Hello there!! I have been a Veterinary Technician for almost 10 years and it is normal for a female dog in heat to have a swollen vulva. My female boxer "Sugar" was in heat recently and her vulva was about 3 times the size it is normally. You will want to ensure that the discharge is normal. If there is a greenish or pus filled discharge, you will need to get your girl to the Vet ASAP. The biggest concern for a female dog that has not been altered is something called Pyometra which is an infection in the uterus and can be fatal if untreated. During her heat cycle, her cervix relaxes and opens a little, this can allow bacteria to enter her uterus. When the cervix closes the bacteria is trapped. The body is usually able to fight off infections but if the immune system is somehow compromised then a pyometra can develop. I am not trying to scare you, only to make you aware of what can happen to an unaltered female. That is one of the many reasons it is so important to get your dog spayed. As for her swelling vulva, it sounds normal. Please just watch the discharge and watch how she is acting. Is she eating and drinking normally? Normal urination and bowel movements? Any vomitting or diarrhea? Is she cleaning herself like she should be? When in doubt, call your Vedterinarian. It is better to be safe than sorry right? If your Veterinarian feels she needs to be seen, then she should be seen. I really hope that I have helped you!! Please let me know how it all works out by leaving me a message in my shoutbox
Sincerley,
Jennifer - VT, Certified ACO
Sincerley,
Jennifer - VT, Certified ACO