Whenever a dog is in heat, the vulva expands, however, if the dog is not spayed, the shape of the vulva might fluctuate over time.

Dogs may experience swelling in their private areas for a variety of causes including allergic reactions, pregnancy or labor, infections are more.

Some causes are quite extreme, while others aren’t. Be sure to always look out for other symptoms such as heavy breathing. Let’s get to the details.

What is Swelling in the Vulva?

You would detect vaginal secretions or inflammation in the vulva region of your dog. Your dog may be going through their period which may cause swelling. This phase lasts three to four weeks, and you should be aware that your dog may become pregnant at this time, as well as the fact that male dogs will be drawn to her. 

Unspayed females should exercise caution during their period cycle because pregnancy is always a possibility. The vulvar region may enlarge for a variety of causes, including the estrus cycle.

Reasons for Vulva Swelling?

Allergic Reaction

It’s possible that either shampoo or any other cleaning products you’re using are causing an allergic reaction in your dog. It’s also probable that your dog has come into touch with an allergen, such as a plant or an insect.

The vulva is a vulnerable area that can be affected by the bug or poisonous plant toxins. Since this cause is unknown, it is recommended to take your dog to a veterinarian facility for assessment and treatment.

Period Cycle

Once or twice annually, an unspayed female dog would have a period. Your dog’s behavior is very typical. The tissues stretch and protrude outwards from the vulva due to estrogen production during this phase. This can be avoided by spaying your dog, which also implies that it will no longer be capable of reproducing.

Concerns During Labor

If your dog is pregnant, changes in the vulva, which are commonly mistaken for enlargement, will occur at the beginning of the birthing process. This is a common occurrence during the birthing process.

Many dogs lick their genitals during this time, which irritates them. In addition, when she prepares for childbirth, the dog’s vagina begins more noticeably, which can be interpreted as swelling of the vulva.

During this phase, your dog will have an increased production of estrogen, which will cause her vagina to swell and look more “external”.

Forced Separation During Breeding Phase

Forcing dogs apart during mating might cause injury to the female.

Some people forcefully separate dogs during mating, which can increase damage to private areas in both males and females and lead to inflammation and swelling.

Infections

Urinary tract infections and vaginitis are often concomitant. Urinary tract infections are often caused by bacteria that ascend from the distal urethra and the surrounding area. It is easy to see how the overgrowth of vaginal flora can cause vaginal infections. 

When peeing, dogs with vaginal prolapse might suffer pain and discomfort, and they may lick the genital area repeatedly. In canines, vaginal prolapse occurs when tissue in the interior lining of the vagina expands and protrudes through the vulva or genital opening.

The vaginal tissue swells and may protrude through the vulva and look like a donut-shaped mass.

Vaginitis is characterized by swelling of the vaginal area with discharge, which is found in both puppies and elderly dogs.

What is Vaginitis?

Vaginitis in dogs is an inflammatory condition of the vagina that is itchy and can cause pain. This disease is considered mild, which means that it is easy to cure. It can also be associated with other vaginal infections such as urinary tract disease or yeast infections. 

Vaginitis in puppies can be caused by a urinary tract infection, a birth defect in the inside of the dog (such as an inverted vulva), or even contamination of feces.

In older dogs, vaginitis can be induced by a uterine or yeast infection, as well as a urinary tract condition. Vaginitis in adulthood is more common in spayed dogs that have already reached maturity than in intact bitches. 

Juvenile vaginitis is possible in dogs younger than one-year-old. The most common signs of vaginal malignancy in dogs are vulvar discharge, an increase in volume, and the sudden appearance of a mass protruding from the vulva.

The causes of vaginitis are most likely associated with viral or bacterial infections, although anatomical defects or trauma are possible.

How is Vaginitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis is frequently made based on a dog’s medical history and clinical findings. Diagnostic tests include blood and urine tests, which are frequently normal, urine tests and antibiotic resistance testing, vaginal swabs, vaginoscopy (visually seeing the vagina with a camera), and vaginal histology studies.

What Causes a Dog’s Vaginal Lump?

Traumas, infections, structural problems, irritation, abscesses, and tumors are all possible causes of lumps or growths in or outside the vulva of a dog.

In dogs who haven’t been spayed, vaginal hyperplasia causes a lump of deep pink or red inflamed tissue to extend from the vulva.

The tissue inflammation that causes this should fade entirely once your dog goes out of the heat or is spayed. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian if you still have any concerns about your dog’s wellness.

Final Thoughts

It is important to always keep an eye on your canine and act quickly if you notice something is wrong. 

Allergies can be triggered by a variety of sources, including food, chemicals, plants, and insects. Checking your dog for cuts, infections, tumors, and swellings regularly is an excellent preventative measure.

This is a simple and easy technique to look after your pet while grooming.