Pomerian

I am wondering why my Pomerian always likes to lick herself between her legs all the time? She does not have fleas and she is forever scratching.She has been spayed and is approximately 5-6 years old.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Is she licking her vaginal area or her skin?  

If she is licking her vaginal area she could have a vaginal infection or a urinary tract infection. The vagina and urethra share some common anatomy.  You can differentiate between a vaginal infection and a urinary tract infection by having your vet perform a cystocentesis (acquiring the urine via needle).  If the urine is infection free, than it may be a vaginal infection.  The vagina can be cultured to look for yeast or bacterial infections.

If she is licking her skin, she may have food allergies or atopy (allergic skin disease).  Allergies can be to anything in the environment or any ingredient in the food.  Other causes for licking, chewing or scratching skin are: ring worm, scabies or demodex mites, other skin parasites, bacterial or fungal skin infections, behavioral problems, chemical irritants, and more.