Female Dog Private Area Swollen During Period What to Expect

As a dog owner, it's not uncommon to notice changes in your female dog's behavior and physical appearance around the time of her period. According to our research, a swollen private area during this time is a common symptom of heat in dogs.

This swelling is a natural response to hormonal changes in your dog's body. In fact, studies have shown that the increase in estrogen levels during heat can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to swelling in the vulva.

The swelling can be accompanied by other symptoms such as discharge and a strong, pungent odor. It's essential to keep your dog clean and comfortable during this time, and to monitor her behavior for any signs of distress or discomfort.

The swelling should subside once your dog's heat cycle is over, which is usually around 2-3 weeks.

As a dog owner, it's essential to understand what's happening with your furry friend's private area during her period. A swollen vulva is a common symptom, often caused by hormonal fluctuations and increased blood flow.

During this time, estrogen levels surge, leading to swelling and redness in the vulva area. This is a normal part of the heat cycle, but it can be uncomfortable for your dog.

In some cases, a swollen vulva can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as a urinary tract infection or pyometra, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

The proestrus stage is a crucial part of a dog's heat cycle, and it can last anywhere from 3 to 17 days.

During this time, you may notice a swelling of the vulva, which is a clear sign that the heat cycle has begun.

The vulva swelling can vary in amount, with some dogs swelling just a bit and others swelling quite a lot.

You may also notice that your dog gets hungrier during this stage, so be prepared to increase their food portion.

Some dogs may react to the swelling by tucking their tail between their legs or sitting down whenever another dog approaches.

The bleeding during the first few days of proestrus is typically light, but it can grow heavier towards the middle of the week.

The Diestrus stage is a crucial part of a dog's heat cycle, lasting from 60-90 days. During this time, the dog is no longer fertile.

The swelling that was present during the estrus stage has significantly decreased, but the vulva may remain slightly large.

Pyometra in dogs is often caused by hormonal changes, particularly during their estrus cycle when the cervix is more relaxed. This allows bacteria like E. coli to ascend from the vagina into the uterus.

The bacteria can start to grow and multiply, leading to a buildup of pus and toxins in the uterus. This can happen just one to two months after a dog's previous heat cycle.

Dogs that have had multiple heat cycles are more likely to develop cysts called cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH), which can lead to fluid secretions and make it easier for bacteria to grow.

The hormone progesterone, which increases during the diestrus stage after a heat cycle, can cause the uterus lining to thicken, making it more susceptible to infection.

If your dog is experiencing a swollen private area during her period, it's essential to be aware of the symptoms and diagnosis process.

A veterinarian will diagnose a pyometra, the underlying condition causing the swelling, based on a physical exam and a history of a recent heat cycle.

A swollen private area accompanied by vaginal discharge is a common symptom of pyometra, and your veterinarian may use various tests to confirm the diagnosis.

These tests may include ultrasound or X-rays to identify an enlarged, fluid-filled uterus, blood work, a urine sample, and vaginal cytology.

Here are the tests your veterinarian may use to diagnose pyometra:

Ultrasound or X-rays to identify an enlarged, fluid-filled uterus

Blood work

Urine sample

Vaginal cytology

Symptoms of open pyometra can occur anywhere from two to eight weeks after a dog's heat cycle, but can be as late as twelve weeks.

One of the first signs of open pyometra is excessive licking after the heat cycle. This is because the dog is trying to clean itself of the discharge.

White, yellowish, or green discharge can be present, but it may start out clear. This discharge can have a foul-smelling odor.

Changes in behavior, such as depression, can also be a sign of open pyometra. Your dog may become lethargic and withdrawn.

Increased thirst and urination are common symptoms of open pyometra. This is because the dog's body is trying to flush out the infection.

Other symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and lack of energy.

Here is a list of common symptoms of open pyometra:

If you're experiencing heat, you might notice a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, which can be a sign of heat-related illness.

A temperature above 103°F (39.4°C) is considered a fever, and it's a common symptom of heat exhaustion.

The body's cooling system, or thermoregulation, can be overwhelmed, causing the body temperature to rise uncontrollably.

Heat cramps are muscle spasms that occur when the body loses too much salt and water, often caused by intense physical activity in the heat.

Sweating is a natural response to heat, but if it's excessive or not followed by cooling, it can be a sign of heat-related illness.

Heat exhaustion can cause headaches, dizziness, or fainting, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

A pyometra is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. The main treatment options include IV fluids, antibiotics, and surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus, also known as a spay.

This surgery is often more complicated than a standard spay and may require intensive care and monitoring for signs of sepsis, dehydration, shock, anemia, and more. Medical management, which involves injections of prostaglandin, fluids, and antibiotics, is rarely considered and generally discouraged.

Spaying your dog before the development of infection in the uterus is the best way to prevent pyometra. This can be done at a young age, making it a safer and less costly option than waiting for an emergency pyometra spay.

An emergency spay is the preferred treatment of choice in most veterinary hospitals for pyometra in dogs.

Surgery is usually the best option because it addresses the condition's urgency and prevents a future recurrence.

The mainstay of treatment includes IV fluids, antibiotics, and ovariohysterectomy (spaying).

Medical management involves injections of the hormone prostaglandin, fluids, and antibiotics, but it's rarely considered and generally discouraged.

Medical management takes several days before showing improvement, and some dogs may not improve at all and may ultimately require surgery.

If surgery is required, it's essential to leave your pup in the care of the vet for proper care and monitoring.

Rehydration is crucial to replace the loss of fluid, and your vet will likely encourage you to rehydrate your dog at the vet.

Here are the steps to take if your dog has pyometra:

Spaying your dog before they develop a pyometra can prevent the condition entirely. This is because spaying removes the ovaries and uterus, which are the primary sources of the infection.

A spay surgery is recommended for all dogs to prevent pyometra, especially if they're intended for breeding. Spaying young and healthy dogs is safer and less costly than waiting for an emergency pyometra spay.

Breeders should consider breeding their dogs at the right age to minimize the risk of pyometra. This can help reduce the likelihood of a pyometra diagnosis.

Pyometra is a serious condition that affects many female dogs during their heat cycle. It can occur as early as two weeks after the cycle, but more commonly between two to eight weeks.

Symptoms of pyometra are often noticeable, including excessive licking after the heat cycle. White, yellowish, or green discharge may appear, which can start as clear at first. Changes in behavior, such as depression, are also common.

Increased thirst and urination are other signs of pyometra, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. A lack of appetite and energy can also be present. In some cases, the pus coming from the vagina may have a foul-smelling odor.

Here are some common symptoms of pyometra:

The Diestrus stage is towards the end of the heat cycle and can last from 60-90 days. At this point, the dog is no longer fertile.

Most of the swelling is gone at this stage, but the vulva may remain slightly large.

The female dog usually ovulates at the time where the vaginal discharge becomes watery, marking her most fertile stage.

This is the time where she will be most receptive to breeding, and it's possible for her to get pregnant while she is in estrus.

Sperm can survive for 1 week and be capable of fertilizing the eggs, so conception can occur even after ovulation.