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My puppy has dirty fur and pus after peeing. Is it juvenile vaginitis?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 17 days old | 7.27 lbs

My 7 week old puppy gets very dirty after she wees, the little hairs get crusty and stale and collects dirt from the ground. I try to clean her with warm water and a soft towel. Yesterday she did many drip wees and today she has some pus. I gently clean the pus away. It's not red. Is it juvenile vaginitis?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 29th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Without seeing her it is hard to say what is going on. It could be an external skin infection or a urinary tract infection. I would recommend cutting the hairs around her vulva to prevent continued contamination and bringing her to a vet with a fresh urine sample to rule out infection. If necessary they can get her some antibiotics. Good luck and kisses to Amaya!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on May 3rd, 2018
This could be a few different things. This could indicate a urinary tract infection, a vaginitis, or an upcoming heat cycle. I would watch her closely. If she start squatting to pee a lot, having accidents, lickingher vulva excessively or the discharge is green, I would ha e your vet take a look at her to ensure she doesn’t need any meds. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on July 1st, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

From your pictures her vulva looks normal. Excessive licking of any region of the body isn't normal. Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) are licking excessively, increased frequency of urination, straining or urinate, or urinary accidents. Puppies tend to normally make a lot of noise when they sleep. That isn't a classic sign of a UTI. The best thing to do is to collect a urine sample with a flat plastic tray or small frying pan and have your Vet check the urine for infection or crystals. Be sure you have had her examined and her vaccines started. Other reason or licking is leaking urine (incontinence), puppy vaginitis, or a skin infection in the vulva area (which isn't seen on your pictures.

I wish Penny the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 20th, 2017
It can be a sign of a urinary tract infection or a sign she feels dirty if some is getting her hair wet around her vulva which can lead to a skin infection around it. You can try to have the hair trimmed around that area (sanitary cut) and wipe it clean and see if you notice the behavior or any discharge or fouls smelling spots in the skin. If it continues or notice anything unusual then take her for a check up
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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