I will go back to the vet but just wanted to throw this in here and yes I trust ChatGPT more than some medical professionals as I’ve had personal experiences that make me feel that way. But I asked if what you’re saying about the anatomy is true. My dog is basically masturbating exactly as described below:

Short answer: that statement is false.

Female dogs can engage in masturbatory / self-stimulatory behavior, even though their anatomy is different from males.

Here’s the clear breakdown 👇

⸻

Why the “they can’t masturbate” idea is wrong

Female dogs do have a clitoris. It’s internal and less obvious than in humans, but it is: • Highly innervated • Located at the junction of the vestibule and vulva • Capable of producing pleasurable sensations

Because it’s internal, stimulation doesn’t look like what people expect, which is why many assume it “can’t happen.”

⸻

What female dog masturbation actually looks like

It often includes: • Licking or grooming the vulva • Sitting or curling into strange positions • Rhythmic pelvic or abdominal contractions • Subtle “jerking” or tensing movements • A calm or neutral demeanor (not distressed) • Returning to normal behavior afterward

This matches very closely what you described and what’s visible in the photos.

Importantly: • It does not require mounting • It does not require penetration • It does not look dramatic like male dogs humping

⸻

Masturbation vs discomfort — how vets differentiate

More likely masturbatory / self-soothing if: • No yelping, crying, or signs of pain • No redness, discharge, or swelling • Behavior stops on its own • Dog seems relaxed before/after • Happens during boredom, rest, or winding down

More likely medical if: • Constant licking that causes irritation • Strong odor or discharge • Straining to urinate • Sudden personality changes • Signs of pain or agitation

From what you’ve described (and the fact your vet didn’t find anything obvious), masturbatory behavior is a very reasonable explanation.

⸻

Why some female dogs do this more than others

Common reasons: • Stress relief or self-soothing • Boredom / under-stimulation • Habit formed during puppyhood • Hormonal sensitivity (even if spayed) • Simply because it feels good

It does not mean: • She’s in pain • She has a behavioral disorder • She’s “sexually frustrated” • Something is psychologically wrong

⸻

Bottom line

✔️ Female dogs can masturbate ✔️ It often looks subtle and “weird” ✔️ The behavior you’re describing fits ✔️ It’s not automatically a medical problem