How much blood is normal for bitches in heat? My wife is bleeding a lot!

How much blood is really normal for a bitch in heat?

If you have a female dog and she is not spayed, it is likely that you have asked yourself this question.

I know I’ve certainly wondered that since my Rottweiler Amalia bleeds a lot when she’s in heat.

Not only is this quite inconvenient for you as an owner and your dog (many change their behavior during heat), but there is also an amount of blood that you probably think exceeds all reasonable limits.

I’ve done quite a bit of research on blood loss during a bitch’s heat to figure out how to deal with my bitch’s heavy bleeding.

Ultimately I found a simple solution, more on that below.

While I couldn’t pin down any scientific studies in the wild on the amount of blood, down to the last drop, within reason, there are ways you can compare your dog to the average healthy female dog.

How much blood is normal for a bitch in heat?

The normal amount of blood in heat depends entirely on your bitch’s cycle, but most bitches fall somewhere between dribbling a little when getting up and covering the entire floor in patches of blood stains over the course of a day. for more than a week.

There is usually nothing to worry about if your dog appears to be bleeding.

However, if you still want to know if your dog is bleeding too much, there are a few ways to tell.

Note that since you have no way of knowing exactly how much accumulates here and there, it’s not an exact science and how long it continues is also essential.

These are the signs that your dog’s bleeding in heat may not be normal:

• Prolonged bleeding for more than 2 weeks
• Sudden and enormous increase in blood loss
• Blood streaks on furniture, floors, even visible outside
• Irregularities between heat cycles
• Lethargic or nervous behavior.
• Vomiting from licking too much blood

Dogs generally don’t bleed a lot when they’re in heat, so if you’re concerned, see your vet and explain the situation in detail.

My dog ​​is more of the type to have blood stains all over the floor, but they are just that, stains, not big patches.

It is totally normal for your dog to lose blood in heat when she gets up, especially if she was on the ground for more than a couple of minutes.

Blood on your bed (or better yet, a high-temperature washable blanket) after a good night’s sleep is also no cause for concern.

We’ll further explore what owners of heavily bleeding dogs (like my Rottie probably is) should look out for.

My dog ​​is bleeding a lot

If your dog bleeds a lot, you should check if the bleeding stops with the end of the heat cycle and if it is prolonged or the bleeding is extreme, consult a veterinarian for the risk of ovarian cysts and pyometra.

Ovarian cysts and pyometra are quite serious medical conditions and require quick action.

Heavy blood flow during your dog’s heat is not common, but it is definitely possible.

You should be concerned if previous heat cycles were nearly bloodless and now it looks like a massacre has occurred in your home.

A quick chat with your vet should clear things up.

But one question, in particular, bothered me in the past.

Why does my dog ​​bleed a lot during heat?

There is no specific known reason why your dog bleeds a lot compared to other dogs and it differs from individual to individual.

I’d love to tell you that it’s about breed, age, diet, or whatever, but the number one determinant of whether or not your dog bleeds profusely is unknown.

If you want damage control, dog diapers are probably the best way to go.

Also, a complete blood work could be money well spent to find out if your dog’s bleeding is actually related to something more serious.

A little side note: spayed dogs don’t experience heat, so you shouldn’t bleed at all if that applies to your canine.

Can a dog bleed for more than 10 days?

Yes, dogs can bleed for more than 10 days, each individual is different. Call your vet if the bloody discharge does not subside after 14 days.

I’ve tracked a couple of my dog’s heat cycles and recommend you do the same.

Your bleeding usually lasts 8 to 13 days, beginning with a progressively heavier flow and ending with a lighter pink or watery discharge.

In the early and late stages of a bitch’s heat, she usually just sheds blood, but if your bitch is bleeding heavily for more than 10 days, that can set off alarm bells.

Do dogs bleed for 3 weeks?

A bitch in heat bleeding for 3 weeks or more is rare and after 2 weeks, you should see a vet to rule out medical problems.

Heat cycles last between 14 and 21 days in total and bitches do not bleed from start to finish.

So your dog may be bleeding too much if she has crossed that threshold.

Sometimes what we think is still the dog’s blood is just a discharge and that can extend up to two weeks if you count the time when the very light red blood already starts.

How do you know when a dog’s heat is over?

A bitch’s heat ends as soon as all discharge stops, swelling returns, and your bitch’s behavior will usually change slightly as well (ie, no seeking out male dogs, less panting, no swollen mammary glands).

Male dogs will be less anxious around their female, but your dog still isn’t sure.

Since the high time for pregnancy is over, you should still take precautions such as leashing your dog and supervising her with non-neutered males (if you allow them to interact) so that you have a solid buffer after the heat appears to be over.

Did you know that riding without a tie can result in pregnancy?

My bitch is in heat and she keeps licking herself

It’s perfectly fine for your bitch in heat to lick herself and actually keep her clean.

As mentioned above, it only becomes a problem if your dog feels sick or even vomits due to ingesting too much blood.

Dogs usually clean themselves after going to bed, getting up, urinating, sometimes a meal, or just a general grooming session.

If your dog neurotically returns to the same spot over and over again, it can actually make his rear end red and itchy.

Consulting a veterinarian should be the first step to rule out medical conditions or a physical problem (fungus, fleas, dry skin, etc.)

If your dog bleeds a lot during heat, try inserting a dog diaper, as this will automatically prevent her from licking herself apart from the time between diaper changes.

Disclaimer: This blog post is not a substitute for veterinary care and is not intended to be. I am not a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any signs of illness, call your vet.