DOG CARE

Female Dog Bleeding Problem after Mating

October 7, 2023

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Female Dog Bleeding Problem after Mating

Dogs mate when the female is in heat, which typically occurs twice a year and lasts about three weeks, although this can vary depending on the breed. The mating process involves flirtation, mounting, intromission, repeated pelvic thrust, release of sperm, and sometimes, copulatory tie. Mating may last several minutes to an hour and can result in pregnancy. Though not typical, dogs may continue to bleed after mating and this is not always a cause for concern because the duration of the release of bloody vaginal discharge can possibly be stretched further than just the proestrus stage of the dog’s heat cycle. Other likely reasons for this condition include forcible separation of a tie, pyometra, vaginal Tumor, or inflammation, urinary tract infection, and bleeding disorders.

In the case where bleeding occurs during your dog’s heat period, it should not be heavy and typically stops within a few days. If you are in doubt or suspect the presence of underlying health conditions, it is always best to consult your veterinarian.

Understanding Heat Cycle In Dogs

The heat cycle in dogs is the series of reproductive activities characterized by the presence of hormonal fluctuations that influences fertility as well as various physical and behavioral changes. Typically a female dog undergoes four stages of the heat cycle. Before moving ahead it is important to understand a complete heat cycle in dogs. Let’s have a look at them.

Proestrus

This is the first stage of the heat cycle typically hallmarked by the presence of red serosanguinous vaginal discharge. This begins and lasts for about 9 to 11 days, in some breeds this discharge may last till 20 days. During this stage, the female dog’s body is preparing for ovulation, she may start to show signs of being in heat, including swollen vulva and increased urination.

Although the bitch is not willing to mate during this stage, she may start to show a little more interest in mating as estrus approaches.

Estrus (Fertile Stage)

During estrus, most female dogs don’t bleed or release a bloody vaginal discharge, but rather they have a pinkish or white discharge. This stage is when the female dog is at her most fertile and can become pregnant. The estrus stage usually lasts for about 5 to 7 days.

The female dog will be more responsive to mating and her behavior may change, becoming more affectionate and also restless. She may be more vocal and attract male dogs even as far away as 5 miles.

Diestrus

This is the stage when the female dog is either pregnant or returning to a state of rest. It lasts for about 60 to 90 days and is characterized by a decrease in hormonal activity.

Female dogs in diestrus are no longer receptive to mating and typically show a decreased interest in male dogs. The female dog’s vulva returns to its normal size, and any discharge that was present during the estrus stage will usually stop.

Anestrus

The anestrus cycle in dogs is a period of least reproductive activity. This stage typically lasts for about 6 to 8 months. At this stage, the vulva is inactive and endometrial repair takes place. There is no discharge present and she is no more receptive to male dogs.

How Often Are Dogs in Heat?

Female dogs will often go into heat once every six months (or about twice a year), but the breed size of the dog also affects the frequency of the cycle: a smaller dog may go into heat more often than a larger dog, and a dog’s heat cycles may seem irregular when they first start to experience them.

How Long Are Dogs in Heat?

The proestrus and estrus stages of the dog’s heat cycle can last anywhere from two to four weeks collectively. However, it may still vary as the cycle officially begins and ends with the swelling and return to normalcy of the vulva. The pregnancy status of a female dog will affect how long she remains in the diestrus stage; the anestrus stage of the dog’s heat cycle is simply the resting stage that intermits the next one.

When Do Dogs First Go Into Heat?

A female dog can first experience her heat cycle as early as six months of age, but this varies with breed. A smaller dog may first experience their heat cycle earlier than a larger dog, who may not experience theirs until up to two years of age. Female dogs will continue to experience heat cycles throughout their lives up until death, but the time between each cycle will increase with age. Female dogs don’t experience menopause.

How to Tell If a Dog Is in Heat

As a pet parent, it’s a good idea to verse yourself well on the signs of a dog entering their heat cycle. Common signs of a dog entering heat include:

Frequent urination:This is one of the most common signs that a dog is entering heat, especially if they’re uncharacteristically urinating in the house.
Vaginal bleeding and/or discharges: A female dog entering heat may lightly discharge and/or bleed from her vagina while entering the proestrus stage. The bleeding will grow heavier and lighten in color as she enters the estrus stage.
More attention paid to male dogs:If a female dog in heat sees a male dog, she’ll “flirt” with him by exposing and raising her rear in his direction while moving her tail out of the way.
Excessive genital licking: A female dog in heat will excessively lick (or “clean”) her genital area.
Nervously aggressive behavior: Since a female dog in heat is secreting mating hormones, she may exhibit unusually aggressive behavior.

