🐾 Vaginitis in Dogs: Veterinary Advice & 2025 Care Guide 🩺

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we cover everything you need to know about vaginitis in dogs—an inflammation of the vagina that can affect pups and adult dogs alike. Whether it’s simple irritation or a sign of deeper illness, this article will help you identify symptoms, understand causes, and navigate diagnosis, treatment, hygiene, and prevention. Plus, learn how Ask A Vet, can support your pup’s comfort and recovery. Let’s begin! 💙🐶

1. What Is Vaginitis? 🤔

Vaginitis means inflammation of the vagina and/or vestibule. It often manifests as vaginal discharge, redness, swelling, and discomfort—sometimes without systemic illness. Even spayed adult dogs can be affected.

2. Who Gets It & Types 🐾

• Puppies (juvenile vaginitis): common under 6–8 months; typically mild and self‑resolving by first heat.
• Adult dogs: intact or spayed; may occur in chronic, recurring cases.

3. Signs & Symptoms 🕵️♂️

• Vulvar licking or scooting.
• Discharge—cloudy, mucoid, purulent, sometimes blood-tinged.
• Frequent urination or urgency.
• Redness, swelling, and occasional urinary incontinence.
• Dogs remain usually bright; systemic illness is rare.

4. Causes & Risk Factors ⚠️

Causes include:

• Bacterial infections—often secondary to moisture or hygiene issues.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) leading to secondary irritation.
• Structural defects—e.g., hooded vulva, foreign body, trauma.
• Viral infections (e.g., herpes) or neoplasia; though rare.
• Hormonal disturbances or anatomical abnormalities such as ectopic ureter.

5. Diagnostic Work-Up 🔬

• History & physical exam focusing on vulva, discharge, and hygiene.
• Vaginal cytology & culture: identify inflammation and bacterial growth; interpret carefully.
• Urinalysis & culture: differentiate from UTI.
• Imaging or vaginoscopy: inspect for foreign bodies or structural issues.
• Blood tests: check for systemic disease when needed.

6. Treatment & Care 🛠️

6.1 Puppy Vaginitis

• Usually resolves after first heat cycle; gentle hygiene with unscented wipes.
• Antibiotics if discharge is significant.

6.2 Adult-onset Vaginitis

• Culture-guided antibiotics for bacterial causes.
• Topical antiseptic douches if recommended.
• Manage structural issues (e.g., vulvoplasty for hooded vulva).
• NSAIDs or mild anti-inflammatories to relieve discomfort.
• In resistant cases: surgery for anatomical anomalies.

7. Recovery & Prognosis ✅

• Puppies: usually fully resolved post-heat; excellent prognosis.
• Adults: most respond to treatment within 2–3 weeks; chronic or anatomical cases depend on intervention.
• Regular follow-up to prevent recurrence and monitor healing.

8. Prevention & Home Care 🏡

• Daily gentle cleaning—unscented baby wipes after toileting.
• Trim fur around vulva to avoid moisture buildup.
• Maintain a healthy weight and hygiene for prone breeds.
• Consider spaying at appropriate age if not breeding.
• Monitor for recurring symptoms or discharge patterns.

9. Support from Ask A Vet💡

• Ask A Vet: Remote assessments, sampling guidance, follow-ups, and treatment plans.

10. When to Call the Vet 🚨

• Discharge persists beyond a few days, smells foul, or contains pus/blood.
• Swelling, redness, or trauma near vulva.
• Signs of systemic illness—lethargy, fever, vomiting.
• Recurring cases, especially with structural issues.

11. Final Thoughts 📝

Vaginitis is a manageable condition most of the time—especially in puppies and uncomplicated adult cases. With timely diagnosis, proper treatment, diligent hygiene, and structural support as needed, most dogs recover fully. Leveraging remote veterinary care and supportive tools from Ask A Vet, ensures your pup receives personalized, attentive care in 2025 and beyond. 🐾💙

If you observe ongoing discharge, irritation, or your dog seems uncomfortable, book a telehealth call via AskAVet.com, and download our app for personalized follow-up and planning. 🌟