A Swollen Vulva Sticking Out After Heat, With Sores on a Puppy's Belly

A golf-ball-sized swelling sticking out from the vulva during or just after a heat is often vaginal overgrowth (vaginal hyperplasia). Estrogen during heat makes the vaginal tissue swell and push out. It's most common in young dogs, and it often shrinks as the heat ends.

The exposed tissue can dry out, get injured or become infected, so please have your vet see her soon. Until then, keep it clean with plain warm water, protect it from injury, and stop her licking with a cone. Because it tends to return with every heat, spaying is often recommended once she's recovered.

The red, crusty sores with yellow pus on her belly and inner legs sound like a skin infection, which is common in young dogs. Your vet can check both problems at the same visit. Go sooner if the tissue looks dark, dry or bleeding, she has trouble urinating, or she seems unwell.

See swollen vulva in dogs and dog in heat.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.