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My dog's vulva has bumps after her heat. Could it be herpes?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bully | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 25 days old | 37 lbs

My dog started her period on May 16 & it ended about a week & a half ago.. then I noticed a bump on her vagina then a few days later I think another now it seems like she’s having a herpe break out !

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 13th, 2022

Thank you for the picture, it's very helpful! In dogs, herpes typically is seen through respiratory signs but there can be lesions on the external genitalia. It would be more likely that these bumps are due to an infection, such as a pyoderma, contact dermatitis, or folliculitis. Without seeing Rocci in person, I can't say for certain, but it does need to be checked out by a vet. Please give her vet a call to make her an appointment to get this diagnosed and treated. If it is an infection, it can be treated with medication. In the unlikely event that it is canine herpes, you cannot get it. I hope this helps.

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