Why is my unspayed dog bleeding at night? Is it heat or serious?

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/

If a dog is spayed correctly they not long have heat cycles and should not be spotting or bleeding. If there is a discharge noted, it is best to start with a urine sample and an ultrasound to look at the bladder and kidneys and look at the cervix to see if there is an infection or a growth.

It sounds like Sophie is in heat for the first time, which causes the bleeding from the vagina. Due to the fact you have an unneutered male in the house and she has already mated, it is likely she will become pregnant. If you don't want puppies, you can see if the vet will spay her. That will terminate any pregnancy, and keep her from getting pregnant in the future. I'd also recommend having your male neutered.

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.

No, stress should not alter her normal heat cycle. Older non neutered females are very prone to womb infections which can be severe and life threatening. Any changes in timing, volume or color is a concern and full health check would be recommended as soon as possible, urgently if any fever, vomiting or weakness is present

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!

Female dogs bleed in pre-estrus, which is the two or three weeks before the actual estrus or heat during which they can conceive. This will then actually last about two to three weeks and her vulva and nipples will remain swollen due to the increase in hormones. So, actually she is now in heat and can conceive, so you need to guard her, if you do not want puppies.