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

My unspayed dog's belly is swollen, black and blue. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkipoo | Female | unspayed | 10 months and 30 days old

Hi, my dog stomach is like black and blue on one side and looks swollen, what’s wrong with my dog?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on December 30th, 2017

The discoloration you are seeing appears to be located around Ariel's mammary glands. I see that she is 10 months old and not yet spayed. If she has just had a heat cycle it is normal for there to be increased blood flow to the mammary glands, which can cause them to be a little swollen and discolored. However, if it appears to be getting worse, there is any discharge or she appears painful, I would certainly have your veterinarian examine her. It's hard to tell from the picture, but if it is spreading down the inside of her leg, then that is abnormal and she should be examined.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog was bred last week, why is her belly suddenly swollen?

It's not normal that Luna's belly is swollen a week after breeding, and i would be concerned that the swelling could be due to a medical illness such as a pyometra (infection of the uterus). She could also be suffering from intestinal worms, bloat, or have a build up of fluid in the abdomen from a disease process. I would have Luna seen by a vet immediately for this, as there can be some very serious causes behind a suddenly swollen belly. The vet can do a physical exam, blood tests, urinalysis, and x-rays to diagnose what is causing her swollen belly. Once the cause is found, the vet can discuss treatment with you. Please take her into a vet now.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my unspayed dog's belly swollen? Is it bloat or pregnancy?

You are honestly too kind to me! Bloat is fatal without treatment, but if she is acting normally now, then she doesn't have it. You would see unproductive vomiting, restlessness, pacing, a swollen abdomen, and looking at the abdomen. It's good that she stopped the previous behavior, and it could be that she had something stuck in her throat but has now passed it. I would monitor her for now, and if she does show any concerning signs again, have her seen by a vet. As for the swelling of her stomach, it could be possible that Bella is pregnant if she's been around intact male dogs. She could have be going into heat, as the mammary glands can swell when a dog is in heat.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My small unspayed dog has a saggy stomach. Should I see a vet?

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is hard to see exactly what Pomi's abdomen looks like in those photos. To be safe, I would recommend you take her into your vet to make sure that her abdomen palpated (feels) normal, she does not have a temperature and that she is otherwise normal. Sometimes non-spayed females can get something called a pyometra (pus in the uterus) that can cause a tense stomach, vaginal swelling and discharge, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea etc. This can become a surgical emergency therefore, if Pomi is showing any of these signs, I would take her in sooner rather than later.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My unspayed dog has a soft, painless stomach lump. Is it an emergency?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Giselle. If she is eating, drinking and acting normal, then it is likely not an emergency. However, she should have it evaluated by her veterinarian. She may have developed a mammary mass. This is more common in dogs that have not been spayed. Her veterinarian will perform an examination and then possibly collect a sample from the swelling to analyze. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog have a painful purple lump with redness on her belly?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Darla! Thanks for the picture! The area looks painful. It is possible that this is from trauma, maybe her skin there got pinched. Other causes are an insect bite or even a mass. If the redness gets worse or doesn't improve I recommend that Darla have the area evaluated by your Vet. I hope this helps and I wish Darla a speedy recovery!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my dog have a blue spot on her stomach near her nipple?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is most likely a blown vein underneath which could have been caused by some form of trauma. I would recommend continuing to monitor this for now. If not resolved in 1 week, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's stomach is swollen during heat. Is she pregnant or sick?

No, the stomach shouldn't be swollen as a result of being in heat. If Milani's abdomen is swollen, she dog may be pregnant, or could be experiencing a false pregnancy which can cause many of the same symptoms including enlarged nipples and mammary glands. The stomach could also be swollen for some unrelated reason, such as intestinal parasites or even fluid in the abdomen due to a heart problem, liver disease, or a tumor. I would recommend having Milani checked by a vet to help determine what is going on - he/she can palpate her belly to see if anything feels abnormal, and may also need to do x-rays or ultrasound to diagnose the problem.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share