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 wet and stinky, but it's not a bladder infection.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Newfoundland | Female | spayed | 1 year and 9 months old | 95 lbs

Hi! Silva has wet spots around her vulva that stink. Tested for bladder infection (none). Got antiniotics and chlorgexidine pads. Did not work. We cut the fur, started washing and drying every day. Seemed to help, but now it's back. Hope to avoid antibiotics, she took too many this year. She does not scratch it. Licks once a day or so. Happy and playful, but seems to pee when she's not planning to. Diet: one-third dry and canned food, two-thirds home cooked meet, gizzards and veggies. Thank you!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on May 6th, 2020

I would recommend a urine analysis to rule out complicating factors such as urinary crystals, stones or infection but incontinence is also a distinct possibility especially in a spayed female. There are effective medications which can be prescribed by your vet should other causes be ruled out

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 20th, 2016
Incontinence is quite common in spayed females, although it usually starts at an older age, you will need to take her to the vet to rule out other conditions first (urinary infection, kidney disease, diabetes) and if she is cleared of these diseases she can be started on medications for urinary incontinence.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on May 27th, 2017
It is possible she is developing incontinence which is quite common in females, especially once spayed. UTIs generally are associated with frequent attempts, straining and small volumes of urine rather than leakage bed when sleeping or sitting. Contact your vets office to report the additional signs, most cases can be successfully managed with medication
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog licking her vulva and leaking clear fluid when walking?

I am sorry to hear about Stella! I would recommend that she sees her veterinarian for an examination. We can have dogs get infections of bacteria or yeast in the vulva area, but we can also see this symptom as a sign of a urinary tract infection or some urinary incontinence. Your vet can examine her and check for signs of infection, and based on their findings make a treatment plan. Your post states that your dog is spayed, if she was not spayed we would also be concerned about the chance of a pyometra, or infected uterus, which would need to be seen right away.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Spayed dog leaks urine, licks, smells fishy after UTI. What's wrong?

I would assume the small is from her anal glands I would recommend having a veterinarian express them to make sure they are not infected or impacted. If they are infected it can cause excess licking but not linked to urinary issues. If dogs are spayed very young they can get incontience issues. However I would highly recommend doing a urine culture first and making sure she is 100 percent healthy before starting incontience medications

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My female dog smells fishy and licks her vulva. What's the cause?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Even though Blossom's anal glands are empty she could be leaking anal gland material and that is what you are smelling or they could be infected. Having your Vet express them and see what the material is like may be helpful. The other possibility is a UTI, but they usually have increased urgency to urinate. She could also have an infection around the skin of her vulva. I would bring her and a urine sample to your vet to have those areas checked out. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog licks her vulva, smells bad, and pees inside. Is it a UTI?

Horrible odors are usually caused by bacterial infections. So when Macie licks her vulva, she is massaging secretions out which should be odorless. It appears she has a bacterial infection since there is a smell. She could be suffering from a vaginal infection or a UTI, Peeing in the house and straining are cardinal signs of a UTI.I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam. Bring fresh urine (you can catch it with a kitchen ladle) or do not take her out to pee before you go to the vet, as the vet will need urine to examine. Macie will need antibiotics for at least 10 days, sometimes longer,

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior dog's vulva is black and licked by male dog. Is it serious?

Hi, she is probably suffering with incontinence, do you ever see any urine after she lies down or in the morning after her sleep ? I would also rule out a urinary tract infection with a simple urine test. The incontinence can be easily cured with some medications from your vet. Those areas around her vagina that have turned black are likely secondary to the incontinence and the care from your other dog. I don’t think you should worry about these signs before your holidays but the sooner you get her seen and started on the meds and the more comfortable she will be.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my older spayed dog suddenly incontinent and licking herself?

Poor Lulu! If she has been checked for underlying problems that could cause incontinence (such as diabetes, Cushing's disease, or chronic kidney disease), then I agree that it's likely her incontinence is due to being an older spayed female. I would recommend asking your veterinarian about medication to control this condition, such as Proin or DES (diethylstilbestrol) - these are quite effective at managing incontinence in most cases :)

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my dog have recurring vaginal discharge and smelly urine?

She could have a recurring vaginitis because of the damp environment of the diapers. I would get her seen by your vet to be sure and see what needs to be done about it. If she can go for periods of time without the diapers to let her rear dry and let air circulate that would be ideal but I understand that may not be feasible.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share