Teddy bathed, shaved, then inactive; a day or two later the vulva looks swollen

Swelling of the vulva mainly has these causes. First, redness and swelling from various bacterial infections; the dog’s frequent licking causes inflammation, treatable with antiseptic washes and ointments.

Second, physiological causes: dogs go into heat mainly in spring and autumn, when the vulva reddens and swells and the dog licks it more, worsening infection — use sanitary pants and keep it clean.

Also, swelling in late pregnancy signals that labor is near.