My puppy's first heat: swollen vulva, uncomfortable. What should I do?

Question

Our puppy is in heat for the first time. We are about half way through. She's been good wearing puppy panties with pads but the discharge has decreased so we were letting her go without them. But since then it seems like her vulva had gotten more swollen and she's very uncomfortable. Is there any point where it gets so bad she needs to see the vet? How can we make her most comfortable? (As an aside, we are definitely getting her spade. No plans to breed, time just flew by too quickly.). Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 11 days old | 12 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

Actually while she is bleeding she is in pre-estrus. When the discharge becomes fainter and more transparent she is actually nearing estrus, ie becomes fertile. Now is the dangerous time, ie for the next three weeks you will need to watch out that she does not get in contact with a male. Unfortunately males can smell a female in heat for more than 2 miles away and will try to even break in to wherever your dog may be housed. I think you may want to keep the puppy panties on her in order to avoid an "accident". She will not need to see the vet unless she starts to drink and urinate a lot and gets a yellowish or greenish discharge. That would point to a uterine infection.

My puppy's first heat: swollen vulva, uncomfortable. What should I do?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

Is my female rat pregnant? What are the visual signs of rat pregnancy?

My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

Share