Dog cleaning question

ericrlarson

Hello folks,

Our Golden puppy is 10 weeks old now (we got her at 7 weeks), and I have noticed that she does not keep her lower abdomen/genitals clean at all. It has been a while since I have lived with a dog (really the last time was before I moved out of my parents house), but I seem to remember all the dogs we had growing up keeping themselves pretty clean.

Just wondering if this is something that I should be concerned about or not. If I should be, what can I do to encourage better cleanliness?

Thanks so much!
Eric

MagicToller

What exactly do you mean by not keeping them clean? Dogs may not be as fastidious as cats, especially a puppy.

ericrlarson

Hi, good question...should have described it before.

The area between her legs, and around her vagina has had a bunch of dirt (actually I am only assuming that it is dirt since I have not detected the odor of feces) speckled around it for about 3-5 days now. I keep expecting it to be gone the next time I look.

In addition the fur around that same area is visibly dirty and has been for a while.

This was not true at first, but her hind legs are starting to get some dirt caked onto them as well.

In terms of what I am doing. I gave her a bath the day after she arrived home, and none since then. I am brushing her on occassion. She is not very friendly toward the slicker brush, not bad but it is enough of a hassle that I must confess that I am not working with her as much as I maybe should. I am brushing her maybe once per week or so, and her hind quarters do not get done generally speaking because I cannot get her to sit still.

Anyway...I hope that helps.

Eric

MagicToller

Sounds like she is ok .. she may be getting dirty on walks. Keep a pack of mild, unscented moist towelettes around to wipe her rear and genital areas if they get dirty. Be sure to do this so that she doesn't develop an infection or anything.

As for the slicker brush, make the brushing sessions short and positive for her. Only stroke once or twice and then praise and give a lowfat treat. Eventually you will be able to graduate to full grooming sessions without stressing your dog, the key is to make it a happy experience. Always end with praise!

Hope that helped a bit

Dogged

It is not uncommon for puppies to get a condition called vaginitis where they will have a discharge from the vulva. It could be that she has this and the dirt is sticking to the discharge.

Or, it's just dirt.

If you think it could be the vaginitis, she should see a vet.

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SCWT

My dog requires a lot of grooming, and he absolutely HATES the slicker brush. You might want to try a different one. We end up using just the comb, and then a few easy brushes with the slicker just at the end.

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