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Puppy bleeding, swollen, and crying: Is it heat or time for the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 9 months old

I think my puppy started her period, it's not like a humans hers is more like little drops. Her middle part is like twice the size she's been laying down a lot and crying. Is this her period or should I take her to the vet? When she's in pain it scares me because she's only 2 pounds so I always think the worst.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on September 19th, 2017

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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