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Why does my female dog have bumps on her vulva or genital area?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 10 months old | 110 lbs
Hi, my dog has these really weird bumps on her vagina, and I was hoping to figure out what’s wrong.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 27th, 2018
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.
13Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 24th, 2018
Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Poor Hatty. I can imagine somewhat what this looks like based on your description; however a picture does help us get a good idea of what is going on with your pet. Despite that, it sounds like Hatty may have a bacterial infection, which can be caused by a contact dermatitis or even a hooded vulva (a vulva that has extra skin around it). It sounds like your vet is treating for both bacteria and a fungal infection to cover all possibilities. However if it had been 7 days with no improvement, or if things seem to be getting worse, then it’s best to get things re-evaluated by your vet or get a second opinion by another veterinarian. This would involve having a physical examination done, because we have to check for any anatomical defects like the hooded vulva I mentioned earlier, and also get skin testing done as well. If this is mostly a bacterial infection, a skin culture would be the next step to determine what specific antibiotic will work to clear up this infection.
Also antibacterial wipes (ie Chlorhexidine wipes) are often helpful for bacterial infections around the vulva, which are available only through your vet.
If there is an underlying allergy causing this, then allergy medicine needs to be prescribed as well. However if this is an anatomical issue (ie Hooded vulva), then consistent wiping around the vulva is a conservative treatment that can keep infections at bay, but generally surgical removal of the excess skin is the only way to permanently fix that issue.
I hope that this is helpful for you to know what next steps are needed for Harry’s care. If you would like to share a photo for more specific guidelines or if you need to share more information through a private consultation, feel free to send in the request. We are here to help and to get you on the right track towards your pets care.
Best wishes and take care.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful