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Dog caregivers, when they are not sterilized, have to face periods of heat, which usually occur twice a year, and can also generate many doubts. One of them, and perhaps the one that expresses itself most frequently, has to do with bleeding. "Dog bleeding a lot in heat", is usually the most common question, since there is no exact amount that can be established as normal. Therefore, in this article by Animal Expert, we will clarify the doubts about this topic that worries so much.
Heat in bitches, how is it?
For you to be able to determine if your dog bleeds a lot in heat, you must first know how her reproductive cycle takes place, which can be divided into four phases, which are as follows:
- proestrus: During this period, which can reach three weeks, that's when if the bleeding occurs. Which can present different shades, from a fresh blood color to a more pinkish, yellowish or brownish color. The bitch eliminates droplets or small jets. An abundant amount of fresh blood would be a reason for a veterinarian consultation, as well as a bad smell or any symptoms such as fever or pain. During this period an inflammation of the vulva is also visible and it is common for our bitch to urinate more often. At the end of this phase, already linking with the next one, the bitch, who was attracting males due to the production of pheromones, becomes receptive. To demonstrate this, he will move the syrup to one side, leaving his genitals exposed. This symptom indicates that the next phase has started.
- Estrus or heat receptive: as we said, it is at this stage that the female dog accepts the male, and, therefore, is in her period of fertility, in which, by being with a male dog without neutering, she could become pregnant. This phase can last up to three weeks and we note that it ends because the female stops accepting the male. The period of estrus is considered as comprising proestrus and estrus and lasts about three weeks, on average. In estrus there should no longer be bleeding and, if this is verified, it is a reason for veterinary consultation, as it may be an infection or an irregularity in heat.
- Diestrus: as we said, the bitch, at this stage, will reject the mating and the male will also lose interest. If the bitch had become pregnant, this period would last a few months, corresponding to pregnancy, and would end at the time of delivery. If there is no pregnancy, this period will be followed by anestrus. It shouldn't produce any bleeding.
- anestrus: corresponds with the period of sexual inactivity and will last until a new estrus cycle begins.
Dog heat duration and normal amount
Only in the period known as proestrus does our bitch have to bleed. It is impossible to say what quantity is "normal", precisely because there is no fixed amount, not even a number of bleeding days that is common for all bitches. In fact, there won't be an equal heat in the same bitch. Generically, just for the purpose of guidance, we can highlight the following:
- normal duration of the bleeding in heat of the bitch: more than three weeks would be reason for veterinary consultation. Until this moment, the bleeding may be normal, but we must always observe if the flow will decrease and change color, from an intense red to a pinkish brown. Of course, these secretions shouldn't smell bad. If they have a bad odor, they may indicate infection and veterinary attention will be required.
- normal amount of blood in heat: too is very variable. In some bitches it is almost imperceptible, because the amount is small and, in addition, they lick themselves. You will normally see drops of blood coming out of the vulva. Sometimes they are small jets that can stain an adjacent area and even the paws, as they fall, but you have to take into account that when the bitch spends time lying down, when she gets up, a greater amount will fall, which is the one that was accumulating in those hours. We may also see small puddles on her bed, or where she is lying down, so we must protect beds and sofas if we let her climb on these furniture. In addition, it is advisable to cover your bed with old cloths, sheets or towels that can be thrown away after the heat if the blood stains do not come off when washing.
As you can see, whether your dog bleeds a lot or a little in heat is relative. IT'S It's normal that there are different bleedings, therefore, the most important thing is that you do not notice any warning signs, such as fever, pain, pus or apathy.
Beginning of heat in bitches
Lastly, you should know that bitches generally come into heat between 6 and 8 months, although it should be earlier in the small breed bitches and much later in the larger breeds. During the first two years it's not strange that bitches present irregularities in their reproductive cycle. So, although the rule is to go into heat approximately every 6 months, sometimes it can happen sooner or later. This explains a bleeding outside the expected time margin and, despite being changes that ifusually solve by themselves in subsequent cycles, you can confirm by visiting your veterinarian. It is also important to know that bitches have more spaced heats over the years. Therefore, if you think that your dog bleeds a lot in heat or has heat in a row, but is already of an advanced age (like about 10 years old), maybe the bleeding is a consequence of a tumor and, certainly, veterinary attention will be needed.
In any case, sterilization is recommended before the first heat, or soon after, since, in addition to preventing bleeding, removing the uterus and ovaries reduces the likelihood of the appearance of pathologies such as breast cancer or canine pyometra. It is important to know that the use of drugs to control heat has considerable side effects, which is why, as an anti-contraceptive method and for health, sterilization is always advised before drugs.
If your dog has come into heat but is neutered, you should see a veterinarian because she may have a problem.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.