Other signs of a dog in heat include tail tucking and the swelling of the vulva.

What to Do When Your Dog Is in Heat

You should never panic if you notice your dog entering her heat cycle; it’s a very natural occurrence! There are simple steps you can take to make sure your dog gets the special care she’ll need.

Do not leave your dog outside and unsupervised:A female dog in heat who’s also outside and alone is the perfect company for a passerby (or stray) male dog looking to mate.
Walk your dog with a leash:To safely walk your dog while she’s in heat, you should always keep her on a leash despite her obedience skills. A female dog in heat will be heavily influenced by her hormones.
Increase indoor supervision:You should stay mindful of your dog’s whereabouts and keep her off furniture, as she may naturally leave some blood spotting behind and potentially stain surfaces. Pads can also be used to allow her to enjoy her preferred resting spot without the risk of leaving stains behind on furniture or carpet, and providing for easier cleanup at regular intervals.
Use diapers and washable diaper liners to prevent messes: Some bleeding or bloody discharge is normal during her time in heat, and she will likely have the need to urinate more frequently than you are used to. Use diapers to contain and prevent messes, and help both of you navigate this period without unwanted stains or accidents. There are multiple types of diapers for dogs in heat to choose from, including disposable and reusable garments. Wee-Wee Disposable diapers work much like a diaper for a human infant, plus include a special opening to accommodate your pet’s tail. They’re available in multiple sizes so you can find the one that’s right for your dog, ranging from X-Small to X-Large. Proper sizing is important to prevent leakage.

What To Expect From a Female Dog After Mating?

After mating, there are several changes and behaviors you can expect from a female dog.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Tiredness: Your dog may seem more tired than usual due to the physical exertion of mating.
Appetite changes: Some dogs may have an increased appetite after mating, while others might experience a temporary decrease.
Swelling: The vulva may remain swollen for a few days after mating.
Discharge: A small amount of discharge can be expected for a few days after mating. If the discharge is excessive or has a foul odor, consult your veterinarian.
Behavioral changes: Your dog may become more affectionate, clingy, or protective. She could also display nesting behaviors in preparation for a potential pregnancy.
False pregnancy: Even if your dog isn’t pregnant, she might exhibit signs of a false pregnancy, such as nesting behavior, weight gain, and even milk production.
Pregnancy: If your dog becomes pregnant, you’ll notice her abdomen enlarging, and she may experience morning sickness around the third or fourth week of gestation.

Remember to closely monitor your dog after mating and consult your veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms or behaviors.

It’s crucial to provide proper care and support during this period, whether or not your dog becomes pregnant.

How Do You Know If a Dog Mating Is Successful?

Determining if a dog mating is successful can be challenging just by observing the event.

However, there are a few indicators that may suggest a successful mating:

Tie: A successful mating often results in a “tie,” which occurs when the male’s bulbous glands (located at the base of the penis) swell and get locked inside the female’s vagina. This tie can last from 5 to 45 minutes, during which the dogs will remain connected. Although a tie is a good sign, it does not guarantee a pregnancy.
Multiple matings: Breeding pairs may mate multiple times over a few days, which can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Behavioral changes: After successful mating, the female dog might show some behavioral changes such as being more affectionate or protective.

To confirm a successful mating and resulting pregnancy, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian.

They can perform tests such as:

Palpation: Around 28 days after mating, a veterinarian may be able to feel the presence of puppies by gently palpating the dog’s abdomen.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound can be performed around 25-30 days after mating to confirm pregnancy and estimate the number of puppies.
Hormone tests: A blood test can measure the hormone relaxin, which is only produced during pregnancy. This test can be done around 28-35 days after mating.
X-ray: An X-ray can be taken around 45-55 days after mating to confirm pregnancy and estimate the number of puppies. However, this method should be used with caution due to radiation exposure.

Remember, it’s crucial to monitor your dog closely after mating and consult your veterinarian to accurately determine the success of the mating and possible pregnancy.

Can a Dog Get Pregnant While Still Bleeding?

Yes, a dog can get pregnant while still bleeding. Female dogs typically experience bleeding during the first stage of their heat cycle, known as proestrus.

This stage usually lasts for 7 to 10 days, after which they enter the estrus stage, which is when they are most fertile and receptive to mating.

Although the bleeding may decrease or change in color during the estrus stage, it is possible for a dog to still have some bleeding during this time.

If a female dog mates while she is still bleeding, there is a chance she can become pregnant, as ovulation can occur at any point during the estrus stage.

It is essential to monitor your dog during her heat cycle and consult your veterinarian for guidance on breeding and pregnancy-related matters.

