Does A Dog’s Vulva Swell Before Bleeding

Vulva swelling before bleeding can be a sign of a vaginal infection.

The vulva is the external part of the female genitals. It includes the labia and clitoral glans, which are sensitive to touch. The vulva also includes the urethral opening (where urine leaves the body) and vaginal opening (where menstrual blood and sexual intercourse leave the body).

When a dog’s vulva swells before bleeding, it can be a sign of vaginal infection. This is because when dogs are in heat, their vulvas swell up due to increased blood flow to this area. If this is not accompanied by bleeding, then it may be an indication of an infection that needs treatment with antibiotics or other medications.

How long before bleeding does a dog’s vulva swell?

The first stage of the dog heat cycle is called proestrus. This stage can last from 3 to 17 days, but many dogs experience about 9 days in proestrus. The first sign of this stage is the swelling of the vulva. This is one of the best ways to spot the beginning of a dog heat cycle.^[1]

Do female dogs swell before they bleed?

What are the signs of estrus in dogs? Vulvar swelling is the first physical indication of an impending estrus cycle. However, the most obvious recognizable sign is vaginal bleeding. This may not become apparent until a few days after the female has come into estrus.^[2]

Does a dogs vulva swell before heat?

Signs of Heat. The first sign of a female (dam) coming “into season” is often swelling of the vulva. This swelling can occur a week before bleeding, or the day before. Other signs of heat are behavioral changes; your dam may start to hump other dams, or pups or even your leg.^[3]

Why is my female dog’s vulva swollen but no blood?

It’s normal for an unspayed dog’s vulva to swell during certain points in her estrus cycle, or heat. The canine estrus cycle has four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. The vulva will begin to swell during proestrus and remain enlarged to varying degrees throughout estrus and diestrus.^[4]

What are the 4 stages of a dog in heat?

The canine estrous (reproductive) cycle is made up of 4 different stages. These are proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. Each stage has differing signs related to behavior, physical or clinical changes, hormonal changes, physiologic changes, and cytologic (vaginal smear) changes.^[5]

What are the signs that your dog is going into heat?

Swelling of the vulva. Bloody vaginal discharge. Holding or tucking her tail closer to her body. Increased clinginess. Changes in appetite. Aggression toward male dogs.^[6]

Do dogs get swollen on period?

This is the period of time when she’s receptive to mating. Hormonal changes will cause pronounced differences in your dog that will indicate she’s in heat, including a swollen vulva, bleeding, more frequent urination and increased nervousness or alertness.^[7]

How long does the swelling last when a dog is in heat?

The proestrus stage: This is the first stage of a dog’s heat cycle and usually begins with the swelling of the vulva. It can last anywhere from three to 17 days.^[8]

How do you know when your puppy is coming into season?

Signs a dog might be in season You will know your female dog is in season when you see her vulva is swollen or she has a bloody vaginal discharge. You may also notice her urinating and cleaning that area more often than usual. However, some dogs do not show any obvious signs.^[9]

Why is my female dogs private area swollen not in heat?

Urinary tract infections can be a common occurrence among female dogs. Antibiotics or probiotics can help cure infection and prevent further swelling. Vaginitis is inflammation of the vaginal canal, and there are two types: juvenile (puppy) vaginitis, and adult onset vaginitis.^[10]

Why is my dog’s vulva sticking out?

Some of the causes of vaginal prolapse are estrogen stimulation, vaginal hyperplasia, or a general genetic predisposition. Prolonged straining, such as difficult labor and delivery or anorectal obstructions, is another common cause of prolapse.^[11]

How swollen does a dog get in heat?

When a female dog is in heat their vulva becomes very large and swollen. It can become three or four times its original size but don’t worry, it’s not painful for her. This swelling can continue throughout the entire season of two to four weeks but should subside when your dog comes out of heat.^[12]