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My dog's private part is swollen after heat. Is it infected?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 4 months old | 8.5 lbs

My dogs keeps lick her private part. It became swolllen overnight. She passed her heat wave about a week ago. I want to know if it's an infection or it's just because she is licking it.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2017

If Carly is showing any other signs of illness such as vomiting, lethargy or drinking excessive water go to the vet asap as she may be developing a pyometra which is a life threatening uterine infection. If she is otherwise normal I still recomend a vet visit asap but it may be ok to wait until Monday vs an ER clinic. But please have her checked as any signs of infection of reproductive tract in a dog that recently went through a heat cycle could be serious.
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 11th, 2018
Hello, sorry to hear about Gracie. If she does have an infection locally around her vulva she may need antibiotics. If she recently had a heat cycle within the last 2-4 weeks, then these may unfortunately be signs of a pyometra. Not all pyometras will produce pus or bloody discharge. Alternatively, she could have a false pregnancy as well.

To fully determine if she has a local infection or something more serious such as a pyometra she will need to be evaluated by her veterinarian as she will likely need antibiotics to treat these. Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 17th, 2018
I would be very worried that your dog may have a uterine infection. A swollen vulva is a sign of hormonal activity and that can trigger or be a sign of a pyometra. Add to that the milky discharge and that she feels uncomfortable and that she had a heat cycle a few weeks ago. This is highly suspect and I highly recommend you take her to your vet for an exam. If this is indeed a pyometra (uterine infection) the she will need life saving surgery.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 24th, 2018
Hello, sorry to hear about Bailee. All that dark pigmented fur is proof that she has been licking and that the skin around her vulva is a bit swollen. It’s likely that she had a local skin infection from yeast and bacteria around her vulva. She could indeed have vaginitis or even a UTI as well.

All of these may be treated by the same antibiotic, but she may need antifungal and/or anti-itch medications to control her licking and treat the infection.

Bailee should be seen by her veterinarian this week so that she can be examined and ensure she doesn’t have a UTI or vaginitis. Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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