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

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 4th, 2017

  The swelling of Pebbles' vulva is certainly a normal change when a dog goes into heat. However, she should not experience urine leakage or a bright red vulva during a normal heat cycle. Pebbles may have a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, crystals in her urine, or urinary incontinence (although this is more common in spayed females). Make sure that Pebbles is not licking her vulva excessively (use an e-collar/cone if necessary), but otherwise she should go to her vet for an exam and urinalysis to get to the bottom of this issue. I hope that all goes well!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 18th, 2017

  Poor Meenah! It could be that she is going into heat again, as the vulva can swell and turn red when a dog is in heat. Even though she is 15, she will still be experiencing heat. There is a possibility this could be a sign of a uterine infection called a pyometra, and I would monitor her for now. Should she start having a pus filled discharge from her vulva, stops eating, starting drinking a lot, starts vomiting, and/or becomes very lethargic, I would have her seen by a vet immediately.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 14th, 2018

  Hi. I'm so sorry, it is a bit hard to tell in a photo. It may be swollen. And with Jessi being an unspayed female, the most probable cause is her going in to heat. If things seem abnormal there, I recommend getting her examined by your veterinarian. Good luck.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful