Why Do Female Dogs Always Lick Themselves?

Nothing is better than your dog coming to greet you with her tail wagging and her body squiggling all over the place! She happily greets you with kisses, licking your face and hands!

But wait a minute! What if your dog has been licking herself before she gives you a big, sloppy kiss? Ewh, how gross is that? Well, it depends on what area she was licking before she gave you that big kiss!

Many dogs lick themselves for various reasons. But why does a female dog lick her private area?

Reasons a Female Dog May Lick Herself

Here are some of the most common reasons a dog may lick herself:

Grooming

It’s possible your dog is licking her private areas in order to groom herself. Your dog probably just makes a quick pass over this area. Some dogs do lick their private area after urinating, too. If your female dog tends to focus on this area very often, it may be an indication of another problem.

Your Dog’s in Heat

Female dogs in heat may lick their private areas, too. Your dog may also have a bloody discharge, which is normal in dogs that are not spayed. Dogs may go into heat one to three times a year. Your fur baby will probably stop licking herself when her heat is finished.

UTI

Another common reason for a female dog licking herself is that she may have a UTI (urinary tract infection). You may notice your dog licking herself after she urinates.

Allergies

Dogs may develop allergies around their private areas and when the skin becomes inflamed, lick that area to reduce pain and itching.

Impacted Anal Glands

Female dogs may also lick their private areas if they have impacted anal glands. When their glands become impacted, the glands can become swollen and smell bad. Your dog may lick the area excessively to find relief from the pain and discomfort. She may also scoot across the floor in the search to find relief.

Stress

Stress can affect dogs in many different ways. Some female dogs will lick themselves when they’re feeling stressed and anxious.

What to Do If Your Dog Licks Herself

If your dog seems to be licking her private area excessively, then it’s a good idea to call the vet and make an appointment. There’s a chance your dog could have an underlying medical condition causing her to lick so much.

The good news is that in most cases, the vet can treat the condition and your dog will soon feel better! And you’ll be happy to receive her kisses once again!