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How long does a puppy's first heat last and will she bleed daily?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi I have a mini 7 lb dachshund. She’s 10 months a old and her vulva is swollen and I saw blood on my floor yesterday. How long will her first hear last? Will she bleed everyday? I planned to let her have 1 cycle before spaying her.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 1st, 2018

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/
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