Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Spayed dog discharge: Vaginitis? Coconut oil? When to see vet?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 4 years old | 55 lbs

Hi, this is of my sisters spayed dog Skye. I’m pretty sure that this is vaginitis. Is there a way you can confirm? If it is does coconut oil really work to help treat it? Do we need to take her to the vet ASAP or can we wait a day or two and see if it resolves in its own?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on June 29, 2020

Hello and thank you for your questions.

You are correct that vaginitis is possible. Sometimes a bladder infection can also look this way.

As long as Skye seems comfortable, you may wait 24 hours to see if the discharge continues or if this is a one time thing. Watch her urination and drinking habits closely for any changes. Also watch for excessive licking. You shoudl clean the area with a hypoallergenic baby wipe as you want to keep her clean.

Coconut oil can condition the skin but you do not want to place this in her vulva. Pets with vaginitis or bladder infections are treated with antibiotics. Omega 3 fatty acids as well as joint supplements can help with skin and bladder healthy as can probiotics for dogs but these are more maintenance therapies, not treatment for an existing infection.

I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog has vaginal discharge after spay surgery. Should I worry?

Hi ! If Holly is well in herself, eating bright passing normal feaces and urine, I would not worry. A little bit of vaginal discharge is expected folllowing the surgery and should gradually decrease and disappear. It can take sometimes a couple of weeks for it to settle completely. The wound is also healing very well. I hope this helps ! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach !

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is smelly discharge and green eye boogers normal after dog spay?

Hello. How is Luna feeling overall? If she is playful & active, eating & drinking well, then she may just have a little vaginitis. Keep the area wiped clean with an antiseptic skin wipe & these are usually self-limiting. As for the eye discharge, it is possible that her corneas may have gotten a little dry during her surgery. You can flush the eyes with some artificial tears from your pharmacy, but if any redness develops in the sclera ( white part of the eye ) or any of the tissues around the eye redden or swell ( conjunctivitis ), please see your veterinarian for further diagnostics. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is white or clear vaginal discharge normal for a spayed dog?

Hello, sorry to hear about Pepper. Vaginal secretions like this could be normal especially in an intact female. However, if she had a heat about 3-4 weeks ago, this discharge could be more concerning for an infection (pyometra) or a false pregnancy. Other signs associated with a pyometra could include a decreased appetite, lethargy, painful abdomen, and persistent discharge from her vulva. If you note any of these, then Pepper should be evaluated by her veterinarian immediately. Finally, discharge from the vulva could indicate a urinary tract infection, vaginitis, perhaps her heat cycle. If you note continue to note this discharge, then have Pepper evaluated. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my spayed dog scooting and has fishy vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge can be caused by a number of things. Both the urethra and vaginal openings exit the vaginal/vulvar area so discharge could indicate a problem with the urinary tract or with the reproductive tract. With any strange discharge, it is a good idea to schedule a veterinary appointment to check it out. If the discharge becomes cloudy, green or yellow in color, it is best to seek veterinary care as soon as possible as that may indicate something more serious such as a uterine infection (in unspayed females, but can occur if part of the uterine stump is left during a spay).

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My spayed dog has clear gooey vaginal discharge. What is it?

Discharge from this area can either be coming from the urinary tract (uti, etc ) or reproductive tract. Likely your vet will rule out uti first with a urinalysis and urine culture. A sterile vaginal exam may also be recommended. If persistent and not related to a uti then it may become important to make sure she was properly spayed. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23, 2025

My dog's vulva is inflamed and pink after heat. Is it vaginitis?

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It looks like your pet has a case of vaginitis, inflammation of the vagina, or she has an ongoing discharge, possibly due to an infection in the cervix or uterus. She may need antibiotics, especially if she is off her appetite, drinking an excesssive amount of water &/ or peeing a lot, or seems unhappy or lethargic. Otherwise, if she seems normal, give her a few days to see if things begin to clear up. You can use warm water, or a gentle facial wipe to keep the area clean, & monitor for any further changes. Hopefully, all will be normal soon. Take care.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My spayed dog has smelly, thick vaginal discharge and is leaking. Why?

Hello, my name is Dr. Shines and I agree this is concerning. I suspect Pacha has an infection either in her vaginal canal or in her bladder. Some vaginal discharge is normal but the odor and increase in leakage is not. I recommend to make an appointment this week to have Pacha examined. The veterinarian will likely test a urine sample to determine if that the source of infection. Antibiotic selection will depend on the source of the infection. If it is vaginitis, she may get an antibiotic and a probiotic. One other thought, you may also ask the veterinarian to check her anal glands. Anal gland excretions are a VERY common cause of bad smell from the back end of pet. Sometimes the glands are infected but sometimes they are just full and benefit from being expressed. I hope this helps to provide some guidance and that things get figured out quickly.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share