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Have you ever wondered why female dogs have hair on their privates? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
Believe it or not, this is a very common question that pet parents ask about their female dogs. It’s usually because the pet parents are focused on their dog’s hygiene and how to handle it.
We’ve put together information to answer this question and how to take care of your dog’s hygiene in the potty area. Let’s get started!
Why Do Female Dogs Have Hair There?
Hair on all mammals serves multiple purposes that include insulating against cold, providing camouflage, sexual recognition, and more. Not many people realize that even dolphins and whales have hair!
For dogs, having hair on their privates can keep them warmer in the winter and offer some protection against certain bugs. It’s really that simple.
Keeping a Female Dog’s Private Hair Clean
Most vets recommend keeping the hair near your female dog’s privates trimmed. The reason is that the fur can easily become tangled and matted, causing pain and skin irritation. Keeping the fur trimmed also keeps the area cleaner.
Remember that female dogs have a shorter urethra than male dogs. That means it’s easier for a female dog to develop a urinary tract infection (UTI). If the fur around her private areas gets too long, it’s easier for bacteria to grow there and then travel up the dog’s urethra.
Another problem is the area becomes dirty from splashed urine and feces. So, keeping it trimmed helps keep your fur baby cleaner and smelling better! What’s more, she’ll also be comfortable if the hair in her private area is kept trimmed and clean.
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Ask a Vet Live NowThe Potty Patch
The “Potty Patch” is the haircut used on a dog’s private area. The hair is trimmed to keep it more hygienic for the dog. That means a female dog may need the hair around her anus and vulva trimmed.
While this seems terribly personal, it’s necessary to keep your fur baby from developing any number of health conditions, including infections and tangled fur.
If your dog’s privates become uncomfortable and dirty, you may notice that she’s started scooting across the carpet or other surfaces. She’s trying to relieve itching or may be trying to remove gunked-on poop that’s become entangled in her fur!
Some pet parents use a pair of sharp dog shears (scissors) to trim the fur near the potty patch.
Summing It Up
So, it’s essential to keep your female dog’s private area clean and trimmed, especially if she has longer hair. That way, she won’t have to deal with infections or even poop tangled in her fur! She’ll be cleaner and more comfortable as a result!
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.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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