Wrinkled dogs are more likely to get vulvar fold dermatitis, which causes irritation and skin lesions. Fortunately, you can avoid this problem in your dog.
This blog post explains all about dog vulvar dermatitis (DVD), how it’s caused, its symptoms, its home treatment, and prevention. Therefore, if you have a four-legged pal, you should keep reading!
What is Dog Vulvar Dermatitis?
Vulvar dermatitis is characterized by vaginal irritation, secretion, lesions, or pain, along with ulcers around the vulvar lips in some severe cases. This condition causes severe itching, and as a result, the dog will often and persistently lick the affected region.
Home Remedies For Canine Vulvar Dermatitis
You may attempt several home treatments for dog vulvar dermatitis at home; they are a complete fix. If you see any early signs of a dog’s vaginal infection or inflammation, you might try treating the condition with one of the following remedies:
Add Probiotics To Dog’s Meals
The primary objective of administering probiotics to a dog is to eradicate any diseases potentially hazardous to its health from the dog’s body.
Probiotics have been demonstrated to be beneficial in treating and preventing vaginitis in dogs. They are beneficial bacteria that can contribute to the suppression of the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Applying Apple Cider Vinegar To The Affected Area
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can destroy any harmful bacteria in your dog’s affected vagina. So, you can also use ACV for vulvar dermatitis. You can dilute ACV Home remedies for dog vulvar dermatitis with a significant quantity of water, mix it, and then spray it on the affected regions.
Change Your Dog’s Diet
The dog’s nutrition, allergies, and food sensitivity may all play a role in vulvar inflammation. Therefore, you should provide your dog with high-quality food that is packed with protein.
Avoid feeding your dog any food that has fillers or additives of any kind. You might also choose to take supplements that include omega-3 fatty acids in order to prevent skin sensitivities or inflammation.
If you are unsure about the type of food that should be given to your puppy, you may discuss it with your trusted veterinarian. Vaginitis in dogs may be avoided entirely by consuming a well-balanced diet in terms of the amounts of protein and fiber it contains.
Give Them A Good Bath
The accumulation of germs is the primary factor in cases of vulvar dermatitis. Bathing your dog thoroughly and appropriately is the most effective preventative measure you can take against canine vaginitis.
Keep The Home Clean And Dry
When treating your dog’s vulvar dermatitis at home with natural medicines, you must keep the environment where the bacteria dwells as clean as possible. The best way to avoid vulvar dermatitis in your dog is to maintain a clean environment for him at home and in his living space.
Apply Coconut Oil
Coconut oil readily alleviates the pain/itching in your pup’s body coat and provides a soothing effect on the affected area. Additionally, coconut oil is cheap and readily available.
Clean With Unscented Wipes
If your canine companion pup is suffering from vulvar dermatitis, you will notice a discharge that has an odd tint. Using unscented soft wipes, you should be able to remove them quickly.
Bear in mind, however, that treating adult dogs with canine vulvar dermatitis at home is an altogether different ballgame than treating puppies with the same treatment. It would be beneficial if you avoided wiping their genitalia.
Wiping or cleaning that region of an adult canine just alters the pH level, in contrast to what happens with puppies. In mature dogs, treatment for dog vulvar dermatitis should preferably begin with a visit to the local veterinarian.
Causes And Symptoms Of Dog Vaginitis
Causes
Malassezia, a yeast that usually lives in dogs’ genitalia, is the primary cause of vulvar dermatitis. This yeast usually lives in harmony with the dog’s immune system. Still, in cases of allergy and autoimmune disease can multiply uncontrollably, resulting in symptoms such as erythema, skin folds, unpleasant odor, seborrhea, and peeling.
It is also conceivable for feces or urine to be pulled into the afflicted organ; among other potential reasons, one may mention lesions in the vagina or the creation of an abscess. Possible other reasons include the following:
- Zinc intoxication
- Any UTI infections
Symptoms
- Persistent UTI
- Inflammed/red vulva or vagina
- Bloody urination
- Excessive licking of the affected area
- Bad smell
- Inappropriate urination
Types Of Vulvar Dermatitis In Dogs
In dogs, there are often two different forms of vulva dermatitis.
