It’s common for a pregnant dog’s vagina to become swollen as she nears the end of her pregnancy and prepares to give birth. The vulva and vaginal tissues begin to relax and loosen in anticipation of the birth canal needing to expand during labor and delivery of puppies. Vaginal discharge may increase as well. While a swollen vagina can sometimes indicate an issue like an infection, it is often a normal part of pregnancy and not necessarily a cause for concern.
Signs of Vaginal Swelling
The most common signs of vaginal swelling in pregnant dogs include:
Enlargement of the vulva – The vulva is the external area around the vaginal opening. As a pregnant dog nears delivery, her vulva will become puffy and swollen.
Reddening of the vaginal area – Increased blood flow during pregnancy can lead to a pink or red appearance of the tissues around the vagina.
Discharge – A pregnant dog may have increased vaginal discharge, which can be clear, milky, or contain traces of blood. This is caused by hormonal changes and cervical secretions.[1]
Other potential signs include licking or irritation of the vaginal area. If the swelling is excessive, the vulva may protrude outside the body.
Vaginal swelling that arises suddenly or is accompanied by discharge that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling could indicate an infection or other problem requiring veterinary attention.[2]
Causes
There are several common causes for vaginal swelling in pregnant dogs:
Increased blood flow – As the pregnancy progresses, blood flow to the vagina and vulva increases to support the developing puppies. This increased blood flow causes swelling and enlargement.
Relaxation of pelvic ligaments – The ligaments supporting the pelvis begin to relax and loosen to allow the passage of puppies during birth. This ligament relaxation allows the vagina to expand and swell outwards.
Increased estrogen levels – Rising estrogen levels during pregnancy cause the vaginal tissue to proliferate and swell as it prepares for birth. Estrogen causes the vasculature of the vagina to dilate and become engorged.
According to https://wagwalking.com/condition/vaginal-hyperplasia, the swelling caused by increased estrogen is a normal change called vaginal hyperplasia.
When to See the Vet
If your pregnant dog is exhibiting extreme vulvar swelling, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. Significant swelling can be a sign of a serious medical issue that requires prompt veterinary attention. Some specific signs that warrant an urgent vet visit include:
– Extreme, rapid swelling of the vulva
– Abnormal discharge, especially if it’s bloody, mucus-like, or foul-smelling
– Frequent straining or signs of pain when urinating or defecating
– Licking, biting, or scratching at the vulva
– Difficulty urinating or defecating
– Loss of appetite or lethargy
While some swelling of the vulva is normal before birthing, abnormal swelling can potentially indicate conditions like vaginal hyperplasia, trauma during breeding, infections, or vaginal prolapse. Your vet will examine your dog and run tests to determine the cause of the swelling. Prompt treatment is essential to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution if your pregnant dog shows concerning signs. Early veterinary care can identify and address any underlying problems to help ensure your dog has a safe, healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Treatment
Usually no treatment is needed for vaginal swelling in pregnant dogs. The inflammation and swelling often resolve on their own after giving birth. However, some simple home treatments may help provide relief:
Apply cold compresses to the swollen area several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel before applying to prevent freezing the skin. Limit application to 5-10 minutes at a time.
If the vaginal swelling is due to an infection, your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotic medication. It’s important to finish the entire course as directed, even if symptoms improve, to fully eliminate the bacteria causing infection. Some common antibiotics used include amoxicillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, and enrofloxacin.
Keep the vulvar area clean by gently cleaning with unscented baby wipes daily. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh cleaners. This helps prevent additional irritation or infection.
In severe cases, your vet may recommend anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and discomfort. Follow your vet’s dosage instructions carefully.
Sources:
https://wagwalking.com/condition/vaginal-hyperplasia
https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/health-care/dog-conditions/what-to-do-if-dogs-vagina-is-swollen
Diet and Exercise
Proper nutrition is crucial during your dog’s pregnancy. Your dog’s caloric needs will increase by up to 50% during pregnancy as her body works to grow puppies, so it’s important to feed a high-quality commercial dog food formulated for pregnant or nursing dogs. Avoid overfeeding treats and table scraps. According to the Molecular Care Pet Vets, overfeeding and lack of exercise can lead to excessive weight gain which puts extra stress on your dog’s body. Follow your veterinarian’s feeding recommendations for amount and frequency.
