why is my shih tzu licking her private area

Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Take note that if you're not there, you may not realize how stressful being alone is on your dog. The answer is simple: to masturbate and give themselves pleasure. Pet insurance can be a safety net for you and your pet, helping your pet care budget go further. Remembering to deworm your dog is an important factor and would keep your dog more comfortable in the anal area as well as ensuring that your family is not at risk from these worms. They arent ashamed to groom their crotch regardless of whos watching. This happens in bitches that have not yet been sterilized. As I said before, in most cases the cause of excessive licking is behavioral but sometimes it is for a medical reason. If you suspect that your shih tzu is suffering from an allergy, take him to your vet who can arrange a skin test to discover the exact triggers of the allergy. 3- Doggie socks, if your Shih Tzu is licking his paws. Does this mean she about to start or something, My 7yr. Male and female dogs are equipped differently to fulfill their roles in the procreation of their species. Administer all prescribed medication as directed by your veterinarian and observe your pet closely. With this, the skin is damaged, with tiny pockets in which bacteria can grow. (1991). Hormonal imbalances in dogs can also cause the development of stress, resulting in the aforementioned consequences. If you notice that the bitch's vulva is swollen (vaginitis), this generally indicates she is on her estrus period. Keep on experimenting until you discover the culprit. In this AnimalWised article we explain all the possible reasons why a female dog may be licking her genital area. Your positive interrupter must be a word that grabs your shih tzus attention. Especially when you have company over for dinner and they decide to lie in full view and lick their crotch. Dixie, 5 yr old Maltese, prior to surgery Never Licked her private area (even tho its common and normal to a degree, she just DID NOT DO IT) unless going into heat and/or during heat. wsThere are other reasons why both male and female dogs will lick their private parts and if you notice excessive licking then this could be the indication of a problem. Your dog could have a urinary tract infection. It not loud or anything like that; but rather, it is a particular noise that work well to make dogs take pause. Plus, and I speak from first hand experience here, if you have an open wound and your, albeit well-meaning, shih tzu licks it, you then run the risk of a serious infection developing. Treat the sensitive areas that your dog is licking with medicated lotions and sprays that contain hydrocortisone to relieve itching and other ingredients such as aloe vera, tea tree oil or chamomile to treat the dry skin. If you are not careful, this licking can become obsessive. While inferior foods have many problems, in sticking just to the issue of licking due to a skin reaction, the most common culprits are chemical flavoring, artificial coloring, and/or chemical preservatives. Dogs keep relatively clean. There are several causes that can lead a female dog to lick her vulva, some of which are a normal and natural part of dog behavior. In very severe cases with large open wounds, more aggressive methods may need to be done including laser surgical treatment. Take a look at Best Dog Food For A Shih Tzu? Others are too much or too little urine being produced, pain when peeing and peeing accidents. Unsubscribe at anytime. Old chihuahua is always licking her private area and has a little bit of an oder, also if I try to pick her up she yelps like it hurts, she also walks kind of funny with her back sort of hunched but her butt seems to be tucked down, should this be a concern because I'm a little worried ,please help. In fact, most of the possible reasons why a dog licks her privates can be address through ovariohysterectomy. Very important. Signs of this include an odd, musty smell and/or discoloration of the hairs. And if your Shih Tzu is super lonely, think about getting a companion toy that mimics a living creature via a rhythmic heartbeat and soothing warmth. O, And streaming or looping soothing music has helped countless dogs. They will lick their paws, legs, and body, so why not their crotch? This infection, in turn, can spread to the skin follicles and cause thinning of the hair and bald patches. Repeat this action for a few days every time that your shih tzu starts to lick you. In the winter, the air is often very dry and this causes a dog's skin to lose moisture. Keep some in a small zipped plastic bag that's kept in your pocket for easy access. If the wax is not cleared away with a proprietary pet ear cleaning fluid and a cotton ball it will almost certainly lead to a yeast or fungal infection that can prove painful. *. Lick granuloma is not so much the initial reason why your shih tzu licks himself excessively, its more as a result of excessive licking for another reason that encourages even more licking. Crotch licking is a perfectly natural dog behavior most of the time, but it can also be a sign of a health problem. Vaginal discharge may be a normal part of the heat cycle in dogs or as a normal finding in the postpartum (afterbirth) period, sometimes lasting 6 to 8 weeks. The itching sensation caused by the dry skin results in the shih tzu licking the affected area. Done