Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog's vulva is red and swollen after grooming. What could it be?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed

Hi, my pet Shihtzu has been to the groomers yesterday as her hair was really long! She's had it all cut short but today we have noticed her vulva is red and swollen, could you advise what this could be?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 5th, 2017

This looks like a mass adjacent to the vulva, and it is probably not related to the recent grooming. This could be a benign mass like a lipoma or could be something more serious, and I would recommend taking her to your veterinarian to have it examined. They may want to take a small sample using a needle. Another possibility would be a hernia, although this is a little less likely based on your picture, but a veterinarian would probably be able to determine whether or not a hernia is possible based on an exam.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS
Veterinarian
It is hard to see from the photo but this actually looks like a mass near the vulva as opposed to a swollen vulva. I would have it checked and tested by the vet as lumps in this area can be nasty. Otherwise it may be a reaction in the skin due to clipping or shampoo but I think this is less likely.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 14th, 2018
This looks like a mild skin infection around the vulva but she may also have some vaginitis or a urinary tract infection that is causing the problem. I suggest you get her to your vet for an exam. I don't think it is an emergency but you should try to have her examined in the next few days.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 21st, 2017
It is difficult to see from the photo when I try to enlarge it but it looks as though there may be a tumor (mass) above the vulva. That does not look normal. I would suggest you get her to a vet for an exam. I don't think it is an emergency but I would try to get her examined in the next few days. Hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on June 6th, 2019
The pictures are very pixelated and I can’t get a good view. It does however look like there is a mass protruding from her vulva. There are a variety of tumors that can develop in that area. Some are malignant where as some are benign but you cannot tell the difference by looks. I recommend to have your pup examined by the veterinarian who may aspirate the mass or sedate her and remove the mass and send it for testing. Best to have this done early. In the meantime try to protect the area from trauma. She may need to wear a doggy diaper and an Elizabethan collar if she is licking at the area. Also check it for any evidence of wounds or infection. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has swollen vulva with pimple-like bumps after mating. What is it?

I am sorry to hear about your dog! These look like they could be pustules, or small spots of bacterial infection, perhaps from some minor trauma to the skin during mating which then became infected with bacteria. I would recommend having your vet examine the area, as they may want to prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog's vulva swollen, red, and she has lice and hair loss?

I would recommend that you have Chowper examined by a veterinarian. It is hard to see the pictures since they are a little dark and blurry. I am seeing areas of hair loss, and possibly bruising in the third picture. A common cause of hair loss in young dogs is demodectic mange. This would require treatment with a veterinarian. Other possible causes for hair loss include fleas, lice, infections (bacterial or yeast), ringworm, allergies, among others. A vet can examine the skin and determine what is the cause so that she can be started on the best treatment. A swollen vulva with red discharge can be caused by a dog being in heat or in labor. If her mammary glands are enlarged, then it is possible that she is pregnant, since this does not normally happen in dogs in heat. While it is not common in younger dogs, it is still possible that she has an infection in her uterus (called a pyometra), which would require emergency vet care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is a skin growth below my dog's vulva normal? What could it be?

Based on the photos you provided, it appears as though Kahlua may have a skin infection with the red bumps on the abdomen and near her vulva. I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate treatment can be recommended. She will likely need an oral antibiotic as well as topical therapy to treat this. The vulva can be assessed more closely on examination as well. Please let me know if you have any further questions and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's anus is red, swollen, and wet after grooming. Is it serious?

Hi there and thanks for posting. Certain shampoos or sprays may irritate the skin and anus especially if she has a history of sensitive skin. Sometimes the groomers will express the anal glands as part of their grooming routine. If that was the case, sometimes there can be a small amount of inflammation afterwards especially if the anal sacs were very full. She may also have a skin infection or infection of the anal sacs as well which may be unrelated to the grooming. Feel free to send along pictures or you can also request a consult with me to share pictures and I can provide additional feedback. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior Shih Tzu has a grape-sized lump near her private area. What is it?

Thank you for your question. If you have access to a veterinarian, I would go there now. It is a little difficult to tell from the picture, but this looks like it could possibly be a vaginal prolapse, meaning some of the tissue from inside the vagina has come out. The sooner this gets addressed the better the chance of recovery. Once it stays out, it can swell and get harder to put back inside. I hope Midge can get help soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My female dog's vulva is red. What could be causing this symptom?

Inflammation in that area can make it look red. Dogs can get vaginitis, infections, tumors or it can get inflamed if she has been licking at it more than normal. Pay close attention to her urination habits as a UTI can cause pain which can cause increased licking. If the redness does not go away after a few days, if she seems uncomfortable or itchy, or if you see a change her urination, have her seen by her veterinarian. It never hurts though to have it checked out right away. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share