Dog vulvar dermatitis is inflammation of the vulvar area in female dogs. It's due to irritation from an infection (yeast or bacterial), allergies, or excessive moisture. Eventually, these can cause their girly dog bits to become red and irritated.

Dog vulvar dermatitis is commonly caused by:

• A urinary tract infection (UTI)

• The skin folds trapping bacteria

• Poor hygiene

• Obesity

• Hormonal changes

As a dog owner or someone close to one, ensure you seek immediate veterinary attention if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Excessive licking or apparent discomfort of the vulvar area

• Severe redness

• Foul odour

• Discharge (pus-like or bloody)

• Difficulty urinating

• Rapid progression of illness

• Fever

• Recurrent issues

Effective treatment of skin fold dermatitis involves resolving the inflammation and microbial infection and controlling the excessive moisture ( Miller WH, Griffen CE, Campbell KL. Muller & Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology. 7th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2016:678-680. ). Some effective dog vulvar dermatitis home remedies and prevention strategies include the following:

Gently holding a warm cloth to the affected area can increase the blood flow, promote healing, and reduce swelling and discomfort.

Make sure to squeeze the excess water out of the cloth as increased moisture won't help after soaking then gently dab the affected area for 5-10 minutes twice daily.

Epsom salts help to reduce inflammation and clear the vulvar area of bacteria or debris. Simply dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salts in a cupful of water and gently bathe the dog's vulva for a few minutes. Ensure you dilute the solution don't get any get inside the vagina as this can cause irritation. Rinse with clean water afterward. Remember not to leave it damp.

Apple cider vinegar helps to restore the skin's pH balance and prevent minor bacterial infections. But remember to ask advice from vet before using it as it can possibly cause irritation as well.

Dilute one part apple cider vinegar with three parts warm water. Apply this to the dog's vulvar area then gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth. Avoid getting it on any sores or broken skin as the solution can cause further irritation.

Coconut oil has natural moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that can promote healing.

After cleansing, dab the vulva with unrefined coconut oil. It is generally safe if your dog licks it but discourage excessive licking.

Keeping the vulvar area clean and dry helps prevent bacterial growth and reduces the risk of infection.

Gently clean the area daily with pet-safe, unscented baby wipes especially after your dog urinates. Opt for wipes with chlorhexidine, tris-edta, and climbazole making them antibacterial and antifungal.

Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient for your dog. You can improve skin health and reduce inflammation from within by incorporating omega-3 fatty acids from supplements like fish oil into your dog's diet.

Supplements like  Happy-Furever™ CBD Oil can help reduce swelling and mitigate allergic reactions from inflammation. Your dog can also benefit from supplements like Primal-Vitality™ Beef Organ Complex , rich in essential fatty acids to ensure adequate nutrition. Read " Learn About the Benefits of Organic Meats for Dogs " to understand the importance of adequate nutrition.

Apply the lukewarm tea with a cloth or pour it gently over the affected area. The tea has anti-inflammatory properties that will help soothe your dog's vulvar area.

Obesity increases the size of the skin folds around the dog's vulva leading to trapped moisture and bacterial growth. Managing your dog's weight with adequate nutrition and exercise reduces the risk of vulvar skin fold dermatitis.

Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy urinary tract system and preventing UTIs. Encourage your dog to drink enough water daily.

Regular grooming, particularly around the vulva is key to preventing dirt and bacterial buildup. Keep your pup's coat clean, especially in dogs with longer fur.

While home remedies are helpful and soothing, they are not a substitute for veterinary care. Always seek proper treatment if your dog's symptoms persist or you suspect an underlying cause like a UTI or hormonal imbalance.

Observe your dog and book a consultation with your vet immediately if you notice persistent discharge, worsening redness, a foul odor, or significant discomfort while or after administering a home remedy. These could be signs of a severe infection that may require prescription medication such as an antibiotic for treating vulvar dermatitis.

Yes, you can. Applying small amounts of organic, unrefined coconut oil can moisturize the area and soothe inflammation.

Common symptoms include redness, swelling, itchiness, pain, and licking of the vulva. These are a result of the inflammatory process that occurs with the vulvar dermatitis. There may also be visible sores and discharge in severe cases. Always seek veterinary care to rule out any underlying infections.

Dog vulvar dermatitis comes from inflammation of the skin folds around the vulva and can be a result of trapped moisture, poor hygiene, allergies, urinary tract infections, or hormonal changes.

Yes, you can prevent recurrence with these preventive measures:

• Keep the vulvar area clean and dry.

• Take your dog for routine vet checkups to catch any underlying issues early.

• Maintain a healthy dog diet and adequate hydration.

• Incorporate supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to improve skin health.

Dog vulvar dermatitis can flare up for various reasons and home remedies can offer relief and aid long-term skin health. Still, it is essential to consult a veterinarian if the symptoms persist or worsen after trying these home remedies as it could be an underlying condition needing medication.

By staying proactive and paying attention to your dog's health and hygiene, you can prevent any future episodes from recurring, and ensure adequate comfort for your dog.