Is it normal? Swelling in area under tail?

Question

I have a 9 month old female Choc. Lab/Sharpei Mix. She went into her first heat (or I first noticed bloody discharge) about 1 1/2 weeks ago. She appears to be in the stage where she wants to breed (though she has no access to a male).

My specific question is about the amount of swelling she is experiencing in the area below the tail, pretty much between the actual vulva and the rectum. Is this normal? I've tried searching for a picture online, but I'm not finding what I need. I would say the swelling would just about equal 10 cm in diameter if she were a female woman in labor. Thats the only way I can describe it.
Thanks for any responses.

Answer 1

There will be swelling of the vulva when you dog is in heat, along with a pinkish to red bleeding...

its hard to say from your description however if we're talking about normal vulva swelling or not, its so much easier with a picture of your dog's swelling.

You could take your dog to the vet and have them tell you for sure- just for peace of mind. Its always good to get a second opinion of you're concerned...

however vulva swelling is to be expected... but you should take her in and just have it double checked if you're concerned. just for peace of mind.

but its normal to have swelling.

Just keep an eye on her habits. that will tell you everything. Eating, drinking, (or lack there of) And so on. If she is acting normally- you can be more confident in the fact that everything is going well.

Answer 2

I'm not going to answer the question as you should take the dog to the vets to be evaluated by a trained expert. Just curious as to why you have an intact female? Obviously you are not a dog expert just from your having to ask this question of strangers. So you can't be having a responsible breeding program. There are so many medical advantages to spaying a ***** before it goes into its first heat. I hope that it is just because you didn't know and this will help spur you to learn.

Answer 3

She's probably in heat. I recommend having her spayed before she ends-up pregnant.
See the links below for more info. I did find a picture for you of a dog's vulva when she's in heat.

She also may just need to have her anal glands "milked"...Now there's a fun job, huh? Your vet can do it, and/or show you how to do it. Some dogs' glands just get clogged sometimes.

Answer 4

It's completely normal. I breed basset hounds. Swelling is a major indicator that a dog is in heat. She's fine. Sometimes theres barely any swelling at all and then other times theres a whole ton.
Good luck!

Answer 5

yes, unfortunately it is, if it were higher up, i would say her glands need to be drained, which you also will have to do, as long as the swelling only occurs during her time, and dissipates afterwards,as for the glands, they are located to the sides(inner) of the rectum, usually by placing your fingers on either side or the rectum as pushing in and up, you can drain them CAUTION have a paper towel ready at the scene as its like popping a pimple, and it stinks, good luck

Answer 6

Yes it's normal for her vulva to swell a lot during her heat cycle. Please get her spayed after she is out of her heat cycle and make sure to keep her away from all male dogs.

Answer 7

It is very normal. It will slow go back down once her heat is over.

Answer 8

it is completely normal my female did the same when she used to come into season i always took it to be when she was at the perfect time for mating

Answer 9

i know wat u mean my dog has that 2! not in the vaginal but between the tail and the vagina! its swelling

Answer 10

somethings wrong u need to take her to the vet