Overview of Vaginal Discharge in Dogs
Vaginal discharge is a common symptom in dogs with vaginitis, a uterine infection, or urinary tract infections. Vaginal discharge is the appearance of liquid material (other than urine) from the labia of the vulva (the external female genitals). Vaginal discharge may be clear and watery (serous), bloody, thick and gray (mucous), yellow/green (purulent), or dark green/black (after giving birth). The discharge may or may not have an odor. Licking at the vulva may also be noted.
Vaginal discharge, depending on the type and circumstances, may be considered normal in some cases. However, its presence may also signify a disease process of the urinary tract or reproductive tract in dogs.
Treatment at the Vet and Home Remedies for Puppy Vaginitis
If the symptoms aren’t too severe, good hygiene may be all that is needed. At home you can clean the vulva area with mild, antibacterial soap and water, taking care to wipe from the front to the back just like in humans.
An antibiotic ointment or cream may be prescribed to apply topically to the area after proper cleaning. These creams or ointments may also have an anti-inflammatory medication in them to help with the discomfort caused by the inflammation. It’s important to not allow the puppy to lick the medication. At times, a buster or Elizabethan collar may need to be worn by the puppy.
In more advanced cases, oral antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatories may be prescribed by your vet.
The best way to prevent vaginitis in adult dogs is to get them spayed. In puppies too young to be spayed, however, it’s important to monitor for symptoms of vaginitis, help keep the vulvar area clean, and provide a clean, happy, stress-free environment. Puppy vaginitis usually resolves on its own once the dog reaches puberty.
Mild puppy vaginitis can usually be managed at home. If the symptoms are worsening- especially frequent urination, increased amounts of drainage, or changes in the color of the drainage from white/yellow to yellow/green – a physical exam by a vet and likely further treatment will be needed. If you’re worried about your puppy showing signs of puppy vaginitis, an exam is a good idea. You can book a video call with us at FirstVet to get an initial assessment of your puppy and to help determine if any follow-up might be needed.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Vaginitis in Dogs
If your dog has discharge from the vulva or any additional symptoms, your veterinarian will need to determine whether simple vaginitis is the root cause or if there’s an underlying problem (such as an infection or urinary tract abnormality) that needs addressing. This can be determined by a physical examination.
The veterinarian will examine the vulvar area for signs of estrus and infection. He or she may also take a sample of the discharge and analyze it under a microscope to determine if a bacterial infection is present. Your veterinarian may also recommend blood work to rule out more serious conditions, or an imaging test (like an X-ray or ultrasound) to examine the urinary tract.
In some cases, more advanced diagnostics such as a vaginoscopy (a procedure where a small scope with a camera is used to examine the inside of the genital tract) may be required. Your veterinarian may also elect to collect a sample of any discharge present to culture any abnormal bacteria, or collect a sample of any abnormal looking tissue to have a pathologist evaluate the sampled area.
The best way to treat vaginitis in dogs depends on the severity and underlying cause (if one is known/present). In some instances, such as with puppies that haven’t yet gone through puberty, the condition usually resolves on its own, though you can help by keeping the skin around her vulva clean and dry by using wet, unscented baby wipes after your dog has been playing outside or after it has urinated.
In more severe cases, antibiotics or surgery may be required. Antibiotics are often prescribed when bacterial infections are in the vulva, vagina, or urinary tract. If an anatomical problem is to blame, your dog might need surgery to correct it and prevent future episodes of vaginitis.
Dog yellow discharge
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina that may cause redness, swelling, and discharge. In puppies, it is usually a harmless condition that resolves on its own after its estrus (heat cycle), but older dogs usually need treatment.
Many dogs will not show any signs or the symptoms may be intermittent. If your dog does exhibit symptoms, they may include:
Dogs with vaginitis typically do not appear sick and will appear playful and happy, despite exhibiting one of the above symptoms. If you notice additional symptoms, like lethargy (tiredness), weakness, inappetence, or vomiting, please contact your local animal hospital immediately as these could be signs that a more serious issue is occurring.
Anything that causes inflammation, irritation, or a moist environment can cause vaginitis. Most of the time, vaginitis is caused by a bacterial infection and bacteria tend to thrive in regions where there is warmth and moisture (such as the urogenital tract). Other possible causes include: