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My unspayed dog in heat is sick, not eating. What's happening?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 4 months old | 5 lbs

Hi, recently my bitch has came into season. She is 6 and we havent had her neutered. Every time she comes into heat, she usually starts to mount objects in the second week which used to always be her bed but we got rid of it last year. She started to mount a pillow which we gave her as its normal for her to do this, but in the past few days she has stayed next to the pillow all day and night, hasnt eat her food, wont entertain anything, hasnt been outside, im really worried, is this normal?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lexi! I do not think this is normal and I am worried too! I am concerned that Lexi may have an infected uterus (pyometra). This is a surgical emergency. Dogs can become very sick from this and it is life threatening. It could be something else but it is best to have her examined by your Vet and have a belly X-ray done to see if her uterus is dilated. I hope this helps and I wish Lexi the very best!

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