February 12, 2023

Do Dogs Still Bleed After Mating? Everything You Need To Know

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.

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.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

When Should You See The Vet?

As a pet parent, there are certain conditions upon which you should immediately consult the vet.

1. When There Is a Presence Of Associated Symptoms

After mating, if your female canine is feeling unwell and showing other symptoms apart from bleeding such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, distended abdomen, then this is a sign that she is suffering from pain and needs medical attention as soon as possible. So, he can catch any issues early on when they are more treatable.

2. When The Bleeding Is Excessive

As we know, normally bleeding stops within a week, but if you observe your female doggie is bleeding excessively after mating, then it’s important to consult with a veterinarian, as this could be a sign of more serious issues such as urinary tract infection, a reproductive disorder or hormonal imbalance in dogs.

It’s important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and ensure the health of your pet.

3. When You Are In Doubt

Well, we can all agree that bleeding during the mating or estrus phase of a dog’s heat cycle is somewhat out of place. The appropriate course of action will be to take your dog to your vet as better to be safe than sorry.

Your veterinarian can perform a physical examination and test to determine if there is any underlying health issue and also assess their reproductive health including fertility and the presence of reproductive disorders.

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:

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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.

In some cases, the bleeding may resolve spontaneously, but it is necessary to consult your vet if you are in doubt or if the bleeding is continuous or excessive. Additionally, it’s important to take steps to prevent further mating if your dog is not in good health or is at risk of injury.

Wrap Up

Mating is a natural process, not only for dogs but for all animals living on this planet. Female canines can get pregnant during the heat cycle, which has 4 stages and lasts from 2-3 weeks.

It is not uncommon for a female dog to experience bleeding after mating, this often results from hormonal fluctuations during estrus but can also be caused by trauma to the genitalia during mating, pyometra, infections, tumors, and coagulation disorders.

So, the fact that your female dog is bleeding from down there may or may not be related to her heat cycle. So, instead of risking it all, you should visit your vet for a thorough examination and tests to help rule out any underlying health issues in your pooch.