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My dog is in heat and her vulva is very swollen. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | 40 lbs

My dog is in heat and very swollen what can I do.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 25th, 2017

The swelling is normal for a heat cycle. You can see about getting her spayed but there are increased risk to doing it while in heat. Make dogs can show up or she will wander off it let so be very careful when letting her out. A heat cycle typically last for 3 weeks then the discharge and swelling will go away. A heat cycle typically reoccurs about every 6-8 months

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14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 4th, 2019

    Yes that is a normal sign of a heat cycle. Their heat typically lasts about 3 weeks; 1 week coming in to heat, 1 week of bleeding, and 1 week coming out of heat. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 22nd, 2017

    Great question. Most dogs do fairly well during their cycle and don't require any pain medication or anti-inflammatories. So judge this based on how Luna does. If she seems really out of it and in a high state of discomfort, then you can ask your veterinarian for a short course of anti-inflammatories to assist her, but this is rarely if at all done. Just tender loving care during her cycle and allowing her free access to water is adequate for her care during her cycle, which can last anywhere from 2-4 weeks on average. If you don't plan on breeding Luna, it is also highly recommended to spay her before her next heat cycle to prevent potential pyometra and mammary cancer later on in life. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 7th, 2020

    Jimmy is in heat, during her cycle period her vulva will be swollen and she will experience bleeding, this is normal and usually lasts up to 3 weeks. this happens twice a year and can be avoided by getting her spayed by a vet.

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