Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my dog's first heat bleeding for so long and irregularly?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired) | Female | unspayed | 11 months and 29 days old | 10 lbs

My mini dachshund has been bleeding o her first cycle since July 24. It's been 3 weeks and 1 day. Last week she stopped bleeding and today she is bleeding again. Is this normal?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2019

Hello. It is very normal for first heats to be longer than normal & quite irregular. As long as Chanel is feeling & acting normally, then she should normalize her heats over the next few cycles. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Susan England-Foster

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 1st, 2017

    Typically the first heat cycle can be a little more abnormal. I would not be concerned as long as she is eating, drinking and playing normally. If you feel like she is tired or not acting like her self I would take her to the vet. Make sure to keep her away from male dogs to prevent puppies. hope that helps

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 23rd, 2017

    A typical heat cycle will last for 3 weeks and occurs every 6 months. It is very soon for the cycle to restart. This may be a sign of a pregnancy or labor or a uterine infection or a urinary infection If she is not showing signs of pregnancy then she needs to be checked for an infection

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Silvia De Cecco, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 9th, 2018

    It is a very long time so I would consider to bring Cookie to the vet to make sure is otherwise fine. However, in young female dog the first cycle sometimes can slightly different compared to the subsequent; it can be either silent or last longer but the following, usually, normalize. Please post again on the forum if you would like to discuss it further. I hope my answer was helpful.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored