My dog is in heat but not bleeding. Is this normal or a vet issue?

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.

With any new reproductive symptom out of the norm for your pet, it is best to have a vet take a look, especially if the symptoms persist, Tinkerbell continues bleeding, or if she seems otherwise ill or in distress. A vet check in person can help rule out any issues such as infections, hormonal problems, or other related issues that may be causing the change. If you're having trouble affording care, this site may help give you some options to make it more affordable if you need to bring Tinkerbell into your vet: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care

If you know it is past time for her to be in heat and other signs are beginning you could wait another week to see if there is any blood or you can have your vet take a look at her. Your vet could do a vaginal cytology to tell you more about what phase of her heat cycle she may be in. If she is not acting herself, not eating or drinking or seems lethargic at any time, I would strongly recommend to have your vet take a look at her. I hope this helps!

It's all good Mariah! It's not silly at all. I wouldn't worry that Mia doesn't want to mate with Asher, she isn't fully mature physically or emotionally. You don't want to mate them anyway. This sounds normal.

Yes, it can be normal. Often times though, they have gone into heat, you just didn't notice. Some dogs keep their vulva clean so you don't notice any bleeding. If you are worried then I suggest you take her to your vet for a breeding soundness examination.

Female dogs don't actually stop having [heats](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs). This is because as they get older, they do not always show the external or behavioral signs that they are actually having a heat, this can sometimes be referred to as a ‘silent heat.' It is important to remember that even though your dog may not be showing signs of being in season that she could still get pregnant if mated by an intact male dog. Ideally, you should consider having her [spayed](https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-dogs). There may also be an undiagnosed hormonal disease or ovarian disease present that stopped her cycling. In order to make sure it is not a serious condition you should have her checked by a veterinarian. It is possible that it is a harmless reason, but it is also possible that there is a serious underlying condition.

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.