Why Does My Dog Keep Biting His Privates?
How To Stop Your Dog From Licking His Groin
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. Think of it as an itch that you just can't scratch away. Licking after urination is a normal way for your dog to groom, but when it becomes a constant obsession it is because your dog’s privates are itchy, irritated and can cause a painful burning sensation during urination. Sadly many veterinary professionals believe when a dog keeps biting and licking privates it is a behavioral “problem” that can be solved with bitter sprays or topical treatments. Imagine if you had a vaginal yeast infection or jock itch and someone sprayed a stinging topical treatment on it!
What Causes Dogs To Bite Their Privates?
When a dog is constantly licking privates, it is most often because there is discomfort or irritation in the groin area. Some dogs feel so much itch and discomfort they will lick and chew on their groin until is raw. Understanding the root cause of this issue and addressing it promptly is essential for your dog's well-being. Commonly, persistent licking and biting are signs of an underlying problem, which can cause intense itching and discomfort.
- Yeast Infections - Yeast infections are a common cause of groin discomfort in dogs. These infections thrive in warm, moist environments, making the groin area particularly susceptible. Symptoms include intense itching and redness, a foul odor, and raw or irritated skin. Yeast overgrowth occurs when there is an imbalance in your dog's "microbiome". 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. In the case of a yeast overgrowth, the yeast organisms outnumber the good "friendly" bacteria causing these uncomfortable symptoms.
- Allergies - Allergies, whether environmental or food-related, can trigger itching and discomfort in your dog. This can lead to excessive licking and biting as your dog tries to soothe the irritation. Dogs often lick their privates, scoot on their butt and chew on their paws due to allergies.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - UTIs can cause discomfort in the genital area, leading to frequent licking and biting. Symptoms might include a strong odor, frequent urination, and potential discharge.
- Hormonal Imbalances - Hormonal changes or imbalances can affect your dog's skin and lead to itching or irritation, prompting excessive licking or biting.
- Anal Gland Impaction – Anal glands fill up with a smelly fluid that helps your dog “mark his territory” when he has a bowel movement. A dog will scoot his butt on the floor when the glands become impacted and infected. Anal gland infections can be painful so please be sure to take your dog to the vet to have the anal sac drained to help clear the infection.
Bluey
"My beautiful husky Bluey has very bad allergies and when we first got him, he licked his penis and inner thigh area constantly. I knew it wasn't just licking for the sake of licking because he would go to eat his dinner and then act like it was itchy down there and need to lick at his penis before eating! This showed that he was really uncomfortable. While I have had male dogs before and seen them groom themselves down there, I had never seen a dog so intense, constantly biting his privates and licking his groin raw.
I brought Bluey to the vet and his penis was red, surrounded by a thick filmy discharge. The veterinarian treated him with antibiotics and said he had a penis infection --- gross! The antibiotics didn’t seem to help and seemed to make the situation worse. I then went to a holistic veterinarian who recommended AskAriel’s K9 Yeast Defense and Power Probiotic. I couldn’t believe it, but Bluey finally stopped that awfully licking. His groin area cleared up and he didn’t try to bite his privates except for grooming. I am so happy I gave these products a try and that Bluey’s groin is all ok now." - Susan, California
How to Stop Your Dog from Licking His Groin
If your dog is constantly licking or biting his privates, it's essential to address the underlying issue rather than simply treating the symptom. The following steps can help stop this behavior:
Veterinary Examination - The first step in addressing your dog's excessive licking is to take him to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. Persistent licking can be a sign of an underlying medical issue such as a urinary tract infection, allergies, yeast infections, or hormonal imbalances. A vet will conduct tests to diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatments. By identifying the root cause, you can ensure your dog receives the right care to alleviate his discomfort.
Dietary Changes - A healthy diet plays a critical role in preventing itching and irritation that could cause your dog to lick his privates excessively. Consider switching to a low-carbohydrate, hypoallergenic diet free from common allergens such as wheat, corn, or soy. A diet rich in high-quality protein and free from starchy fillers can help manage food allergies, which are a common cause of skin irritation. Ensuring your dog is on a species-appropriate diet can significantly reduce itching and help maintain a balanced microbiome, which is crucial for preventing yeast overgrowth.