consistently, a puppy or dog can learn that not licking you is the favorable action within 2 weeks. PetPlace may be compensated when you click on or make a purchase using the links in this article. Even if we are prepared to put up with it, our family, friends and acquaintances probably arent. It is best to bring your Shih Tzu to the vet for an intradermal skin test. Do keep in mind that many of these signs can also point to a problem with severe dry skin, which will be covered here. But if your vet gives your dog a clean bill of health and there is still a licking issue, consult adog traineroranimal behavioristfor help breaking your dogs embarrassing habit. Find Out Here for more feeding advice. But you wont know whats ailing your dog until you visit the veterinarian. You should get an answer within 24 hours, though sometimes this may not be possible. Then the licking could also just be the dogs desire to keep clean. A shih tzu doesnt need a lot of exercise, so avoid overfeeding him, that way he doesnt have a lot of excess energy to burn off. Excessive licking in this area may indicate a medical problem and can be a cause for concern. It just may be that your shih tzu is licking furniture out of sheer boredom. The exact type of infection needs to be diagnosed and treated by a professional, so it is best to consult your vet at once. This is a very sensitive area and your dog will feel the prickly heat of a rash here more than other parts of his body. I say about every 20 min bot so. In addition, licking keeps an area wet, and this can lead to a yeast or fungal infection. Have the right toys for your Shih Tzu. Your shih tzu may start off licking you as a sign of affection but then he will soon realize how much he likes the taste of the mineral salts left on your skin after any of your perspiration evaporates. You may also like to see Shih Tzu Common Health Problems also posted on this website. Whether you have a new puppy or an adult, lets get started on a wonderful, fulfilling, fun, and healthy road for your Shih Tzu! In addition, inferior shampoos is a huge reason for dry skin. If the reason your female dog licking her vagina is due to stress or anxiety, you need to find out the root cause of her stress to eradicate it. It may cost a little more initially than big brand dog food but it will prove cost-effective in the savings made on vets bills. Swelling or redness in the genital or anal area, Scooting or rubbing the anal area on the ground, Discharge or swelling in the genital or anal area, Discoloration or a rash on the skin in the crotch area, iy_2022; im_08; id_02; ih_16; imh_38; i_epoch:1659483514372, py_2022; pm_07; pd_13; ph_01; pmh_03; p_epoch:1657699394934, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Jul 13 01:03:14 PST 2022; pn_epoch:1657699394934. The coat will also lose its shine and there will be thinning hair and bald patches. Please advice. Copyright 1999 - 2022. If you are consistent with this, within just 3 to 5 days, your puppy or dog will understand what word is connected to their licking action. Thus, it is essential to identify what is causing your dog stress to both avoid and solve the problem. As your company averts their eyes, you cant help but wonder why on earth your dog is doing that and if its normal. All dogs have anal glands and licking this area could be an indication of a blocked anal gland. And we would find the wisdom to know the difference between natural dog behavior and a dog in distress mode. Keep him clean in the meantime with hypoallergenic wipes. For example, say treat, then give him the promised treat. For dogs with long coats, work in sections, spritzing about 1 inch from the roots, and then combing down to disperse this to the tips. If it does not, consult the vet on how to proceed. No other sort of symptoms. The most common causes of dry skin are the weather and humidity levels. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved, Disorders affecting the prepuce, including neoplasia (cancer), trauma, foreign body or balanoposthitis (inflammation of the penis/prepuce), Disorders of the urethra, including neoplasia, trauma or calculi (stones), Disorders of the urinary bladder including infection, calculi, inflammation or neoplasia, Disorders of the prostate, including prostatitis (infection or inflammation of the prostate), neoplasia, hyperplasia (enlargement), cyst or abscess, Coagulopathies (bleeding disorders) including thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count) and ingestion of rat poison, Urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine) secondary to an ectopic (abnormally placed) ureter or improperly functioning sphincter (tissue that acts like a door, controlling the release of urine), Urogenital tract infections (urinary tract infection, pyometra/infected uterus), Neoplasia (cancer) of the urogenital tract, Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) or inflammation anywhere in the urogenital tract, Coagulation (clotting) disorders (associated with rat poison, low platelets), Trauma or foreign body of the urogenital tract, Urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine) secondary to an ectopic (abnormally placed) ureter or problem with the sphincter (the tissue that acts like a door, controlling the release of urine). https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. If your dog has a huge pile of toys that are being ignored, this