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My unspayed dog in heat is sick, not eating. What's happening?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 4 months old | 5 lbs
Hi, recently my bitch has came into season. She is 6 and we havent had her neutered. Every time she comes into heat, she usually starts to mount objects in the second week which used to always be her bed but we got rid of it last year. She started to mount a pillow which we gave her as its normal for her to do this, but in the past few days she has stayed next to the pillow all day and night, hasnt eat her food, wont entertain anything, hasnt been outside, im really worried, is this normal?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on March 19th, 2018
I do not think this is normal and I am worried too! I am concerned that Lexi may have an infected uterus (pyometra). This is a surgical emergency. Dogs can become very sick from this and it is life threatening. It could be something else but it is best to have her examined by your Vet and have a belly X-ray done to see if her uterus is dilated.
I hope this helps and I wish Lexi the very best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on January 4th, 2019
I hate to hear that Lexi is not feeling well. Any time an intact female dog does not feel good after finishing her heat cycle, there is always a concern for a serious uterine infection called a pyometra. This condition can be fatal if not treated. That being said, there are many things that can cause any dog not to feel well...eating something they shouldn’t have, a viral infection, etc. Due to the timing however, I recommend to have Lexi seen by the veterinarian tonight if possible. If she can’t get in tonight, get her in tomorrow morning. Hopefully it’s not a pyometra but if it is, treating it earlier has a better prognosis. Tonight offer her a bland diet of 25% boiled white meat chicken and 75% boiled white rice. You can add some additional warm water to help with hydration. This will help to get calories in her and may be more appealing than her normal dog food. I hope this helps to point you in the right direction and please feel free to post any further questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful