My dog is licking, lazy, and clingy. Is she in heat or sick?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Russell Terrier | Female |
Is my dog in heat? She has been licking down there alot and has been lazy. She has been clingy. We can't afford to go to the vet
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 11th, 2016
Licking her vaginal area is a sign of heat, but without seeing in person, I can't say for sure she is in heat. I would recommend keeping her indoors most of the time, walking her on a lead to toilet, and keeping away from intact males so she does not become pregnant.
7Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
If she is intact, she may be in heat. You can check if her vulva is swollen or red. She may also bleed a bit. The heat cycle should end in 2-4 weeks if that's what is causing the issue. Excessive licking may also indicate UTI. Monitor for frequent squatting to urinate, straining, increased thirst or asking to go out more often in addition the signs you are seeing. If this is the case, she will need to see a veterinarian. A urine sample will need to be collected and submitted for urinalysis and culture to diagnose UTI.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 12th, 2018
This may be a sign of juvenile vaginitis, which is a condition that will go away when she has her first heat and is an indication not to spay before she has had her first heat. By licking herr vagina, however she is introducing bacteria and irritating the tissue, and it may be necessary to put a cone on her to keep her from licking as well as a necessity for prescription antibiotics. The inflammation points to this. She could also be having her first preestrus (bleeding before the first heat) and could be cleaning herself excessively. As you wrote above, this could also be a UTI. I suggest you have her examined by your vet so any possible infection can be treated and she will stop the excessive licking which is rather detrimental.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 17th, 2019
I’m assuming you mean she is licking her vulva. This could be a sign of a urinary tract infection or other lower urinary tract disease like bladder stones. If you’re seeing bloody discharge from the vulva it could be a heat cycle but she shouldn’t seem painful. If the behavior continues I would recommend seeing your veterinarian.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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