Light exercise remains important during pregnancy to prevent obesity and maintain muscle tone. According to Everyday Health, regular short walks and light playtime are good exercises for pregnant dogs. Avoid intense exercise that raises your dog’s body temperature too high. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise if your dog enjoys it. Follow your vet’s advice about appropriate types and duration of exercise. Reduce exercise substantially in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy to conserve your dog’s energy for labor.
Sources:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/pet-health/how-care-your-pregnant-dog/
https://www.molecarepetvets.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/PREGNANCY-IN-THE-BITCH.pdf
Hygiene
Proper hygiene is important when caring for a pregnant dog. The genital area should be kept clean by gently wiping with a warm damp cloth daily, according to Everyday Health. Avoid scrubbing the area excessively as this can disturb natural bacteria and lead to infection.
Regular brushing and bathing are still recommended during pregnancy, according to Wag Walking, but special care should be taken. Oatmeal shampoos are gentle and recommended for bathing a pregnant dog. The abdomen and genitals should be washed gently. Grooming helps keep the coat clean, prevents mats, and keeps the pregnant dog comfortable.
Checking for fleas and ticks is also part of good hygiene. Use gentle, pregnancy-safe flea and tick control products recommended by your veterinarian. Keeping parasites away will help keep the mother and puppies healthy.
Proper hygiene care will help the pregnant dog stay clean and comfortable during this sensitive time. Consult your vet if you have any concerns about grooming products or practices.
Preparing for Labor
There are several important ways to prepare for your pregnant dog to go into labor and deliver her puppies:
Make a whelping area. Your dog will need a warm, quiet, and comfortable place to give birth and nurse her puppies. Create an enclosed space in a corner of a room using boxes or gates. Place clean bedding and newspaper on the floor. Make sure the area is away from drafts.
Have supplies ready. Gather towels, newspaper, scissors or dental floss to tie off umbilical cords, gloves, and disinfectant. Have puppy formula and a scale on hand in case you need to supplement feedings. Prepare a vet’s phone number to call in case of emergency.
Know the signs of labor. Look for restlessness, nesting behaviors, loss of appetite, vaginal discharge, and swollen vulva and mammary glands. Panting, shivering, and discomfort are signs labor has begun. Most dogs deliver a puppy within 6 to 12 hours after labor starts [1].
When to Worry
There are certain signs that indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires veterinary attention. These include:
Signs of pyometra
Pyometra is a serious uterine infection that typically occurs in unspayed older dogs, but can happen in young pregnant dogs as well. Signs include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, fever, and purulent or bloody vaginal discharge.
Signs of miscarriage
Pregnant dogs that miscarry may exhibit vaginal bleeding or discharge, along with signs like appetite loss and lethargy. According to veterinarians, miscarriages most commonly occur during the first trimester of pregnancy in dogs.[1]
Abnormal discharge
Any unusual vaginal discharge in a pregnant dog, especially if it is foul-smelling, purulent, or bloody, warrants immediate veterinary care. It may indicate an underlying health problem like a uterine infection.[2]
Contact your veterinarian right away if your pregnant dog shows any of these signs of illness. Early treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery.
[1] https://wagwalking.com/condition/miscarriage
[2] https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/health-care/dog-conditions/what-to-do-if-dogs-vagina-is-swollen
Conclusion
In conclusion, mild swelling of the vagina is normal during pregnancy and right before labor in dogs. The increased blood flow and estrogen levels cause the vaginal lining to thicken and swell up. This is all part of the body’s natural preparation for birth. However, if the swelling seems excessive or is accompanied by discharge, pain, or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian. Pregnant dogs require special care, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you have any worries about your pet’s health leading up to the big day.