Why Is My Female Dog Bleeding After Mating?

After mating vaginal bleeding occurs sometimes but if the bitch bleeds excessively or non-stop, there are several reasons behind it. It can be a sign of vaginal trauma or infection, if your female dog is continuously bleeding then prompt veterinary attention is vital to ensure proper treatment and a quick recovery.

Let’s look at some of the common reasons why your female dog is still bleeding during or after mating:

Prolonged Proestrus Bleeding

The proestrus phase normally lasts for 9 days, but sometimes it gets prolonged till 3 weeks with no ovulation and a female dog may experience heavy and abnormal bleeding during this phase, this reproductive disorder in bitches is known as prolonged proestrus or persistent estrus.

Normally, this disorder is caused by estrogen level, which remains continuously high during the estrus phase of the heat cycle. This disorder after mating is mostly observed in younger female canines most specifically in the second reproductive cycle.

Pyometra

Pyometra is the most likely health condition that can cause bleeding during the estrus phase of your dog’s health cycle This condition is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in female dogs.

Pyometra develops when hormonal changes not only prevent the contraction of the uterus but cause the uterus to become enlarged and inflamed, producing pus which acts as a favorable breeding ground for bacteria.

In open pyometra, the uterus is not closed and there is room for the expulsion of the pus as opposed to closed pyometra where the pus is trapped in the uterus as the cervix remains closed. The common symptoms of pyometra include the release of foul-smelling discharge from the genital tract which could be clear, bloody, gray, brown, green, or yellow, increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal swelling, etc.

Vaginitis

A bitch may bleed after mating because she might be suffering from vaginitis or vaginal inflammation. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial infections, yeast infections, and hormonal imbalances.

Symptoms of vaginitis in dogs may include blood-stained discharge from the genital tract, licking of the genital area, redness and swelling of the genital area, pain or discomfort when urinating, blood in the urine, frequent urination, etc.

Uterine And Vaginal Tumor

A female pooch may also bleed after mating due to rare vaginal or uterine tumors. There are two types of reproductive tumors in bitches leiomyomas (non-cancerous) and leiomyosarcomas (cancerous).

Dogs with these conditions present with a variety of symptoms like vaginal discharge which may be bloody or not, pain or difficulty in urinating or defecating, swelling of the abdomen, vomiting, lethargy, etc.

The best way to treat or prevent this condition altogether would be to spay your female pooch (ovariohysterectomy). If metastasis has occurred then the affected cells or tissues will be removed as well.

Urinary Tract Infections

Sometimes bacteria cause infections in the lining of the urinary tract and upon intercourse, red blood cells leak and cause bleeding. The bleeding is usually due to inflammation or irritation of the lining of the urinary tract, which can result in small amounts of blood in the urine as well.

In severe cases, a UTI can also cause damage to the bladder and urethra, which can cause more significant bleeding. Additionally, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the reproductive tract, which can also cause bleeding.

Symptoms may include blood in the urine, pain during urination, and frequent but small urination with a foul smell.

Treatment typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection and may also include pain management and dietary changes.

Forcible Separation Of Dogs In Tie

The forcible separation of dogs stuck together during mating can cause bleeding in female dogs. During the tie, the male dog’s penis swells and locks inside the female’s genital tract, and trying to pull them apart can cause trauma to the genitalia of both dogs.

Blood Clotting Disorders

Blood clotting disorders in bitches; refer to conditions in which the normal blood clotting process is disrupted.

Blood clotting involves a cascade of reactions that helps to prevent excessive bleeding after an injury. The are three components responsible for the formation of clots: the endothelial cells of blood vessels, coagulation factors, and platelets. Conditions, where the coagulation function of the blood is affected, include Von Willebrand’s disease, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, etc.

If you suspect that your poor pooch is bleeding non-stop after coitus, then chances are that she has some of the above-mentioned blood clotting disorders.

How Long Will A Dog Bleed After Mating?

A female dog may experience a slight discharge or spotting after mating. Normally, this discharge is caused by the physical trauma of mating, which can result in small tears in the vaginal tissues, and should stop on its own within 2-3 days.

However, the duration of bleeding can depend on a variety of factors, such as the size and breed of the dog, and the intensity of the trauma caused by mating. Some dogs may bleed for only a day or two, while others may experience bleeding for up to a week.

However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop within 4-7 days you should be alarmed and visit a vet.

Can Dogs Get Pregnant If They Are Bleeding After Mating?

