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It can be a little difficult to talk about it, but you may have noticed your female dog biting her private area. Why is she doing this, and what’s causing the problem?
It’s not uncommon for dogs to lick or bite their private areas once in a while. After all, everyone gets itchy sometimes! But if the problem seems to be constant, then there’s something causing this behavior.
We’ve put together information on some different conditions that may cause your female dog to bite her private areas! Let’s get started!
Why a Female Dog May Bite Her Private Area
There are several conditions that can cause a female dog to bite her private area. We’ve included some information on the most common causes of this behavior.
1. Stress & Hormones
A female dog may bite and lick her private areas constantly if she’s feeling stressed and/or having hormonal issues. A dog may bite her private areas as a way to reduce stress. However, this behavior may also be caused by a hormonal imbalance. A hormonal imbalance can be caused by an underlying medical condition or even by stress.
2. Infection
Another common cause of this behavior is an infection. It’s possible your dog could have developed an infection in her private areas. The infection may cause pain, itching, and other forms of discomfort. Dogs often lick or bite at painful areas to relieve the pain and discomfort they’re experiencing.
3. Vaginitis
Female dogs may also develop a condition called vaginitis. The dog’s vulva may be swollen due to being in a heat cycle. However, vaginitis may also be caused by infections.
4. Allergies
Dogs can sometimes develop allergies to things in their environment, just like us. If a dog’s private areas are itching and irritated, she may try to relieve the discomfort by biting. You may notice your female dog licking and biting her hind legs and private areas.
The dog’s allergies can be caused by food, flea bites (dogs can be allergic to fleas and their bites), pollen, or other things in her environment.
5. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A UTI can also cause a female dog to bite her private areas. The infection is caused by bacteria anywhere in the urinary tract. If left untreated, this type of infection can also go to the kidneys and cause a serious health issue for the dog.
6. Anal Gland Impaction
Another common cause of a dog biting her private areas is anal gland impaction. This condition develops when the anal glands become impacted and/or infected. Your female dog may scoot across the floor to find relief from the pain and discomfort, or she may bite her private areas. These infections are very painful and must be treated by a vet.
What Should I Do If My Female Dog is Licking Her Private Areas?
Because there are so many reasons that may cause your female dog to lick her private areas, it’s best to call the vet and make an appointment to have your fur baby checked.
The vet can diagnose and treat most causes of this kind. In addition, most of the issues that cause this behavior must be treated by a vet. So, be sure to get your female dog to the vet to see what’s causing her discomfort!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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