Poms in heat

Question
I have a 9 month old pom and I noticed yesterday that you female area was swollen.  I thought at first she had had a bowel movement and some was stuck on her but it wasn't.  What should I do and is this normal?

Answer

Hi Brooke,

If your dog hasn't been spayed, then it's totally possible that she's having her heat cycle. I don't know what you think was "stuck" on her.

It's a pity you didn't get your dog spayed before the onset of her first heat cycle, when she would have gotten the most health benefits. She still can get some health benefits from being spayed. Unless you want to go through heat cycles twice a year on average, and an the inevitable "accidental" pregnancy, you should have your dog spayed.

Best of luck,
Patti