Why is my dog depressed during her second heat cycle? Is this normal?

Poor girl. Some dogs have a tougher time than others when it comes to their first heat cycle. However she does seem to bra late bloomer as most dogs have their first heat cycle around 6-10 months. If she is this ill I would recommend having her to examined by your vet to make sure she isn't having any complications or other underlying illness that's causing this. If she is found to have a ln abnormally intense heat cycle, then the vet can prescribe some safe pet friendly pain medicaiton for her to get for the next few days until the brunt of her menstrual cycle has passed. In the meantime I try placing a warm compress on her belly for a few minutes (be very careful not to leave on too long or you can easily burn your pets skin) to help ease some of the discomfort. hope she feels better soon!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lexi! I do not think this is normal and I am worried too! I am concerned that Lexi may have an infected uterus (pyometra). This is a surgical emergency. Dogs can become very sick from this and it is life threatening. It could be something else but it is best to have her examined by your Vet and have a belly X-ray done to see if her uterus is dilated. I hope this helps and I wish Lexi the very best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If she is dripping urine or straining to urinate then I would worry about a urinary tract infection or crystals in the urine. I would try to collect a urine sample and bring it with you for an appointment with your Vet. If she has an infection they can provide her with antibiotics. When dogs are in heat they sometimes act lethargic. She is a bit young to have an infected uterus as they do drink and urinate more. It is best to have her examined. I wish you the best!

Poor Roxy! It doesn't sound silly at all! You know her better than anyone and it definitely sounds like a change. This is likely just her hormones being a little out of whack. As long as she is eating and drinking normally, I wouldn't be too concerned. If she gets to the point where she is always whining or lethargic or a change in appetite, I would have your vet take a look at her. Your vet will be able to do an exam to ensure nothing else is going on. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In general, I’m not worried about anything I’m seeing or hearing. The vulva is completely expected for a dog in heat. A few minutes of shivering/trembling can happen for many reasons but the fact that she went right back to playing and eating normally makes me not too concerned. In terms of helping her through the next several days or week of her heat cycle, there is nothing special to do. As you can see, she is basically the same as she always is. Best of luck to you and Eclaire! (Great name by the way!)

Yes that could be completely normal, especially during heat period. As differential can be many, the approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. A check up is needed if inappetence is complete and last for more than 24hours. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Normally, bitches in season do not behave very differently from their usual selves. Since it is her first heat, there may be a problem showing up that was not evident before her reproductive organs became active. Or, it could be something else altogether. Your best bet is to take her to the vet for a thorough exam to determine an accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, appropriate treatment plan.