Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Red heeler's first heat: Is her vulva swelling and pink color normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Female | unspayed | 40 lbs

I have a red heeler that came into heat for the first time she's a year old but something just don't seem right about it she's really really swollen in the back which I know is normal to swell but I don't know if she's been sleeping a lot and it looks not red red but a little red pink color I just want to make sure that is not too swollen or something isn't wrong

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 27th, 2018

From the pictures you have provided of Georgia, her vulva does look normal for a dog in heat, but please keep in mind that because I can't see her in person, I cannot say this for certain. If you are concerned about her, take her into the vet for a check just to be safe. I hope this helps!

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog is in heat. Is a swollen private part normal during her period?

Yes, this is normal to see a swollen vulva during a dog's heat, and in this picture, Stormy's vulva does not look abnormally swollen. Thank you for providing a picture, as it really helped with my answer. So to answer your question, yes this is normal!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's vulva is very large and swollen during heat. Is it normal?

Yes, swelling of the vulva is normal during a heat, and it can get large especially if Poke already has a relatively large vulva. It can also be caused by an allergic reaction or an infection. It's always good to have it checked out by a vet just to be safe. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is in heat and has a growth near her vulva. Should I worry?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. Her swollen vulva and the blood tinged discharge are consist with her heat cycle starting. However, the lesion in the pictures is abnormal. She could have traumatized herself by licking. If there is tissue protruding from her vagina, then I worry about a prolapse. If the area enlarges or seems to bother her, then she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's vulva is black after her first heat. Should I be worried?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Skyler. The vulva will stay larger after the first heat cycle and can change in appearance. The mammary chains will also stay larger as compared to before her first cycle. The vulva still looks normal to me, but she should see her veterinarian if you are concerned. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's vulva is swollen and hanging out during heat. Is this normal?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Athena. Your pictures are a bit fuzzy, but she does appear to have tissue protruding from her vulva. This may be a vaginal prolapse. She will need to see her veterinarian to confirm this suspicion. If this is the case, it will likely repeat with each subsequent heat cycle unless she is spayed. In the meantime, prevent her from licking the area. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My small dog's vulva is very swollen during heat. Is it a prolapse?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tootsie. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. The vulva will swell with heat, but you want to ensure there is not a complicating factor such as a vaginal prolapse starting. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 6-month-old dog's vulva is red and swollen. Is she in heat or sick?

It is the skin around the vulva that is irritated and swollen, not the vulva itself. The vulva will swell when they are going into heat. This is a skin infection. I suggest you have her to your vet for an exam.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share