Here ’s how to reckon out what ’s run on down there .
If your female dog-iron ’s individual area is swollen and she ’s not in heat , it may have you wondering what ’s wrong — especially if she ’s licking her vulva or if there ’s a discharge . Here ’s what might be causing your dog ’s vaginal swelling and what you should do about it .
Why Is My Dog’s Vagina Swollen?
If you notice swelling in your dog ’s vaginal field , what you ’re check is swelling of the vulva . You ca n’t see your dog ’s vagina from the exterior — the seeable part is foretell the vulva . Within the vulva lie down the urethral orifice ( where piss come up out ) and the vaginal vestibule , which connects the vulva to the vagina . The vagina is internal and leads to the cervix uteri and uterus . A swollen vulva could intend there ’s also ignition of the vagina , which is calledvaginitis .
A female dog may have a swollen vulva for several reasons . Some are normal , but others ask veterinary interposition .
Estrus Cycle
It ’s normal for anunspayed frank ’s vulva to swell during certainpoints in her estrus round , or high temperature . The canine heat cycle has four stage : proestrus , rut , diestrus , and anoestrus . The vulva will begin to swell during proestrus and stay hypertrophied to varying degrees throughout oestrus and diestrum . The heat cycle pass off around every six months , and the vulva may remain swollen for about two months .
Pregnancy and Labor
A pregnant dog ’s vulva usually becomes swollen anywhere between a week to a few day beforeshe ’s quick to give birth . The dog will typically thrash the domain , which may stimulate labor . This is considered a normal part of dogtooth pregnancy and labor . However , touch your ex-serviceman if your dog is having trouble deliver her puppy .
Injury
Most vulva injuries occur after forced separation during mating . Dogsbecome stuck togetherduring the oddment stage of mating due to swelling at the base of the male dog ’s phallus . If the detent are forcibly separated , the enlarged part of the member may shock the rampart of the vagina and the vulva , conduct to swelling and bleeding . Because of this , it ’s crucial NOT to try and separate dogs while mating , even if the mating was unintended .
But other form of hurt can cause injury to the vulva as well , including start into a tussle or being tally by a car . Because the skin of the vulva may touch surfaces when a dog sits , injuries and inflammation can even occur due to liaison with irritants on the earth .
Infection
Vulva bulge may be a sign of an infection in the urinary parcel of land or reproductive system . Urinary parcel infections(UTIs ) are relatively common in dogs and lead-in to irritation to the urethra and vulva , cause dog to lick and scratch the area . distaff dogs are especially prone to UTIs because they have short urethras , making it relatively gentle for bacterium to travel up the urethra and into the bladder . Vaginal contagion , typically triggered by micro-organism like barm or bacteria , may also lead to bulge of the vulva and vaginal waiver .
Allergic Reaction or Irritation
Shampoos , conditioners , and other topical products are not mean for habit in the genital area and may cause annoyance or even anallergic reaction . practice forethought whenbathing your dogand using topical production to check they do n’t get near your wiener ’s vulva . Only use topical products near the genitals if your veteran has specifically apprize you to do so .
Puppy Vaginitis
The full term vaginitis refers to lighting of the vagina , but it ’s also used to describe a specific wellness condition . Puppy vaginitisis a benign precondition sometimes seen in young puppy , usually around 6–8 weeks of years . These pup often show no signs , but some may lick the field and experience a vaginal discharge . Puppy vaginitis often resolve on its own when the puppy has her first estrus . However , surgical correction may be necessary in some cases .
What to Do If Your Dog’s Vulva is Swollen
If you notice swelling in your cad ’s vaginal area , there are a few things to take into account .
If your dogisspayed , the vulva should not be swollen , so it ’s important to contact your veterinary surgeon if it continues for more than a day . If you mark that the skin of the vulva is bare-assed , cracked , crusty , or bleeding , be certain to get through your vet right away — whether or not your dog is spayed .
If your dogisn’tspayed , then the first retainer should be her estrus cycle . Is this her first high temperature ? Most domestic dog have their first heat oscillation between 6–8 months of long time . If this is n’t her first heating system , when did she have her last heat ? Contact your veterinary if the timing seems ill-timed or your pawl is not feel well .
Photo: Os Tartarouchos / Getty
Never use over - the - counter topical products on your dog ’s vulva without confabulate your vet first . Topicals may promote your dog to solve the area and make it more pissed . Even worse , some topical medications are toxic if ingested by dogs . Your vet can examine the vaginal area and take sample to limit the case of the swelling . Treatment may include topical and/or unwritten medications . Your dog may alsoneed to fall apart a coneto prevent further licking .
