Hi everyone! Our 4 year old spayed Newfoundland is our first female dog. While I was grooming her today, I noticed that the area around her girl parts is "sticky." I cut some hair away and used a washed cloth and cleaned the area, but wonder what this may be? Is this normal for a female dog? We haven't noticed any discomfort. She is eating, playing and urinating normally. We have only had her for 3 months and this was the first time I groomed her more thoroughly so I don't know if it recurring. I will add that she has had several hot spots recently and wears "the cone of shame" constantly, other than walking, grooming and being loved on. On occasion, she has tried to bite/and or lick herself in the area, and we put the cone right back on. Any thoughts and advice would be much appreciated!