[ashleymd]

Hi All,
I've always owned male dogs, so females are a whole new territory for me. I was just wondering...

Whenever my dog Mia comes in from going to the bathroom she licks herself constantly for a couple hours. I realize that they don't use things like toilet paper, but I think it's a bit excessive with the licking. I try to distract her, but as soon as the distraction is done she plops where ever she is and starts licking again. Also more mornings than not, when we are all waking up she seems to have a very rancid (think like wanting to vomit rancid) smell to her.

Is this something that females are known for, or is it something I should maybe take her to the vet for?

 

[craven.44]

The first thing that comes to my mind would be that her anal sacs may be bothering her. She may be licking back there because full sacs are uncomfortable and she may be trying to make that feel better. It would also explain why her breath would smell bad (or were you talking about her whole body?) if she had some of the anal sac juice in her mouth (this stuff is nasty smelling). Does she scoot her but around on the floor? Does she ever have trouble going to the bathroom? Those also could indicate an anal sac issue.

If that is not the case, I am sorry but I cannot be of much help. My female dog (also named Mia!) does not have the "symptoms" you describe.

 

[Thracian]

I don't have a female dog, but I probably would take my dog to the vet if I were you because of the smell. She might have a UTI.

 

[poodleholic]

Sounds like a vet check is in order.

 

[MrsJohnnyG]

I agree... that's not normal. I'd see a vet about it.

 

[Xie]

Sounds like an anal gland issue to me as well. Especially with the smell you describe. I'd get her to a vet asap because they can abscess and that is very painful for the dog and expensive for you.