Anyone else have this problem?

[Brittany]

Hello all, first post on this site! I've read so many great suggestions and wonderful advice from the posts on DK, so thank you all so much! I got my first dog, Wrigley, a few weeks ago and she's currently 4 months old and wanted to get some feedback and see if any of you have experienced a similar problem...

Today when I picked Wrigley up from her first day of dog training (two week doggy bootcamp 8am-5pm) they said she might have some sort of infection because she was licking her potty area quite frequently. The trainer thought a possible UTI. I've been watching her tonight like a hawk and she hasn't gone any more frequently than usual, and if she has licked herself, it's just been her stomach, not really her potty area. She also did go to the groomer for the first time on Saturday, and they did trim that area - perhaps it's just related to that? Oh, and I feed her a grain-free Blue Buffalo food, so I don't think it has to do with allergies either.

Anyone have any idea what else could be going on or have a similar experience?  Just observe her for a few days or head right to the vet? I'd love to hear what you think!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I would watch her for now. If the groomer irritated the area that could be the cause. If her urinating pattern changes then a vet visit,with captured pee if possible, might be a good idea.

[Donna K & Quincy]

If the groomer shaved her close in the area she is licking she could likely be irritated. A puppy that age with a UTI would probably be having potty accidents. I agree with F, if you happen to notice her peeing more often a trip to the vet might be in order. If you do happen to want to catch a pee sample I've heard a ladle works well. :>) Hopefully it is just a little irritation and it will go away in a day or two.

[GBK]

I just shaved that area on my little girl, and she did lick for a couple of days......  I agree with F and Donna, if she isn't having accidents in the house, or peeing more than usual, you could wait a few days and see if she stops the frequent licking.  Hopefully that's all it is...

[Carol Bordwell]

Does she have a skin fold? As my girl has gotten older there is a fold partial where she pees. After consulting with three different vets the answer has been to clean her bottom with baby wipes. One suggested surgery to remove the fold...I don't think so. So, she is always cleaning herself. Hope that helps.

[Brittany]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I've been watching her and talking with the dog trainer and they aren't noticing her doing it much anymore. I'm guessing her skin was irritated from the grooming. She is getting spayed soon, so I'll be sure to chat with the vet to make sure everything is okay.