
A heavy bleeding in your female dog can be a stressful and worrying experience. Typically, it's a sign of a heat cycle, which usually lasts 2-3 weeks.
During this time, your dog's body prepares for pregnancy by releasing eggs from her ovaries. This is a normal process, but it can be heavy on some dogs.
If your dog's bleeding is heavy, it's essential to monitor her for any signs of distress or pain. According to veterinarians, heavy bleeding can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as uterine infections or tumors.
Keep a close eye on your dog's behavior and watch for any changes in appetite, vomiting, or lethargy.
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Causes and Risks
Spaying a dog in heat increases the risk of excessive bleeding because the blood vessels become much bigger.
Spaying your dog while she's in heat can also lead to hormonal problems like a long-lasting false pregnancy.
This is why it's best to wait 2-3 months after her season to spay your dog, unless your vet advises doing it sooner due to a specific reason.
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Why Spay Your Dog?

Spaying your dog is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on their health and well-being. It's recommended to spay your dog when they're about six months old.
Spaying your dog can save them from going through their heat cycle continuously, which can be a stressful and potentially life-threatening experience.
Some of the health risks that can be avoided by spaying your dog include Pyometra, a potentially deadly infection of the uterus. Transmissible venereal tumor is another serious health condition that can be prevented through spaying.
Mammary tumors or breast cancer, as well as uterine or ovary cancer, are also health risks that can be reduced or eliminated by spaying your dog.
Here are some of the health risks that can be avoided by spaying your dog:
- Pyometra
- Transmissible venereal tumor
- Mammary tumor or breast cancer
- Uterine or ovary cancer
Can a Dog in Heat Overswell?
A dog in heat can experience some swelling, but it's essential to monitor their comfort and health. Each dog's vulva swells differently during their season.
If your dog is painful, uncomfortable, or has discharge, there's a concern. You should talk to a vet if their vulva seems out of place and bulging.
Vaginal prolapse is a condition that can occur in young bitches due to an exaggerated response of the vaginal mucosa to hormones.
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Treatment Options
Medical treatment for your dog's pyometra is sometimes possible, but only in specific circumstances. Your vet will discuss this with you if it's an option for your dog.
Even if medical treatment is successful, it's likely that your dog's pyometra will return again after her next season.
Surgery to remove her womb may still be necessary, so it's essential to discuss the risks and benefits with your vet.
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Diagnosis and Evaluation
Prompt evaluation is always recommended due to the wide range of causes for external bleeding in dogs and cats. Your veterinarian will use examination, observation, and tests to determine the cause of the bleeding and subsequent treatment.

Inform your veterinarian of any medications or toxins that your pet may have ingested so that he or she may accurately and effectively diagnose and treat your pet. This is crucial for a proper diagnosis.
Your vet will be able to diagnose your dog based on her symptoms, an examination, and an ultrasound scan of her womb. Your vet may also carry out blood and/or urine tests.
Managing the Bleeding
It's normal for your female dog to bleed for up to 20 days, although it usually lasts between 5 to 9 days.
To help control external bleeding, place a compress of clean cloth or gauze directly over the wound and apply firm but gentle pressure.
If blood soaks through the compress, place a fresh one on top and continue to apply pressure.
How Long Is Normal Bleeding?
Bleeding in dogs can vary in duration.
It depends on each dog, but usually they bleed from 5 to 9 days.
The bleeding period can last up to 20 days in some bitches.
When to Contact Your Vet

If you notice your dog showing any symptoms of a pyometra, contact your vet for an urgent appointment. A pyometra is an emergency and your dog has the best chance of survival if they receive prompt treatment.
You know your dog best, so if you're concerned about their health, it's always best to contact your vet.
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Direct Pressure
Direct pressure is a crucial step in managing bleeding. Apply a compress of clean cloth or gauze directly over the wound. This helps control external bleeding by applying firm but gentle pressure.
The pressure should be firm enough to help the blood clot, but gentle enough not to cause further injury. If blood soaks through the compress, place a fresh one on top and continue applying pressure.
A bare hand or finger can be used if there are no compress materials available. This is a temporary solution until proper supplies can be obtained.
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My Female Dog's Bleeding: An Issue?

Blood coming from your dog's vulva can be a sign of trauma, which might have occurred due to an accident or injury.
Trauma is a serious issue that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Tumors are another possible cause of bleeding, and they can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Infections can also cause bleeding, and they can be painful for your dog.
Anatomic abnormalities, such as a vaginal or vulvar anomaly, can cause bleeding too.
Blood clotting disorders can lead to excessive bleeding, and they can be genetic or acquired.
Urinary tract conditions can cause bleeding as well, and they can be painful for your dog.
Unless your dog is known to be in heat and there are no other issues, she should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to keep a female dog from bleeding everywhere home?
To prevent bleeding messes at home, use doggy diapers that can be washed or disposed of as needed. This simple solution helps keep your floors clean and your dog comfortable during her heat cycle.
Sources
- https://www.texvetpets.org/article/external-bleeding-in-pets/
- https://vhavets.com/blog/pyometra-in-dogs/
- https://www.joiipetcare.com/health-conditions/dog/heat/
- https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/pyometra-infected-womb-in-dogs
- https://www.raetc.com/site/blog/2023/03/30/stop-heavy-bleeding-cats-dogs
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