You think your dog will be happy and comfortable after getting its sanitary trim, but this isn’t the end of your dog’s grooming story. Rather, they are in pain and discomfort after it. Why? Well, the reason could be Razor Burns On Dog’s Privates . If you don’t know much about it, no worries!
In this article, we will cover:
- Razor Burns On Dog’s Privates – 3 Key Reasons
- 6 Signs That My Dog Has Razor Burn In Private Area
- How To Treat Razor Burns On My Dog’s Privates?
- And more….
Razor Burn On Dog’s Privates: 3 Key Reasons
Razor burns on dog’s privates happens when its fur is shaved very close to the skin resulting in sensitive skin and a burning sensation. You can detect razor burns on a dog’s privates by looking for symptoms such as swelling in the vulva, excessive licking, scratching, restlessness, scooting, and redness on dogs’ privates.
Pet parents often groom their dog’s private areas by shaving. Or sometimes, it is required by the vet to conduct surgery. But, in all these cases, there is always a risk of razor burn in a dog’s privates.
Razor burns usually happen when groomers or vets shave close to the sensitive skin of privates in dogs. There are several other reasons:
1. Matted Hair
Some dogs have tangled and knotted hair near privates. It makes it difficult for groomers to shave and clean the area. The PetMD Editorial lists the causes of tangled hair in dogs as lack of grooming, neglect on part of pet parents, and friction between the two legs.
It is also seen in dogs who tend to sit a lot. In these cases, the fur accumulates in one place and gets knotted badly.
Also Read: Does Matted Hair Hurt Dogs? 4 Reasons + 9 Tips & More
2. Hot Razor Blade
An overheated razor blade is also the reason for burns in dogs’ privates. Generally, a groomer switches off the razor from time to time to let it cool. However, if your groomer forgets to do it, it can lead to burns on a dog’s bum.
3. An Unsharp Razor Blade
A dull blade often causes the groomer to use force and pull through the hair harder. It irritates the skin near the privates as it is sensitive and soft.
6 Signs That My Dog Has Razor Burn In Private Area
As you know now, after a relaxing grooming session at your favorite groomer, all your dog’s troubles are not over yet. There are some symptoms you need to watch out for to understand Razor Burn On Dog’s Privates. So, let us take a look at them in detail:
1. Excessive Licking
Self-licking is a sign of skin allergies and infections in dogs. Dogs try to lick their privates frequently when there is a razor burn due to pain and discomfort.
It is not good as it often causes secondary infections in dogs.
2. Swelling In Female’s Vulva
If you are a pet parent to a female dog, swelling in the vulva is the most common sign of a razor burn. The vulva is a sensitive area that reacts fast to any allergic reactions due to razors, hence it swells.
You must consult your vet if the swelling is too much. They can recommend medication so that the swelling goes down quickly.
3. Scratching The Privates
Do you see your dog trying to scratch its privates? Then, you should definitely go and look at the matter. If your dog has been scratching excessively, it means they are feeling itchy and dry, which could be a sign of razor burn.
4. Scooting
Scooting refers to the act when your dog slides its bottom on the carpet, grass, or floor to relieve discomfort. If you notice your dog doing it, stop it because bacteria can enter the dog’s skin and anal sac duct, further complicating the issue.
5. Redness
All of the above signs are accompanied by redness near the privates. So, if you see that your dog’s private area is more red than usual, inspect it thoroughly as your dog could have a razor burn.
6. Restlessness
When dogs have razor burns, they feel unsettling. You will see them moving from one place to another and panting heavily. This indicates that something is wrong with your dog.
How To Treat Razor Burn On My Dog’s Privates? 5 Effective Steps
If your dog has razor burns in the privates, there are a few steps you can follow to make sure their suffering is short-term.
1. Assess The Area
Generally, razor burns become visible after a few hours of grooming. So, make sure you notice the above-mentioned signs in your dog.
In addition to those signs, if you see blood or pus discharge from your dog’s private areas, it is best to consult the veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not treat open wounds at home as they can increase your dog’s discomfort significantly.
However, if the wounds are closed, you can try some remedies to soothe your dog’s privates. If the razor burn does not heal in a few days, visit the vet.
2. Clean The Privates
Once it is confirmed your dog has a razor burn in the privates, you need to clean the affected area with warm water.
You can also bathe your dog with a good-quality shampoo to ease them.
Also Read: Can You Use Baby Shampoo on Dogs in 2022 (With Reviews!)
3. Apply Ointment To The Affected Area
Rub an over-the-counter ointment on your dog’s affected area until the burn heals completely. You can easily find it in medical shops near you.
You can also try Neosporin if your dog does not have an allergic reaction to it. Also, vetericyn is a good option for moisturizing your dog’s private areas to prevent scratching.
Most veterinarians recommend hydrocortisone cream for razor burns on dog’s privates as they are effective for hotspots, skin infections, open wounds, and cuts.
However, many dogs tend to lick these creams. So, you must watch closely as they can be toxic for your dog if ingested. The best solution is to use a cone or onesie after applying the cream so that your dog cannot reach the affected privates.
4. Quick Home Remedy
In case none of the ointments is available near you, you can use coconut oil for dog razor burns. Coconut oil is safe for topical use in dogs as it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
So, take a thin layer of virgin coconut oil and massage it gently on your dog’s privates. Repeat it twice or thrice a day till the razor burn is completely healed.
