Why is my female dog bleeding? Could it be her first heat cycle?

Bleeding from the vulva is normal in intact female dogs during their heat cycle. But if Riley isn't currently in heat, or if the amount of blood you're seeing is more than normal for her, then I would be concerned that something else may be going on. Bleeding from this area can be caused by bladder stones, infections, a bleeding disorder of some kind, or even a vaginal tumor. It would be best to have Riley examined by a vet as soon as possible to determine what is causing the bleeding and get her started on appropriate treatment.

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.

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.

If the bleeding is coming from the anus it's not a heat cycle, it's probably a gastrointestinal infection, in such a case Lucy needs to see a vet right away to get treatment, if it is coming from the vagina then it's probably a heat cycle, in that case you don't have to do anything as it is normal.

Poor Spica. There is a good chance that she is in heat if she hasn't been spayed. I would look at her vulva to see if it look swollen and if there is a little bloody discharge from there. If not, then I would have your vet take a look at her to see if she is bleeding from anywhere else especially if you see it again on her bed. I hope this helps!

Hi and thanks for posting this morning. It sounds like Penelope is having her first estrus or 'heat' cycle. Dogs come into heat twice a year- once in the spring and once in the fall. Dogs do not have menstrual cycles like humans do- they are quite different. Small drops may be all you will notice-that is normal. Each estrus cycle lasts for about 4 weeks or so, the vaginal discharge she is experiencing may last for two weeks. No need to take her into your veterinarian unless you are still concerned, but it sounds like her estrus cycle has begun which is normal to start for smaller dog around 9 months-1 year of age. I hope this helps and best of luck to you and Penelope!

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.