Signs that my female may be in heat?

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

I swear I did quite the online search but most are vague on the dirty details. I think it may be happening now but not sure. I have no experience with these things.

A disclaimer for those that don't know me and my dog: She has a vulva that is tucked up (an innie instead of an outie), and had puppy vaginitis quite a bit early on, and it was recommended by my vet to wait until after her first heat to spay her because going through her first heat will cause the vulva to swell and push it out permanently helping her overall health in that area. I do plan to spay her.

She is about 15.5 months. I saw some dried brown stuff in that area 4 days ago and again 2 days ago but no red or dripping. I'm assuming blood. The area around the vulva is very swollen almost tucking the vulva in more rather than having it swell up and out. Today there is a sticky clear discharge. She has been a bit sick, and today she threw up twice but that could be something else-not sure it's a sign of heat. Other than that her behavior is pretty normal but low key because she hasn't been eating as much. 

I just don't know what to look for other than blood, a swollen vulva, and male dogs howling at the front door.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

So glad you found out.  Hope she feels better soon.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Ugh... So glad you have a definitive answer tho. What did they give you for treatment?

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

He recommended antibiotics. I turned them down for now. He didn't push the issue. Last time they didn't seem to help much and were hard on the rest of her system.

She has a few other issues going on as well which my holistic vet has been helping with so I want to go back to that vet before adding antibiotics to the mix. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh Goodness! Nancy, I'm just reading this today. I am glad you have the right information, but sorry you two are dealing with more vaginitis. Hoping for a smooth recovery. 

[Joy Originator of GiantSchnoodles]

Hi, Excellent question:  Swollen vulva, take some daily porno pics for comparison; clear discharge, then bloody discharge, usually on my bed or pillow. All the dogs, related females mount each other just before & during. Usually blood is quite bloody, then approx 10th or 11th day it gets pink &/or clear. those are the most fertile days. All that being said, I have had dogs with silent heats so believe your intuition or go for a visit to any breeder & ask them to take a look. Good luck & keep us posted. Puppy love from Inventing Joy & Furry Folk

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

After the vet was sure she wasn't in heat, we took her on a hike this morning. The first two dogs we encountered were unfixed males. No way she is in heat. She's just a late bloomer.

[Wendy and Myla]

and a gorgeous one!!!!!

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Yes, she is in heat. Once the clear discharge starts, she is ready to breed, so take care that no unwanted "suitors" come around.  The nausea and vomiting aren't typically related to being in season. A trip to your vet is your best bet.