9 month old female yorkie with swollen 'privates'

I noticed when giving her a bath that her private area is swollen and looks irritated.

Could she be in heat?




Hi
Most puppies will come into season for the first time somewhere between 4 and 8 months of age.

Small dog breeds mature faster than large ones so they will usually have their season during the earlier part of that range, and large and giant breeds at the far end. BUT, no two dogs are the same and their cycles are individual too.

Generally the first season is a bit unusual in that it may be very short, or long, or there may be two seasons very close together. After that though, most dogs will come in season twice a year (some breeds, and individual dogs within a breed, may come in 3 times a year, others only once).

A swollen vulva will often be noticeable before the bleeding starts. So, if your pup hasn't had a heat cycle yet, it's perfectly possible that this is a sign that she's on the verge of her first one.

Hope this helps, best of luck with your puppy.