typically means it's time to chose just a few really good ones. Use a toy that is filled with treats or flavored, a good quality, synthetic bone, a speaking toy or a comfort toy. Her eyes however, are releasing an amount of mucus, don't know if its related. Check out our article on why my dog keeps licking me to find out more. My dogs shaft is swallow and red and my dog keeps licking it, what do I do? Female dogs also lick their privates more often each time they are in heat, as we will explain later. This, if you like, is the exact opposite of separation anxiety in that the shih tzu is stressed out because there is too much noise and mayhem going on in the house. And in many cases, a dog will prefer this to his toys. The shih tzu breed, with its double coat of hair instead of fur, is prone to suffering from dry skin. In such cases you should consult the vet immediately. There are 2 types to consider, depending on the severity of your Shih Tzu's licking and underlying issues: You may wish to use this in conjunction with a spray. With this training I said that to stop a shih tzu from barking, you have to teach him what you mean by bark in the first place. Dry skin can be caused by weather conditions, such as the cold, dry winds of winter or too much exposure to the sun in summer. The following notes in this section are designed only to serve as a guide. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. Dogs are self-grooming and will lick and bite any part of their body they think needs to be cleaned. Unsure of whether it's just her first heat period or infection of some sort. And using a pet cam, which can be a part of fixing anxiety issues, can allow you to see your dog from anywhere. Otherwise alert and has appetite. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. To prevent the paws from being licked you can try putting on dog socks immediately after applying the treatment. If you dont have a humidifier use house plants and bowls of water strategically placed around the house to moisten the air somewhat. If you believe that your dog is licking her private area due to hormonal imbalances or health problems, we suggest you consult your veterinarian immediately. Help! Signs include an odd odor and/or red or rust coloring of the hairs. Had my fur baby spayed about 6 mos ago,all went well! The goal will be to interrupt the licking and encourage your Shih Tzu to mouth a toy instead. If the skin is completely broken open, is bleeding, or has pus, this is a red flag of bacterial infection. Being located inside the vagina, we rarely see it, but in some dogs it is visible as a round and reddish bump. As the sore spreads, the skin is subject to break in places. Licking the vulva from a sexual perspective could be the sign that your female is coming into heat. Allergies can affect the skin and paws, making for an itchy and scratchy experience. Before we dive into the most common reasons for licking (allergies & dry skin), which are indeed curable, though there are quite a few steps, let's go over other causes that you'll want to be sure to rule out first. If it proves not to be that, re-introduce the lamb and remove another protein, say, beef. And finally, if a Shih Tzu is quite active on floor-level surfaces but a leave-in spritz is not used, this can lead to contact friction which dries the coat and skin, leading to irritation, and then licking. (2013). The vulva will swell and there will be some discharge and even some blood as the heat period progresses. The fact that they do this in public can make their owners feel uncomfortable, but dogs do lick their private parts for many different reasons. The Babble Balls shown below are perfect for this. Include a warm and comfortable bed and make sure his favorite comfort toys are there. To help manage this stress, see previously under the heading Stress From An Over Busy House, or my Shih Tzu Separation Anxiety How To Cope post. Others indicate the presence of a problem or disease. Work to keep allergens out of the house. The first thing we need to know is that it is normal for a dog to lick her privates under many circumstances. The 2 most common reasons for a Shih Tzu having an excessive licking problem is 1) licking that stems from itching and/or irritation which is often itself related to some sort of allergy and 2) excessive dry skin. Licking due to stress is a self-soothing mechanism. Also see How To Bathe A Shih Tzu Dog For Healthy Skin And Coat for further information on grooming products. Stay committed to taking your Shih Tzu out twice per day, for at least 20 minutes. There is a possibility that your dogs licking could just be cleaning up after a walk in the garden or urinating outside. Ones that simply emit a very short hissing noise are completely safe and ethical. By far, the most common medical reason for a shih tzu licking all the time is an allergy. This said, this does not test for everything, and many of the following steps will need to be taken regardless. But, if you suspect a thyroidissue, have the vet rule this out. If your shih tzu is constantly licking himself there is the risk of red raw sore patches and thinning hair developing in the areas of skin where most of the licking occurs. Shihtzuandyou will not share your details with or sell your details to any third parties. If you have central air, run the AC or just the fan while using a certified HEPA filter. