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My dog's first heat: Is her bleeding and spotting normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Female | spayed | 1 year old

My one year old Boston terrier has been bleeding since Feb 26 she’s not fixed is this normal? She’s only spotting now here and there..is this normal??? This is her first heat cycle by the way

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 13th, 2018

A dog's heat cycle lasts for around three weeks, so if she started on February 26, it should be ending soon. It's normal that she is spotting occasionally, and you know when she's out of heat when the discharge stops. Now if the bleeding continues for longer than three weeks or Sophie develops other signs such as anorexia, thick pus filled discharge, vomiting, increased bleeding, and/or lethargy, this is not normal and she will need to see a vet immediately. Good luck, I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 12th, 2018
A normal heat cycle is 3 weeks. The first heat can be different since their bodies are learning and changing so much they have to adjust for it. If she is acting normal and eating and drinking well, then I would monitor her for any changes. If it continues past 3 weeks, then I would get her checked.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 8th, 2020
On average a dog will be in heat for 1 ½ to 2 weeks but this can be shorter or longer; up to 4 weeks. So, this may be normal for her. Just keep monitoring her and if the heat lasts longer than 4 weeks she should be examined by your vet.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 22nd, 2019
A dog's heat can last up to four weeks, and it sounds like she is approaching that four week mark. To be safe, I'd have her checked out by a vet if she is still bleeding in another 48-72 hours. Best of luck.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 28th, 2016
Bleeding 8 weeks after the start of a heat cycle is abnormal, bleeding usually occurs up to 3 weeks from the start of the heat cycle, it could be due to an ovarian cyst or some other reproductive abnormality, I would strongly recommend taking Frankie to the vet to get it checked ASAP.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Female dog in heat: How long does she bleed, what's normal, & worry?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Dog's heats will last a variable amount of time from animal to animal. Some will last a few days, and some can last up to 3 weeks. Most will be on average around 7 days long. A fair amount of blood coloured fluid will be produced, however dogs are pretty good at cleaning themselves up. About 1 month after she has finished bleeding, I would talk to your vet about getting her desexed to prevent pyometra (pus filled uterus), decrease her risks of mastitis, and many different types of cancers, and prevent unwanted pregnancies. Best of luck with Bella!

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My dog's heat cycle is lasting over 19 days. Is this normal?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Alsa. Yes, this is still normal. Most heat cycles will last approximately 18-21 days in a dog. If she does not stop bleeding after this amount of time, begins bleeding elsewhere (nose bleeds, bloody vomit, etc) or is acting ill, then she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

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How long does a puppy's first heat last and will she bleed daily?

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/

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My female dog is bleeding. Is she in heat? Could she be pregnant?

It sounds like Sophie is in heat for the first time, which causes the bleeding from the vagina. Due to the fact you have an unneutered male in the house and she has already mated, it is likely she will become pregnant. If you don't want puppies, you can see if the vet will spay her. That will terminate any pregnancy, and keep her from getting pregnant in the future. I'd also recommend having your male neutered.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is bleeding again after her heat cycle. Should I worry?

Most dogs typically go into heat twice a year. The questions to ask yourself are: 1. Has she ever done this before? 2. Does the blood look different? 3. Is she behaving differently? Occasionally, bitches do slow their bleeding and then start up again briefly towards the end, but it is not worth the risk to assume this is the case here. If this is not how her heat cycles normally progress, it is possible that she has [pyometra](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pyometra/), or an infection of the uterus. Pyometra is common in older, intact female dogs that have recently had a heat cycle. It is a very serious condition that typically requires surgical intervention. Please bring her to your veterinarian or the nearest veterinary ER to be on the safe side. She needs to be seen ASAP, especially if she is lethargic, [feverish](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-common-signs-your-pet-has-a-fever) or has a tender abdomen.

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My dog was bred. Her heat bleeding stopped. Is she pregnant?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! On average during a dogs heat, they bleed for 10 days but it can be 2-4 weeks as well. Any bleeding past 4 weeks, or if Cherri is acting sick, is concerning and she should see a Vet for an infected uterus (pyometra). It sounds like Cherri bled for about 21 days? If she has stopped I am hoping she is now out of heat. You can do an ultrasound around 30 days from breeding to check for fetal heart beats or take an X-ray at day 50 to look for mineralized skeletons to confirm if she is pregnant. I hope this helps and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My dog is out of heat, bleeding a lot and very tired. Is this normal?

No, bleeding a lot is not normal and if she was coming out of heat, the bleeding would be slowing down and stopping. Not bleeding more. I would be concerned that there is something else wrong with Sakoni such as an uterine infection. Because of this, I would have her seen by a vet as soon as possible. Please take her into a vet now. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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