Why Dogs Constantly Lick Their Crotch

While it may be awkward to talk about, when your dog is constantly licking their crotch or chewing on their butt, it’s because he or she has an itchy groin and is uncomfortable. In many cases, your dog is constantly licking because she has a yeast infection. Learn more about yeast infections here.

Your dog’s immune system resides predominantly in the intestinal lining where a “microbiome” (population of microorganisms) exists consisting of bacteria (both good and bad), fungi, viruses and parasites. A healthy immune system depends upon the proper balance of these organisms.

I have a lot of experience with a dog constantly licking. Read about my dog Bluey and how I helped him with constant chewing from yeast infection.

Dogs Who Constantly Lick Their Crotch May Have a Yeast Infection

It’s normal for dogs to have some yeast in the digestive tract for example, but when there is an imbalance and the yeast overgrows, symptoms of yeast infection appear (e.g. itchy genitals, smelly ears, etc). Since yeast thrives in warm, moist environments it is most commonly seen in the ears, between the toes (pets’ paws sometimes have a cheesy odor), in the armpits and in the groin. Yeast overgrowth is generally caused by:

• Antibiotics – Antibiotics control infections by killing off bad bacteria, but they also kill off the good bacteria creating an imbalance, enabling the yeast to overgrow.
• Diet – A diet high in starches and carbohydrates will feed the yeast. Feeding a low carbohydrate, novel protein diet can quickly reduce yeast infection symptoms.
• Allergies – Exposure to environmental or food allergens is taxing on your dog’s immune system making them more susceptible to infections. Yeast and allergies are integrally related, so treating yeast could also turn out to be a dog skin allergy home remedy.
• Environment – Hot, humid environments are breeding grounds for yeast. This is why dogs are more prone to getting yeast skin and ear infections during the hot summer months.

What to Do About Vaginal Discharge

Female dogs can get many of the same ailments as women, including vaginal yeast infections, vaginitis, urinary tract infections and discharge. The yellowish discharge can either be due to an overgrowth of yeast, bacteria or inflammatory cells from a urinary tract infection (UTI).

The discharge can be clear or yellowish and typically has a slight smell. Most dogs will lick at the area and create further irritation.

When a dog has taken antibiotics, it can lower the dog's immunity by killing off all the good bacteria along with the bad bacterial overgrowth. That is why we often see pets getting chronic infections, especially after taking several rounds of antibiotics.