Yes, a female dog can become pregnant even if she is bleeding after mating. Vaginal bleeding is not necessarily an indicator of a problem with fertility or pregnancy but make sure not to breed your dog during the proestrus stage of her heat cycle where bleeding normally occurs.

A female dog can become pregnant if she is in heat and has mated with a male dog that is fertile. The timing of breeding, the health of the dogs, and other factors can influence the success of the mating, but as long as there is adequate fertilization of the eggs, pregnancy can occur even if there is some bleeding after mating.

Brown Discharge After Mating

Most female dogs may experience brownish discharge after mating; this discharge can indicate the presence of blood, which may be a sign of pyometra, ovarian tumors, and vaginal inflammation.

Some common causes of brown discharge after mating are discussed below:

Pyometra

It is a condition in which bacteria invade the endometrium of the uterus and causes infection in the uterus of a female dog resulting in a green, red, yellow, or brownish discharge after mating.

If the discharge is excessive, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, discomfort, or excessive licking, it’s important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible

Ovarian Tumors

Ovarian tumors in female dogs can leak a brownish pus upon mating, due to the presence of dead white blood cells and bacteria. Ovarian tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Treatment for ovarian tumors may involve surgery to remove the affected ovary or ovaries, or in some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The choice of treatment will depend on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as your dog’s overall health.

Vaginal Inflammation (Vaginitis)

Vaginal inflammation is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or due to other hormonal imbalances and can lead to brown discharge after mating.

Treatment for vaginitis may involve antibiotics or other medications to address the underlying infection or condition, as well as pain management and supportive care.

The estrus cycle is broken down into four stages.

Proestrus

Proestrus lasts roughly 9 days during which your dog will typically be bleeding. If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, it can be extremely difficult.

Note that bleeding in female dogs is different from that in women. When a woman bleeds, it’s after her fertile stage, and it means her ova were not fertilized and are being expelled.

In a dog, the bleeding happens before her fertile stage. A given dog begins her estrus cycle and her proestrus stage on day 1. Ovulation can occur anytime between day 3 and day 17 but typically occurs on day 9.

However, it can be very hard to tell when day 1 of the estrus cycle occurs. Depending on how meticulous your dog is about cleaning herself, you may not even notice the blood. Another thing that may make detecting day 1 difficult is that sometimes the “bleeding” or discharge may be pink or yellow instead of red.

She will urinate more, as well. During this time, her urine gives off a certain strong odor that draws in the male dog. Her vulva will swell quite a lot and protrude outward. Generally, the female is not yet interested in the male at all.

After the 10th day or when she stops bleeding, she will be at her peak fertility. However, proestrus has been known to last as long as 27 days in some instances.

Estrus

Estrus is the fertility stage, and it lasts about 9 days. Now, your female will be receptive to the male. She will even go looking for one and offer herself up, but she won’t have to look far, as every male in town will be on her doorstep. A female in heat has been known to attract males from as far away as 5 miles.

Do dogs bleed after mating?

Since she should only bleed for up to 10 days from the beginning of the proestrus stage and mate sometime in the roughly 9 days or so after that, during the estrus stage, the answer to your question is that there is no typical answer. Every dog is different.

Dogs don’t always defer to what humans have decided is normal, and there are many, many exceptions to the rules. Ideally, dogs would stop bleeding on day 9 and start mating on day 10, but nothing is “set in stone.” This is only a typical average, and lots of dogs do not follow this pattern.

Sometimes, dogs mate while bleeding, and they can get pregnant while bleeding. Though it is not that uncommon for a dog to bleed after mating, by this time, the blood should be getting thinner, more watery, and lighter in color.

However, if the bleeding stays red and continues to be heavy or should be accompanied by other symptoms, call a vet post-haste.

“Is it normal for dogs to bleed after mating?”

To reiterate, for dogs, bleeding is the beginning, not the end, of their fertile stage, so if she mates within the first 9 days and bleeds lightly afterward, it does not necessarily mean that there is a problem. It only means that you need to keep an eye on her.

It is when she stops bleeding, though, that she is the most fertile and the most likely to get pregnant, but there is a possibility that she will become pregnant up until the end of her season, and the estrus stage has been known to last up to 24 days in some instances.

Is it normal for dogs to bleed after mating?

While it is not “normal” for a dog to bleed for the first several days after mating, neither is it all that abnormal. No dog is the same, but most dogs only bleed for the first 9 days of their estrus cycle.

So, if your dog has mated and 10 days or 2 weeks have passed, and your dog is still bleeding, you should call your vet immediately to avoid letting a serious, even grave condition continue to worsen. These are two health conditions that can cause your dog to bleed after mating.

Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the

Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

Image-Courtesy-Google

Reference-On Request.