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Is it normal for a female dog's first heat to last over two weeks?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 20 days old | 20 lbs

My femaie labrador is bleeding from last 18 days, and still going, so is it normal for my dog

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 21st, 2017

I am guessing that this is her first heat based on the age you indicated. Sometimes the first heat cycle is a bit irregular, can last longer or sometimes they have no bleeding. The subsequent heat cycles are usually more predictable and regular. As long as the discharge is not thick and cloudy/ creamy- it is probably fine. If the discharge gets heavier or changes in consistency to look muddy, creamy, or thicker or she starts to become lethargic, have loss of appetite or vomiting- just wait it out. She should finish within the next 1-2 weeks.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 29th, 2018

    Female dogs prepare for actual heat by going into pre-estrus first for up to about 21 days during which they will bleed and distribute their scent for male dogs to notice (they will actually notice the scent up to two miles away!). Towards the end of those 21 days of pre-estrus the bleeding will get much weaker and the blood will get rather rosy-colored and transparent. from then on she will be in heat up to 4 weeks and can get pregnant. At no time should the discharge be smelly or any other color than rosy red, if any. Should there be a smelly discharge or any other color than rosy red you need to take her to a vet as she may have a uterine infection which can become life-threatening, Another sign of such an infection is the very increased thirst and urination., finally lethargy and anorexia, At the end of estrus (heat) thee vulva swelling should reduce and she should not have any discharge or change of behavior.

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