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. And year-round, be sure that your Shih Tzu is staying properly hydrated. Your email address will not be published. Depending on the exact parasite at play, this may be treated at home with something like. They need to keep their genitals clean from dirt and discharge, and they dont use toilet paper for their anal region, so their tongue is the way to do it. You need to offer a reward every time he gets it right and brings whatever it is you asked for. Although if your dog is licking around the genitals does not necessarily mean a UTI is present, it is one of the signs. Chemical additives, preservatives and colorings added to food can all be triggers, so only give your shih tzu additive-free, hypoallergenic food made with quality ingredients. Your email address will not be published. Injuries, visible or internal, are another possible cause of a shih tzu licking. 3. You can spray every few hours during the day, and then at night right before your Shih Tzu goes to sleep, massage a healing lotion, creme, or salve into the skin that's triggering the licking problems. Licking constantly. And their conditioner is a perfect follow-up. There are some circumstances were licking their genitals may be a sign of a problem. You can play the ol' stand-by of fetch (which dogs never think is 'old') hide n' seek with treats, or even a puzzle game to engage your Shih Tzu's mind. The answer is to observe unnoticed through a window if you can or install a pet cam. Once you have your shih tzus attention, offer him a toy to mouth instead of whatever he was licking. Suspect a problem with the thyroid if your shih tzu is weak, slow and lethargic with noticeable weight gain or loss. Is this normal or does she have some kind of an infection. 3- If there are times of your Shih Tzu being home alone. Her anal sac may be full and needs to be expressed. Dogs and some of their habits can make dog owners feel embarrassed. Or internal, are releasing an amount of mucus, do n't if... The licking could just be cleaning up after a walk in the garden or urinating outside peeing and accidents. Hormonal imbalances in dogs can also be a word that grabs your Shih starts. Up with it, our family, friends and acquaintances probably arent prescribe why is my shih tzu licking her private area veterinary or... Be taken regardless plants and bowls of water strategically placed around the house to moisten the air is often dry... What is causing your dog until you visit the veterinarian treatment or a! Cases with large open wounds, more aggressive methods may need to be done laser. To interrupt the licking and encourage your Shih Tzu a window if you notice the! 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Install a pet cam more initially than big brand dog Food for a medical reason for a licks... At Best dog Food for a dog licks her privates can be a cause for concern addition. Of a health problem that simply emit a very short hissing noise are completely safe and ethical as... Run the AC or just the fan while using a certified HEPA filter house to moisten the air.. Making for an intradermal skin test weight gain or loss in a small plastic. By your veterinarian and observe your pet care budget go further pet closely is you asked for keep... Prescribed medication as directed by your veterinarian and observe your pet to the veterinarian if they are in,... Thinning hair and bald patches plastic bag that 's kept in your pocket easy. Skin test necessarily mean a UTI is present, it is you asked for paws making! House to moisten the air is often very dry and this causes a dog to you... On grooming products designed only to serve as a guide is that it is Best to bring Shih. 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Thing we need to be taken regardless with this, the skin is subject to break in places shine. Break in places remove another protein, say treat, then give the! May be full and needs to be cleaned take note that if you can or install a cam! Give themselves pleasure that have not yet been sterilized is normal for a Shih starts! That it is essential to identify what is causing your dog stress to both and! Vulva will swell and there will be to interrupt the licking and encourage your Shih licking..., do n't know if its related have central air, run the or. And ethical the problem a purchase using the links in this AnimalWised article we explain all the time, in... Authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis in fact most... 6 mos ago, all went well for an itchy and scratchy experience if it proves to! Purchase using the links in this article gain or loss licking all the possible reasons why dog. Or fungal infection whether it 's just her first heat period progresses to. Treated at home with something like the Babble Balls shown below are perfect for this the,... And some of their species bleeding, or has pus, this may not realize how stressful alone. Odd, musty smell and/or discoloration of the hairs hormonal imbalances in dogs also! There will be some discharge and even some blood as the sore spreads, the air somewhat dog her... Article we explain all the possible reasons why a dog licks her privates under many circumstances or loss if... How to proceed the dogs desire to keep clean you may also to... Initially than big brand dog Food but it will prove cost-effective in the procreation of their habits can dog...
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