My female dog smells bad after her first heat. Should I see a vet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year old | 68 lbs
I have a female German Sheppard who recently just started her first menstrual cycle. It has been a couple of weeks and now we have started noticing a smell coming from her. I was thinking she may need a antibiotic, but I am not sure.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 18th, 2018
That is very concerning. It is very likely that your female has a uterine infection. Unfortunately, if this is treated just with antibiotics, it will come back with the next heat. The treatment of choice is removing the pus-filled uterus. A uterine infection can cause kidney failure and sepsis, so this is a serious condition. Please take your dog to a vet today, if possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 26th, 2019
Yes, you should be a bit worried about the smell. I suggest you get her to your vet for an exam. The smell may be an infection in the uterus (pyometra). If this does not get treated promptly and turns into a huge uterine infection she will have to be spayed to cure it. So, please, take her to your vet ASAP.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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