Your dog’s private area isn’t something you typically spend a lot of time thinking about. However, if your dog develops a rash in the area, it becomes a cause for concern. You wonder what’s wrong, and what you should do about it.
There are several reasons your pooch may have a rash on their genitals. These include allergies, flea infection, and skin infections. If you notice a rash, prompt treatment is important. If it’s not treated, the rash can get worse.
Why does my male dog have a rash around his private area?
There are a few reasons why your male might have a rash around his private area. It can look alarming. It is uncomfortable, but usually not a serious medical issue.
Allergies
You probably know that allergies can cause an unpleasant rash. This is true for dogs as well as humans. There are a few different types of allergies that can cause a rash on your dog’s groin.
These are food allergies, contact dermatitis, and flea allergies.
Food allergies occur when your dog eats something they are allergic to. They may experience a rash in one area or multiple areas. They may also have gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea.
A more common cause of a rash on your dog’s private area is contact dermatitis. This means your pooch is coming into contact with something they are allergic to.
The groin area has less hair than other areas on your dog’s body, and they may have no hair at all in the area. This means their skin is more likely to come into direct contact with irritants or allergens.
The area also comes into contact with the ground when your pooch sits, which also increases the risk of a rash in the area.
This type of rash can be caused by environmental allergens including dust mites, mold spores, or pollen. If your dog is sensitive to chemicals, it can even be caused by the cleaning products you use around your home.
Lastly, your pooch may have flea dermatitis. Fleas will make any dog scratch and itch. However, some dogs are actually allergic to flea bites. Even one bite can cause them to have a rash.
Flea bites are more common on areas with less hair, including the groin.
If you suspect your pooch has fleas, you can look for the tiny black bugs. You may also see flea dirt. This is a combination of blood and flea poop. It will look like tiny red or brown flakes.
Place a few flakes on a wet paper towel. If it turns red, it’s a safe bet that its flea dirt.
Insects and Parasites
Other types of parasites can also cause a rash on your pooch’s groin. These include ticks, mites, and lice. The groin is often a preferred living area for these pests. Their ties can cause a rash, similar to fleas.
Insect bites can also cause a rash or allergic reaction. In this case, you may notice a bite. However, if the skin around the bite swells and becomes red, the bite may not be visible.
Heat Rash
Heat rash can also be a problem for your male pooch. Because their genital area has little hair, their delicate skin is not well protected. This can lead to a heat rash when the area is exposed to heat or sunlight.
Generally, the genital area doesn’t receive a lot of sun exposure. However, spending time on a reflective surface, like a white sidewalk, can contribute to heat rash.
The heat from a side walk or pavement can also cause heat rash during the summer, particularly for pooches who are low to the ground.
Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infections can also cause a rash on your dog’s groin. This is known as pyoderma. This can develop due to skin irritation, a cut, or other skin injury. These conditions weaken the skin, allowing the bacteria to enter.
In addition to being itchy, this type of rash is typically dry, crusty, and flaky.
Fungal Infection
Yeast is the most common type of fungal infection in dogs. It looks a bit different than other types of rash. It often causes thickening or scaling of the skin, in addition to itching and redness.
Hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin, is also common. You may also notice a yeasty or musty odor, and recurrent ear infections.
Behavioral Cause
The cause of a groin rash isn’t always medical. Dogs lick themselves as a way to relax and comfort themselves.
If your pooch is anxious or bored, they may lick themselves obsessively. Over time, the constant licking can cause a rash, because it irritates the skin.
Why does my female dog have a rash around her private area?
Generally, the causes of a rash on a female dog are the same as those of a male dog. The causes above, including allergies, infection, parasites, and heat rash can occur in both males and females.
However, there is one cause that can only occur in female dogs. This is a vaginal infection.
Vaginal Infection
A vaginal infection is also known as vaginitis. It can occur in any female dog, regardless of whether or not she is spayed. One of the main signs of vaginitis is an inflamed vulva.
Other symptoms include redness around the vagina, excessive licking of the area, abnormal vaginal discharge, and butt dragging.
The redness and swelling of the private area can appear similar to a rash. The discharge and frequent licking can also cause a rash in the area.
What to do if my dog has a rash around their private area?
It’s natural to want to help your pooch feel better anytime you see them in pain or discomfort. There are a few things you can do if your pooch has a rash around their private area.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal has amazing skin-soothing properties. It’s effective for everything from allergies to sunburn. Use oatmeal baby cereal as bath flakes. This prevents you from cleaning oatmeal out of your tub, as the flakes dissolve.
You can also use whole oats in a stocking or strainer bag. Just fill the bag or stocking with oatmeal, and toss it in the bath. Once the oatmeal has soaked in the tub, apply it directly to the affected area.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural antibacterial and antiviral. Just mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spray it on your pooch’s groin once or twice a day.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s also a great natural moisturizer. If your dog’s rash looks dry, coconut oil can soothe and moisturize their skin.
Tea Soak
Green and chamomile teas are excellent skin soothers. Just brew a cup of tea as you normally would. Then take the tea and rub it on your dog’s groin area.
Anti Itch Cream
An anti-itch cream can provide your pooch with some relief. Be sure to choose a cream designed specifically for dogs. Many creams have hydrocortisone. This is said to relieve redness, itching, and swelling associated with rashes.
Eliminate Parasites
If your pooch is experiencing a rash due to a parasite, including fleas, ticks, or mites, you’ll want to get rid of the infestation. Many flea shampoos, spot treatments, and oral pills are effective for fleas and other parasites.
Behavioral Causes
If you suspect behavioral causes, giving your pooch a bit more activity can be helpful. Puzzle feeders and exercise can give your dog mental and physical stimulation.
If anxiety is the cause, try to determine and eliminate or reduce the cause of the anxiety.
When to see a vet about a dog having a rash around their private area?
When to bring your pooch into the vet will depend on a few things. The level of discomfort your dog is feeling, the duration of the rash, and any accompanying symptoms.
Discomfort
Your pooch can’t use words to communicate, but they will let you know if they are in severe discomfort.
If your pooch is uninterested in daily activities, whining frequently, or hyper focused on licking their genitals, you should visit the vet. Your vet can prescribe an appropriate treatment, and your dog can get relief.
Duration and Severity of the Rash
If your pooch has a rash that isn’t going away with home treatment, it’s time to get to the vet. Skin conditions can become worse over time if they aren’t treated.
If your pooch’s rash looks severe, this is also a signal they need a vet visit. This includes a rash with pus, broken skin, or severe swelling.
Accompanying Symptoms
A rash by itself isn’t a serious cause for concern in most cases. However, if your pooch has other symptoms as well, they need a check up. If your pooch has fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or body pain along with a rash, you’ll need to make them an appointment promptly.