is my chi in heat?

[misha]

My chi is 13 months old, and i have not yet noticed any signs of heat. no bleeding, odor, etc.

the last week or two, however, her private parts are noticeable swollen, but her behavior has not changed, meaning she is still quite happy and playful. eating and sleeping habits seem to be the same as always. again, however, no odor or bleeding. she is definitely not pregnant as she has not been exposed to any male dogs. my sister's chi did experience a false pregnancy, could this be what is happening? is it normal for a dog to be over 1 year old without going into heat, or heat that is noticeable to the owner?

[Shanatink]

My chi is 13 months old, and i have not yet noticed any signs of heat. no bleeding, odor, etc.

the last week or two, however, her private parts are noticeable swollen, but her behavior has not changed, meaning she is still quite happy and playful. eating and sleeping habits seem to be the same as always. again, however, no odor or bleeding. she is definitely not pregnant as she has not been exposed to any male dogs. my sister's chi did experience a false pregnancy, could this be what is happening? is it normal for a dog to be over 1 year old without going into heat, or heat that is noticeable to the owner?

My chi did not go into heat for the first time until she was over a year old. And based on my experience if her privates are swelling it sounds like she is about to go into heat. My chi also did not really change her behaviour until she actually went into heat and then she just wanted to sleep more. Almost like she wanted to sleep until the whole experience was over, lol.