My dog's period is late, but she's not pregnant. Is this normal?

Yes she should be starting her period soon. You know that a pet is having their period because you will see a very swollen vagina and sometimes a decrease in appetite. So this could explain what you are seeing. Look at Hina's genital area to see if it is indeed swollen. A pets period lasts anywhere from 2-4 weeks on average. And the decrease in appetite is normal during the first week of a pets menstrual cycle, but should improve gradually. If the blood is not coming from her genital area and is instead coming from her rectum, then its best to have her seen by your vet for further treatment. I hope everything works out well for your pet Hina. Take care.

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.

With these symptoms I worry that your dog may have a pyometra instead of being pregnant. Pyometras typically develop around 3-6 weeks after they go into heat and present as bloody discharge, lethargy, abdominal swelling, etc. I would recommend that she is seen by a veterinarian who can perform an ultrasound to make sure she isn't suffering from an infection.

Hi there. If Izzy has never had any vaginal discharge during her heat cycles previously, that's very odd. I would be concerned that what you are seeing now may indicated a pyometra (uterine infection), as this is a common cause of vaginal discharge in middle-aged and older intact females. If she does have a pyometra, this is a serious problem that can be life-threatening - so I would recommend taking her to the vet today for an exam to find out for sure what's going on.

Typically dogs do have a heat every six months, but it could be Cleo had a heat and it was a silent heat. Silent heats are when the dog shows no outward signs of being in heat. You can have her checked out by a vet to be safe. Best of luck.

Hello. Dogs are pregnant an average of 63 days, so your girl is probably due any time now. If she is acting relatively normal, just give her a little more time. Keep a mental note on how much movement you are feeling in her abdomen & if it begins to diminish, or she acts lethargic, ill, vomits or develops a dark discharge from her vulva without going into labor, see your vet immediately. She may need a C-section. Otherwise, your dates may be off a bit & labor will proceed when her time is due. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on your pictures I wouldn't call it heavy bleeding. Dogs mate when the female is in heat (during bleeding). Breeding may have triggered some blood that had been pooling. I wouldn't worry unless it continues or she is lethargic. But yes, she can still get pregnant. Good luck!