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My puppy's vulva and nipples are swollen after heat, plus hair loss?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog (duplicate) | Female | unspayed | 10 months and 3 days old | 50 lbs

My puppy had her first heat about a month ago and her vulva is still swollen as well as her nipples. Is this normal? I also noticed a scabby spot that’s localized and recently it turned to a bald patch, I’m afraid it might be mange but maybe I’m over worried since this is my first dog. She is high energy, has a good appetite, but will bite around the area.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 6th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It can take a bit for the vulva and mammary glands to decrease from the hormones. She could also be experiencing a false pregnancy, which is a hormonal imbalance that can cause pregnancy symptoms: swollen mammary glands, milk development, nesting behavior, anxiety, carrying stuffed animals around. It usually resolves in 2-3 months. Causes for the area of hair loss are: trauma/injury/abrasion, skin infection, ring worm, demodex. I would put her on one of the oral flea and tick medications: Nexgard, Bravecto, or Simparica. All 3 also kill demodex as well. If the spot grows or doesn't resolve then I would have her seen. I hope this helps!

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