My dog is bleeding, is she in heat? How do I manage her period?

Thank you for submitting your question! Most puppies will start their first heat cycle anywhere from about 6-10 months of age. It can last upwards of 18-21 days. You will notice swelling of her vulva and mammary chain. She will spot and bleed as well. Some dogs keep themselves very clean and you only see small amounts of discharge, others will require diapers. You may observe some behavioral changes as well. These can include a decreased appetite, attraction to male dogs or being more clingy to you. Most dogs will cycle every 6-9 months with small dogs cycling more frequently and giant breeds less. I hope this information helps!

In regards to your question about Olie having her first heat cycle - on average a dog will have their first heat cycle between 6-12 months of age. It is hard to determine right now at her 2 month age exactly when her first heat cycle will be but it will be several months from now. If you want to take extra precaution during her heat cycle you can have her wear a cloth or disposable diaper to help with the "mess". She does not need to wear cloths and you do not have to change her normal healthy diet. You should take extra precaution when she goes into heat that there will be intact male dogs seeking her out to try and breed with her. If your intention is not for her to have puppies than it is very important to keep her away from intact male dogs during this time of her heat cycle or she will be bred. If you do not wish for her to have puppies it would be best to have her spayed prior to her first heat cycle by your veterinarian. Best of luck with your sweet puppy Olie.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Snow! Most dogs handle their heat cycles fine. Some dogs have a decreased appetite and are lethargic while others are hyperactive. There are no need for medications as they shouldn't be painful. Just always have her on a leash and do not let her outside a lone or around intact males dogs. I would have her spayed 2 months after the bleeding stops. I hope this helps and I wish you and Snow the best!

Hi and thanks for posting this morning. It sounds like Penelope is having her first estrus or 'heat' cycle. Dogs come into heat twice a year- once in the spring and once in the fall. Dogs do not have menstrual cycles like humans do- they are quite different. Small drops may be all you will notice-that is normal. Each estrus cycle lasts for about 4 weeks or so, the vaginal discharge she is experiencing may last for two weeks. No need to take her into your veterinarian unless you are still concerned, but it sounds like her estrus cycle has begun which is normal to start for smaller dog around 9 months-1 year of age. I hope this helps and best of luck to you and Penelope!

Doggy diapers are definitely a good way to keep from having to clean-up blood all day. The cone may be necessary if she tries to take off the diaper, but some dogs tolerate the diaper well. Keeping her outside is another option if the weather is OK, but make sure you have a good fence to keep out any possible intact males in the neighborhood...they will smell her from a mile away. Getting her spayed will prevent future cycles. You can have this done about a month after she's out of heat. For more information about the heat cycle and what to expect, I recommend you read the article at the link below. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/estrus-cycles-in-dogs I hope that helps and all is well with Maya.

When she bleeds, she is in pre-estrus. This is the time where she prepares for estrus (heat). This means she will be bleeding for about 2-3 weeks, continuously. Then the bleeding gets less and her discharge will be more of a clear red-tinged discharge. This is when she actually will go into heat for another 3 weeks, approximately, and this is where is can conceive. You should wait until about two months after her heat cycle is over before having her spayed. Here is some good information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs/

Yes, they do make doggie diapers with removal pads. I have seen some clients even fashion children's diapers on their pets (you must cut out a hole for the tail). This must be changed a few times every day or as it gets soiled. If you do not plan on breeding Millie, if she gets spayed, then she will not be able to have puppies and she will not have a heat cycle either. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.