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My dog's vulva is very swollen during her first heat. Is it normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My 7 lb mini dachshund is going through her first heat. She started bleeding on nov 1. Each day her vulva became more swollen but this evening it’s overly swollen. It appears it will explode. She keeps licking it and is not in a good mood like her usual self. Should I be concerned about the swelling?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 4th, 2018

That could be completely normal as all these signs are part of a normal heat cycle. Monitor her at this stage but there is no further course of action to be taken. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 15th, 2020

    yes, it is normal for the vulva to swell. I do recommend to spay Molly when the heat is finished as it has many health and behavioral benefits: https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-dogs/ Do not let her out of your sight and do not leave her unsupervised in the back yard. You must keep her away from male dogs. I hope this helps.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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