Supplements for Support - Supplements can be highly effective in managing and preventing itching, irritation, and infections that cause dogs to lick their groin area. Power Probiotic is beneficial for restoring healthy gut flora, which helps maintain a strong immune system and prevent yeast infections. K9 Yeast Defense is specifically formulated to target yeast overgrowth and relieve symptoms associated with yeast infections, such as itching and irritation. Olive Leaf Extract offers natural antifungal and antibacterial support to help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Combining these supplements with a balanced diet can provide comprehensive support for your dog's health, reducing the need for excessive licking.
Dog Vaginitis: Another Reason Why Your Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area
Dog vaginitis can be a reason why some dogs excessively lick their groin area. Dog vaginitis is a common condition that can affect both puppies and adult dogs. It is characterized by inflammation of the vaginal area, leading to symptoms such as a swollen vulva, discharge, excessive licking of the genital area, and discomfort. In some cases, dogs may have a white or yellowish discharge, which can lead to secondary skin irritation or infection if left untreated.
Several factors can contribute to vaginitis and female discharge in dogs, including hormonal imbalances, infections (both bacterial and yeast), or even anatomical abnormalities. However, one important factor often overlooked is the role of a dog’s diet and gut microbiome in contributing to these infections. A diet that is too high in carbohydrates or containing food allergens can disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria in a dog’s digestive system, weakening their immune system and making them more prone to infections, including those affecting the vaginal area.
A dog’s microbiome - the community of microorganisms in their gut—plays a crucial role in regulating their immune system. When the gut microbiome is imbalanced, harmful bacteria and yeast can thrive, not only in the gut but throughout the body, including the vaginal area. Feeding dogs with vaginitis a low carbohydrate, novel protein diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help restore and maintain a healthy microbiome. Raw frozen diets such as rabbit or venison combined with baked fish and vegetables can be especially helpful. Additionally, adding probiotics to support the growth of beneficial bacteria can aid in reducing the occurrence of dog vaginitis, by promoting a healthier balance of microorganisms both in the digestive tract and the vaginal area.
Supplements To Stop Dog Licking Their Privates
 K9 Yeast Defense - K9 Yeast Defense is a natural remedy to address yeast overgrowth, which can lead to chronic irritation, itching, and infection in your dog’s groin area. This powerful formula contains a blend of natural antifungal ingredients such as pau d’arco, grapefruit seed extract, caprylic acid, and oregano, which are scientifically proven to help manage yeast infections and fungal dermatitis. By helping to rebalance your dog's microbiome and soothe irritated skin, K9 Yeast Defense relieves discomfort and supports long-term skin health. Ideal for dogs with yeast infections, itchy skin, and those prone to licking their genitals or groin area.
 Power Probiotic - Power Probiotic works alongside K9 Yeast Defense to restore healthy gut flora, which is essential for maintaining your dog’s immune system and controlling yeast overgrowth. Yeast infections in the groin often start with an imbalance in your dog’s microbiome, and probiotics help by repopulating the digestive system with good, friendly bacteria. This multi-strain probiotic is a safe and natural way to support your dog’s digestive health and improve immune function, helping to prevent future yeast infections. Especially helpful for dogs that have taken antibiotics or steroid medications, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria. Many dogs like the taste of Power Probiotic!
 Olive Leaf Extract - Olive Leaf Extract provides natural antifungal and antibacterial support to soothe inflammation and fight infections. Helpful for dogs that experience frequent licking, chewing, or irritation in the genital area due to yeast infections, vaginitis, or urinary tract infections (UTIs). Olive Leaf Extract works by targeting harmful pathogens without disrupting the balance of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s microbiome. By helping to reduce inflammation and fight off infections, Olive Leaf Extract supports your dog’s recovery from uncomfortable yeast or bacterial issues, including vaginal infections and UTIs. Combine with K9 Yeast Defense and Power Probiotic for a comprehensive approach to managing yeast infections and promoting long-term skin health.
Article published Aug 2, 2009
Article updated Sep 12, 2024
Written by:
Susan Davis, Pet Health Nutritionist, CCN
All pet treatment protocols and pet treatment supplements have been reviewed and approved by a veterinarian
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