Vaginitis in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Vaginitis commonly affects puppies and spayed adult female dogs. It is thought that anatomical changes or hormone fluctuations may increase the risk of dogs developing vaginitis. This condition often requires treatment for resolution in adult dogs. 

What is Vaginitis in Dogs?

Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina that may cause redness, swelling, and discharge. In puppies, it is usually a harmless condition that resolves on its own after its estrus (heat cycle), but older dogs usually need treatment.

As puppies develop and go through their first estrus cycle, the anatomy of their vagina matures. This structural maturation helps resolve vaginitis in most cases without any treatment.  

In adult dogs, they have already previously gone through this maturation process so the underlying cause for the vaginitis generally requires treatment.  

Symptoms of Vaginitis in Dogs

Many dogs will not show any signs of vaginitis, or the symptoms may be intermittent. This may make it difficult for you to truly know if there is a health issue.  

If your dog does exhibit symptoms of vaginitis, signs may include: 

• Discharge from the vulva (typically cloudy and white to yellow in color) 

• Your dog licking their vulva constantly 

• Male dogs may sniff the vulva area or attempt to mount the female 

• Frequent urination/attempted urination  

• Irritation of the skin around the vulva (from excessive licking)  

Dogs with vaginitis typically do not appear sick and will appear playful and happy, despite exhibiting one of the above symptoms.

If you notice additional symptoms, like lethargy (tiredness), weakness, refusal to eat, or vomiting, please contact your vet immediately as these could be signs that a more serious issue is occurring. 

Causes of Vaginitis in Dogs

Anything that causes inflammation, irritation, or a moist environment can cause vaginitis.  

Most of the time, vaginitis is caused by a bacterial infection because bacteria tend to thrive in regions where there is warmth and moisture (such as the urogenital tract). Other possible causes may include: 

• A structural abnormality of the vulva (such as a hooded vulva that is hidden or recessed by surrounding skin) or urinary tract that makes it easier for bacterial infections to thrive  

• Viral infection, such as Canine Herpesvirus 

• Foreign material in the vagina, like dust or dirt 

• Medications, such as hormone altering/producing steroids, creams, etc.  

• Cancer  

• Certain conditions that cause sex hormones to be imbalanced, such as Cushing's disease or reproductive tumors  

How Veterinarians Diagnose Vaginitis in Dogs

If your dog has discharge from the vulva or any additional symptoms, your veterinarian will need to determine whether vaginitis is the root cause or if there’s an underlying problem (such as an infection or urinary tract abnormality) that needs addressing. This can be determined by a physical examination. 

Your vet will examine the vulvar area for signs of an infection. They may also take a sample of the discharge and analyze it under a microscope or submit a culture to the laboratory to determine if a bacterial infection is present.  

Your veterinarian may also recommend blood work to rule out more serious conditions, or an imaging test (like an X-ray or ultrasound) to examine the urinary tract.  

In some cases, more advanced diagnostics such as a vaginoscopy (a procedure where a small scope with a camera is used to examine the inside of the genital tract) may be required.  

Treatment of Vaginitis in Dogs

The best way to treat vaginitis in dogs depends on the severity and underlying cause (if one is known/present).  

In some instances, such as with puppies that haven’t yet gone through puberty, the condition usually resolves on its own.  

Although you can help by keeping the skin around her vulva clean and dry by using wet, dog-safe wipes such as Earth Rated Grooming Wipes, after your dog has been playing outside or after they have urinated. 

In more severe cases, antibiotics or surgery may be required. Antibiotics, such as Clavamox or cephalexin are often prescribed when bacterial infections are present in the vulva, vagina, or urinary tract.  

If an anatomical problem is the issue, your dog might need a surgery called vulvoplasty to correct it and to prevent future episodes of vaginitis. This surgery is common in dogs with hooded vulvas that frequently have vaginitis.  

Recovery and Management of Vaginitis in Dogs

An episode of vaginitis may last days to months depending on the cause. In puppies, this problem will often resolve after their first heat cycle, but that is not always the case.  

If a structural abnormality is present, your puppy may be susceptible to recurrence and flare-ups.  

Knowing whether your pet has a hooded/inverted vulva will help you determine if your pet is at an increased risk.  

Keeping the area around their vulva clean and dry should help, which can be done using antimicrobial dog wipes, such as Mal-A-Ket Wipes for Dogs, and a dry towel. 

Preventing  your dog from licking the area by having them wear a recovery cone during their recovery is also helpful.