Taking care of a dog is highly rewarding but can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of your depth. For instance, if you have a female dog with swelling in her private area, you might panic. But most of the time, it’s not something to worry about. Keep reading to find out more.
If your female dog’s private parts are red and swollen, it probably means she is in heat (ready to mate). When a female dog is in heat during her estrus cycle, her vulva (the visible part of her genitalia) becomes swollen and red. There may even be a small amount of bloody discharge visible on her private parts. This can last for a week or two, but the duration can vary from dog to dog.
Once the dog is no longer in heat, the swelling and redness goes away and the vulva appears normal again, until the next heat cycle in approximately six months.
Pregnant dogs who are about to give birth may also have a visible swelling of their private parts. Your dog will lick the area (this helps to stimulate labor) and may give birth shortly afterwards. This is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if you feel your dog is having trouble delivering her pups, contact your vet.
If your dog is spayed or too young to be in heat (most female dogs have their first heat cycle at 6-8 months of age), other things might be causing her private area to be swollen. These can include a bacterial infection and inflammation of the vagina, a urinary tract infection, or trauma. Along with the swelling, there may be a discharge and your dog may be licking the area.
Sometimes, injuries can occur if you try to separate dogs that are stuck after mating. This can lead to swelling and bruising of the private area in a female dog. Trauma can also occur during dog fights or accidents. If your dog has a habit of rolling in grass, contact with irritants on the ground can cause her private area to become swollen.
If you suspect anything other than your dog being in heat, you should get her checked out by the vet as soon as possible. The vet will be able to find out what exactly is causing the swelling and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
If you are not sure what is causing your female dog’s private area to be swollen, consult her veterinarian. This is especially important if you notice other signs like crusting, cracking, bleeding, or raw skin. Call the vet right away, regardless of whether your dog is spayed or not. Never use a cream or ointment on your dog’s private parts without the vet’s approval.