Puppy vaginitis and spaying

[Judith and Addie]

I have looked at the past posts for information about when to spay my little doodle girl. Addie is 4 months old now. Last week, I took  her to the vet, a bit worried because she had a yellow discharge from her vulva and of course, being a new puppy parent, I was worried it was an infection. Vet told me it is puppy vaginitis, not to worry, and clean the area daily with warm water.

As I was reading, I came across an article that said puppy vaginitis is hormone related and clears up with the first heat. Of course, the site I saw was discussing breeding bitches.

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on whether holding off spaying is better when the pup is prone to vaginitis? Hers is very slow in clearing.

[Judith and Addie]

Addie and I are pretty new to this, since she is slightly over 4 months. The vet didn't say a whole lot except that it is primarily a puppy thing and to wipe her at least once a day while she has the vaginitis. My impression is that she expects Addie to outgrow it. I found the articles after I last saw the vet and haven't had a chance to speak with her since.

I am trying to start a bedtime routine with Addie where I start with her on her back and wipe down the area, then start a brush and comb, to get her used to grooming. I am a bit  worried about the stories I hear about when puppies shed their puppy coats which can form mats in their adult coats.

[Pam Thomas]

The articles keep talking about the puppy having such a immature immune system-one suggested probiotics. Should you start your new puppy on probiotics and is there a way to assist the immune system to avoid these problems? Not sure where to ask this question.

[F, Calla & Luca]

No, probiotics are not really necessary for a heathy puppy and there is, in my opinion, no reason to think they will help an immature immune system.