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Why is my dog in heat bleeding from her anus and losing appetite?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 10 months and 20 days old | 60 lbs

u My female dog is in heat she has a swollen válvula and anus she seems to be very upset and has lost appetite. The blood was coming from her vauvula now it looks like it’s cominf from her anus. Her name is shadow and is about 1. She is a puppy and sometimes bites everything she ate plastic recently that I know of.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 2nd, 2018

All of this can be normally seen with a dog in heat, except for the blood coming from the anus. If you are certain that blood is oozing from her anus, then I would be much more concerned and would recommend a visit to the vet in the next 24 hours. Bleeding from the colon/rectum can indicate a severe infection and it's best to get these treated as soon as possible to avoid life-threatening complications such as amemia.

I would first make sure that the blood is in-fact coming from her anus. One way to tell is if there is blood in her stool. If she's having normal stool with no blood, then it's not likely that the blood is truly coming from her anus.

A decrease in activity and in appetite can happen when they are in heat, so if she is otherwise normal, then I wouldn't be too worried. However, the best option is to have a vet examine her to be safe. Below is a link with more information about a dog's heat cycle.

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/estrus-cycles-in-dogs

I hope that helps and all is well with Shadow.

Vote Icon6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system, possibly involving the last part (colon). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed.
    Hope this answer was helpful, but 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.

    Vote Icon

    5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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