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My dog was spayed in heat. How long will she bleed and vulva swell?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | 1 year old | 50 lbs

I had my dig spayed while she was in heat how long will she bleed from the heat cycle after she has been fixed also how long before her valvua or whatever it's called swelling goes down

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 12th, 2018

The hormones can stay around for several weeks after a dog in heat is spayed, so you can expect some bleeding for another week or two. The vulvar swelling should decrease some after that, but I will say that for some dogs the vulva stays large after just one heat cycle.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 31st, 2020
Since she just completed a heat cycle, you should wait 2-4weeks before the procedure. This will limit bleeding and decrease risk of complications associated with spaying a female in heat or just out of heat.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on March 12th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Fiona is so cute!

I think you meant that she is NOT spayed? Most dogs do fine when they go in to heat. Some have a decreased appetite or have behavioral changes (anxious, clingy, aggressive). I would keep her some where that you don't mind getting messy as they drip blood at varying amounts. Some dogs have minimal bleeding while others have heavy flow. They do not get cramps so medications are not needed. You can purchase doggie diapers and changes them frequently to prevent a mess. The biggest thing is to keep her away from intact male dogs until a week AFTER she stops bleeding.

I hope this helps and I wish you and Fiona the very best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on June 7th, 2017
She could bleed for several days up to three weeks in some cases. You don't have to wait for her to come out of heat to be spayed. I do these procedures during heat all the time, especially if there is concern about the bleeding or about the dog getting bred. Once she is spayed, she will no longer cycle and will not bleed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog's in heat for 2 weeks, why is her vulva still red & swollen?

Hi there, and thank you for posting this question. The average heat cycle lasts about 4 weeks, however there is some variation. Typically dogs do not have bloody discharge for more than a week or so during this process. The vulva does remain swollen during this time, and after their first heat cycle it will remain more "mature" in appearance than it was prior. If you plan to spay her I would recommend waiting about 1 month after to allow the internal blood supply to regress back down to more normal size. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog's vulva still swollen after heat, and nipples enlarged?

It is not unusual for the vulva to remain swollen for a period of time after the "heat" cycle is over. In dogs, there are [4 stages of estrus](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs). The combination of proestrus and estrus, which is often referred to as "heat" by breeders, lasts approximately 21 days. "Heat" is followed by diestrus and anestrus. During proestrus, the vulva swells and has a bloody discharge. During estrus, the vulva softens and becomes pliable in preparation for mating. It can take several weeks following estrus for the vulva to shrink back down in size, but it will never go back to the size it was before the first heat cycle. The same is true of the mammary glands, which enlarge slightly in preparation for [pregnancy](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pregnancy/).

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog still swollen weeks after her heat cycle ended?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It can take several weeks for the blood vessels to Decrease in size after a heat cycle. I usually say about 6 weeks after you see bleeding. If you see any discharge, she’s licking the area, or not acting herself, I would recommend taking her to a vet for any exam. Good luck and kisses to Lillie!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's vulva is swollen. Can she be spayed if she's in heat?

Hi there. A swollen vulva indicates that she's starting her heat cycle, even if she isn't actually bleeding yet. Different veterinary clinics have different policies regarding spaying dogs who are currently in heat, so I would recommend calling your vet in the morning to ask.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's mammary gland is swollen after heat. How long does it last?

This swelling is probably a hormonal response to being in heat. As long as she still has hormones in her system the swelling will remain. Since your vet did not feel like it was anything significant, it is probably fine. It will eventually go away on its own and if not it will certainly go away when you spay her. If you feel like the swelling is getting larger or starts to feel firm or painful than I would be concerned. Otherwise it is just a side effect of her being in heat.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

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/

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why are my dog's nipples/vagina still swollen 2 months after heat?

tAs long as she didn't get bred or is going through a false pregnancy, most dogs will shrink down within 2-3 weeks or so months from the heat cycle. It should be noted they will never shrink back to the size they were prior to here heat cycle. Since her teats and vulva are still swollen, I recommend to have her examined to find out if something is wrong or if she is pregnant. I do recommend to spay Oakley unless she is planned to be a breeding dog. There are many health and behavioral benefits to the procedure. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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