream

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-spray-with-5-hydrocortisone

https://www.petco.com/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-first-aid/dog-recovery-cones

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on September 19th, 2016
Poor pup! Excessive licking in this area can be due to a urinary tract infection or vaginitis. But, if she was recently groomed, it's also possible that she has some mild irritation due to the grooming products or clippers being used. You can try using a topical hydrocortisone spray labeled for dogs (you can get this at most pet stores) on the area around her vulva to see if this helps - make sure not to get it directly in her vagina or rectum, since it's not meant to be applied to delicate areas like this. If it's mild irritation from being groomed, it should resolve over the next 2-3 days. If it doesn't, then I would recommend having her examined by a vet to see what's wrong.
26Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 9th, 2019
I am sorry to hear about Lizzy. If she is licking her anal area it could be due to anal glands, but if she is licking her vulva then it can be a sign of a urinary tract infection or an infection of the skin around the vulva/the vulvar folds. If she is doing this excessively I would recommend bringing her in to her veterinarian for an examination.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 9th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Possible causes are: leaking urine (urinary incontinence, usually see their bedding is wet after sleeping), vaginitis, urinary tract infection, crystals in the urine that could be causing a burning feeling.

I recommend having S examined by your Vet. Bring a urine sample with you so they can check it for crystals and infection.

She may be put on antibiotics if there is an infection, a special diet if crystals and if urinary incontinence is suspected then Proin or DES.

I hope this helps and good luck!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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