Adult Dog Vulvar Dermatitis
In adult dogs, vulvar dermatitis can be caused by structural problems that are either hereditary or acquired, as well as diseases of the urinary system or injury.
It is also possible for this condition to arise from a variety of different causes as a consequence of other far more dangerous disorders, such as cancer of the vagina or infections that damage the genital area.
Juvenile Canine Vulvar Dermatitis
Puppies can have juvenile vulvar dermatitis before they reach puberty. Symptoms of juvenile vaginitis include profuse and purulent vaginal discharge, which can start as early as two to three months of age.
Other Dog Vulvar Dermatitis Treatments You Should Know About
Treating the problem at home with homemade therapies is the best option in mild cases of dog vulvar dermatitis. If, on the other hand, it occurs more frequently than it should, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. In that case, you should take your puppy to the veterinarian, who will likely recommend one of the following treatments for your canine friend.
Antibiotics
If your veterinarian determines that your dog has vulvar dermatitis due to any bacterial infection, he or she will prescribe safe medications for canines.
Even though the dog’s symptoms appear to be improving, it is still essential that the medication is given regularly and that the whole course is completed. Anti-inflammatory medication and hormone replacement treatment may be additional medications that your doctor may recommend.
Elizabethan Collar
Your dog will not be able to lick the wounds if the Elizabethan Collar protects them. Therefore, this collar is most effective for treating vulvar dermatitis in dogs.
Spaying
If vulvar dermatitis in canines is chronic, home remedies do not work anymore. In that condition, spaying might help.
Surgery
Vaginal reconstruction surgery is the best treatment choice when the illness has reached its most severe stage. The initial cause of canine vulvar dermatitis would also be considered a factor in this case. Surgery is the best choice when there is a structural/hereditary abnormality in the dog’s genitalia.
Topical Medication
You might find that applying some ointment to the dog’s vagina’s afflicted regions helps ease the itching, pain, or discomfort. Always be sure to utilize topical drugs that are designed for canine usage.
When To Go To A Vet?
You should visit your veterinarian before giving your dog any home remedies for vulvar dermatitis. Your vet may be able to provide you with some pointers that are tailored to the needs of your dog in particular. In order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of canine vulvar dermatitis, it is common to practice doing blood or urinary tests, as well as cultures of the urine or vaginal discharge.
In addition, by providing a medical expert with your pup’s disease history as well as its present symptoms, they will be better able to arrive at a diagnosis, which will result in therapy that is both more successful and more expedient.
Dog Vulvar Dermatitis Home Remedies: Conclusion
Dogs with wrinkles are more susceptible to developing vulvar fold dermatitis, but dogs can develop it due to any UTI infection, zinc intoxication, or hormonal issue. On the other hand, there are some protective measures that you may do to reduce the likelihood of your dog developing this ailment, such as providing your dog with a healthy, nutritious meal and keeping them clean and dry.
FAQs
Can You Apply Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) To Your Pup’s Vagina?
No. Try to refrain from applying Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) to your dog’s vagina. It might be beneficial against yeast infections. But it is not the first line of treatment. So, consult your vet before applying anything unusual to your dog’s sensitive parts.
What Are The Other Names Used For DVD Or Dog Vulvar Dermatitis?
Dog Vulvar Dermatitis is also known by many other names, including the following:
- Skin fold pyoderma
- Perivulvar dermatitis
- Dog Vulvar Inflammation
- Intertriginous dermatitis
Can You Put Vaseline On Your Dog’s Vagina?
Although applying vaseline to your pet’s vulvar dermatitis may make them feel better, there is no evidence to suggest that vaseline actually helps treat the condition. In addition, if your canine companion is suffering from vulvar dermatitis, it is in your best interest to make an appointment with a veterinary professional in order to obtain a diagnosis and the proper treatment for whatever ails your pet.
Does DVD (Dog Vulvar Dermatitis) Go Away By Itself?
When it comes to young pups, the condition is typically harmless and goes away quickly following the estrus, but when it comes to older or adult dogs, medication/treatment is typically necessary.
How Can You Help Your Dog’s Itchy Vagina?
As mentioned above, you can apply some home remedies, including giving hot baths, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, probiotics, and changing your dog’s diet. All these can also help a dog’s itchy vagina.
