Why is my dog so sad, tired, and not eating during her heat cycle?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 11 months and 26 days old | 30 lbs
My 11 month old beagle is now in heat and experiencing depression, loss of appetite, ignoring me, and just sleeping all day. I need help...
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 18th, 2017
Poor girl. Some dogs have a tougher time than others when it comes to their first heat cycle. However she does seem to bra late bloomer as most dogs have their first heat cycle around 6-10 months. If she is this ill I would recommend having her to examined by your vet to make sure she isn't having any complications or other underlying illness that's causing this. If she is found to have a ln abnormally intense heat cycle, then the vet can prescribe some safe pet friendly pain medicaiton for her to get for the next few days until the brunt of her menstrual cycle has passed. In the meantime I try placing a warm compress on her belly for a few minutes (be very careful not to leave on too long or you can easily burn your pets skin) to help ease some of the discomfort. hope she feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 17th, 2018
It is not normal for a dog to not have a heat cycle until 3 years. It is also not normal for a heat cycle to last a month. I would be concerned about an infection in the uterus. This could potentially be life threatening and I would urge you to take Roxy to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 19th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. Because hormones are changing quite a bit during and after a heat cycle, there can be behaviors that will be evident that normally are not. Typically, about 5-7 days after the heat cycle ends, there will be residual hormones circulating throughout the body and will take time to degrade. I have not seen any abnormal behaviors last beyond 7 days once the heat cycle is over in my experience. If she does not go back to her normal self then I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Sakoni so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 3rd, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. A dog's heat cycle can definitely affect attitude and appetite. This should be temporary. If she begins to show other signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or sneezing, then she will need to see her veterinarian as there will be another cause of her inappetance. Otherwise encourage her to eat and drink as best you can. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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