Is my dog clingy, tired, with swollen nipples & red spots in heat?

Female dogs bleed in pre-estrus, which is the two or three weeks before the actual estrus or heat during which they can conceive. This will then actually last about two to three weeks and her vulva and nipples will remain swollen due to the increase in hormones. So, actually she is now in heat and can conceive, so you need to guard her, if you do not want puppies.

a higher hormone activity level such as during heat can indeed make the mammary complexes get more blood supply in preparation for a possible pregnancy. This should go away a little while after coming out of estrus (estrus = heat, and your dog is in heat for about three weeks after she stops bleeding. If the redness does not subside, or if the skin starts to look diseased, you should have your vet give Fufu a skin exam.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I don't think the spots are connected to her heat cycle. If Tammy is otherwise acting completely normal I think you can take her to your Vet in the morning. You can also post a picture of the spots here and we can try to give you more ideas on what they could be. Possibilities are bruising, a skin infection, hot spots, etc. The full mammary glands are likely connected to her heat cycle. Sometimes dogs can even experience a false pregnancy after they are in heat. This is a hormonal imbalance that makes the body think it is pregnant when it isn't. The mammary glands can become engorged and even produce milk, the dog can nest and carry stuffed animals around like babies, be anxious and clingy. It does go away. I wish Tammy the best!

Poor Spica. There is a good chance that she is in heat if she hasn't been spayed. I would look at her vulva to see if it look swollen and if there is a little bloody discharge from there. If not, then I would have your vet take a look at her to see if she is bleeding from anywhere else especially if you see it again on her bed. I hope this helps!

She may be in a false pregnancy cycle or have an infection in her uterus due to hormonal changes. Temperamental can be related to this or it may be a sign of pain or dominance at her age. The best thing to do is have a vet check her for an infection or a false pregnancy. From there you can discuss having her spayed to prevent future heat cycles so you no longer have to worry.

If Luna has a blood tinged discharge and your male dog is showing an increased interest in her, it is likely she is in heat and possible just very early stages and this is why her vulva isn't swollen. You can read more about the heat cycle in this article: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952188 (it is about false pregnancy but gives a good idea of the stages of the cycle). If, however, you think it is possible the blood could be in her urine/she is having urinary accidents/asking to pee more frequently then a vet visit is recommended.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Luna. The first hear cycle will stimulate full development of her mammary chain. It is not unusual for the nipples to enlarge. The other ones will likely start to have a similar appearance. If not and this nipple stays different from the rest of her chain, then she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!