My dog's vulva is swollen, but she's not bleeding. Is she in heat?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on November 1st, 2017

  A swollen vulva is a common signal that a female dog is in heat. Sometimes they are fastidious in cleaning themselves and you never see any blood. They are usually ready to breed 10-14 days after the first signs of heat. Here is a good article on the estrus (heat) cycle of dogs: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/estrus-cycles-in-dogs Here is a good article on preparing to breed your dog: http://www.akc.org/dog-breeders/responsible-breeding/

  

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  Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 21st, 2019

  She is a bit of a late bloomer but that is ok. Sometimes you won't see any blood, especially in small dogs, because they lick themselves clean. A swollen vulva is the best clue that your pet is either in heat or about to go into heat. If you want to verify she is in heat, its best to take her to your vet for an exam. They can also check her blood levels to see if this is an optimal time for her to get pregnant, since mentioned you want her to have pups. If you don't want to go in to the vet, you can just try to see if she will accept a male stud right now. Best wishes with your pet Hershey moving forward! Take care.

  

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  Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 21st, 2017

  I am guessing that this is her first heat based on the age you indicated. Sometimes the first heat cycle is a bit irregular, can last longer or sometimes they have no bleeding. The subsequent heat cycles are usually more predictable and regular. As long as the discharge is not thick and cloudy/ creamy- it is probably fine. If the discharge gets heavier or changes in consistency to look muddy, creamy, or thicker or she starts to become lethargic, have loss of appetite or vomiting- just wait it out. She should finish within the next 1-2 weeks.

  

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  Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

  Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

  Published on December 10th, 2016

  The canine estrous cycle or "heat" occurs on a cycle that averages around twenty-one days. Your dog's heat cycle is divided into four phases each of being about different signs. Proestrus: The First Week of Heat Signs: Hormonal fluctuations bring about physical and in some cases personality resulting in more or less affection or even agitation. Your pet may experience changes in appetite. Swelling of the vulva bloody vulvar discharge are common. Bloody discharge from the vulva may be light during the first few days and grow heavier as the week goes by; you may wish to purchase dog diapers or pads to catch the discharge during your dog's heat cycle. Also, your pet may also urinate more frequently during this part of the heat cycle. Estrus: The Second Week of Heat The second week of the estrous cycle is the period during which the ovaries are releasing eggs for fertilization. Signs of estrus include decreased vaginal discharge and standing or allowing males to mount. Diestrus: The Third Week of Heat The third week of your dog's cycle is the end of the fertility phase and you will observe little to no vaginal discharge, reduction in vulvar swelling and cessation of male receptivity. Anestrus: The Resting Period After Estrus If breeding was not successful during the estrus period, your dog will go back into anestrus, the resting period. This period lasts between five to eleven months.

  

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