5. Monitor Your Dog
Monitor the progress of your dog for the next few days. If the razor burn isn’t healing as you expected it to, or it has worsened, go to the veterinarian as they are the best person to give you the right advice.
Also Read: How To Treat Clipper Burn On Dog? 3 Steps + 5 Causes & Home Remedies
2 Best Home Remedies For Razor Burn On Dog’s Privates
In addition to the treatment, here are two baths where you can try to soothe the dog’s private area. So, let us read into it!
1. Oatmeal Bath
According to Dr. Laci Schaible, DVM at PetMD, an oatmeal bath for dogs is effective in itchy and irritated skin. It is a convenient and affordable remedy to soothe your dog’s skin as oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties.
Let us see how you can prepare an oatmeal-based bath for your pooch:
- In a blender, blend unflavored oatmeal till it becomes powdery. For large breed dogs, one or half cups of oatmeal should be good. In small dogs, one-third cup works.
- Take a spoon of oatmeal powder and add warm water to it. If the oatmeal powder absorbs water, the powder is perfect. If not, again blend it for 2-3 minutes.
- In a tub, add warm water and pour the oatmeal powder you prepared. You can also add one or two spoons of olive oil to the tub to moisturize your dog’s skin.
- Put the pup in the tub such that the water level is to its stomach.
- Take the oatmeal water from the tub and pour it onto your dog’s body gently. You can also rub it on your dog’s private areas where there is a razor burn.
- Let it stay there for around 10 minutes. Then rinse it off with warm water.
- Use a towel and dry your dog as an oatmeal bath would make the fur slippery.
2. Chamomile Tea Bath
Chamomile is an ancient herb that has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties for your dogs. It is safe to administer chamomile tea topically. Chamomile tea has a long-lasting calming effect. Thus, they relax your dog and prevent restlessness due to razor burns.
So, let us see how you can prepare a chamomile tea bath for your dog:
- Boil a cup of water and add a chamomile tea bag to it.
- Let it infuse for 2-3 minutes in the water.
- Then, strain the tea and leave it for cooling.
- Prepare your dog for a bath and massage this infusion all over their body carefully, especially in their private area. Make sure you avoid the eyes, ears, and mouth area.
- Now, let it dry completely.
How To Prevent Razor Burn On My Dog’s Privates?
You must have heard the famous quote “prevention is better than cure.” Although razor burns are not 100% avoidable, there are certain things you can keep in mind so that you reduce the chances of razor burns in your dog’s private area significantly:
1. Do Not Change The Grooming Services
If possible, it is best to use the same groomer every time you take your dog for shaving their private areas. Your dog feels safe and comfortable in known surroundings. Thus, the entire shaving experience is easy on it.
Moreover, after some time, the groomer becomes well aware of your dog’s likes and dislikes. It is beneficial as the groomer can adopt the correct approach to treat your dog then.
If you go to a grooming service with multiple groomers, ask for the one who did your dog’s grooming the last time. Familiarizing your pet dog with a groomer goes a long way in pet care.
2. Sharpen and Clean Your Razor
If you like to trim the fur of your dog’s private area on your own, make sure you use a sharp blade every time before using it. It will prevent any unwanted pulling that leads to burns.
After using the razor, clean it thoroughly to remove any fur stuck on it.
3. Consult Your Vet
Last but not the least, before taking your dog for a grooming session, always talk to the veterinarian and see if your dog has sensitive skin.
Sometimes, it is nobody’s fault actually, but the razor does not suit some dog’s skin. So, ask your veterinarian what you can do and what you should avoid.
Can I Use Paw Paw Ointment On My Dog’s Razor Burn?
You can use papaw ointment on your dog’s razor burn as it is safe for topical use in dogs.
Named after its inventor, Lucas, the Lucas Papaw ointment is a natural ointment that contains fresh fermented papaya fruit, pharmaceutical-grade petroleum jelly, and gum balsam Peru. It is used by humans to treat minor cuts and wounds, sunburn, diaper rashes, insect stings, and bites.
Although it is not specifically made for your pet dog, it does not contain any harmful ingredients. If your dog has a sore bum due to grooming, it acts as a protective layer to avoid rashes and irritation. If you are looking to buy one, check out.here.
However, make sure your dog doesn’t lick it too much as it can cause food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, and in worst cases, dehydration.
Can I Use Vaseline On My Dog’s Privates?
Although there isn’t any concrete proof, pet parents use vaseline on their dog’s private areas. It is considered that vaseline is non-toxic for dogs and can be applied to a dog’s vulva to protect the skin from rashes, irritation, and chafing.
Additionally, it moisturizes the skin of dogs and acts as a barrier. If you are looking for vaseline, check out here.
Again, there is one risk with vaseline. Excessive licking of vaseline by dogs can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, dehydration is also seen. If you spot any such symptoms in your dog, contact the vet immediately and try to calm your dog.
How Long Does Razor Burn Last On Dogs?
There isn’t a fixed timeline for razor burns. Sometimes, razor burns start to disappear on their own after a few hours, if not very serious.
Other times, they might even take a few days. However, if things do not get resolved by then, you might want to consult a veterinarian as they could lead to infections. In these cases, razor burns generally take 2-3 weeks to heal completely.
