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Is my female puppy's swollen vulva a sign of her first heat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bugg | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 25 days old | 8 lbs

My dog has a pertaining vagina that seemed to appear over the past few days.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 29th, 2019

The pictures are a bit blurry, so it is difficult to see if there are any problems, but this appears to be a swollen vulva (external part of the vagina). This is typically seen as a sign of heat (a time when they are receptive to male dogs and can get pregnant). Considering she is not spayed and is the right age to come into her first heat, this is normal. For more information about this and what to expect, I recommend you read the article at the following link: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiSyoiY0NvjAhVOfSsKHVmCBf8QzPwBegQIARAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petcoach.co%2Farticle%2Fanatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs%2F&psig=AOvVaw0vx4ABuXaCpRQKXqoj-vOQ&ust=1564541172951364 One problem that can happen is the inside of the vagina can come out; which is called a vaginal prolapse. In this condition, you will see the pink inside protruding past the opening. If you see this, then it requires immediate attention by a veterinarian. I hope that helps and all is well with Mona.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 24th, 2024

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Athena and for providing a picture, it's very helpful. No this is not normal at all, this could be a vaginal prolapse. That is when there is a protrusion of the vaginal tissue out the vulva, which is caused by edema due to estrogen produced during heat. This needs to be seen by a vet immediately, please take her into one now. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 16th, 2020

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Athena. She does need to see a veterinarian, but if she is eating, drinking and acting normal it may not be an emergency. However, if more tissues begins to protrude, then she should be seen today. If it is a vaginal prolapse, it will likely recur with each cycle. It will be best to have her spayed. I hope this information helps!

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