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My dog is in heat and vomiting. Could it be a uterine infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shiba Inu | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 12 lbs

My dog had her first period I don’t know if this Is correlated we took her on a walk and now she is vomiting she threw up once in a bunch of food and like 10 minutes later she threw up bile

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5 Answers

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 5th, 2022

Vomiting is not normal for a dog that has recently been in heat. It may indicate an infection in her uterus which can be life threatening. Or she may have a primary GI cause for the vomiting. If she continues to vomit or otherwise act sick I recommend a vet visit

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 13th, 2016

    Being in heat (actually pre-heat as long as she is bleeding) is a) stressful and b) she is ingesting a lot of blood line with "wonderful" smells to lure males and hormones. This in itself can make her more prone to vomiting. Once she stops bleeding she will be in heat and able to conceive. I suggest you try feeding her some bland food like boiled white rice and a bit of boiled chicken to calm down the intestines, feed small meals several times a day and then slowly mix in her normal food again. If this does not work you should take her to your vet for an exam. She may just have a touchy tummy, but IBD is also on the list.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 7th, 2018

    I'm sorry Suke isn't feeling well at the moment! Vomiting is not normal to occur when a dog is in heat, and it may not be related to her being in heat at all. It could be that she is suffering from a pyometra, which is a life threatening infection of the uterus. While she is young for that to happen, it is possible. If you see pus filled discharge coming from her vaginal area, an excessive amount of bloody discharge, continued vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, and/or an enlarged or bloated appearing abdomen, those can be signs of a pyometra and you will need to rush her into a vet immediately. In the meantime, withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed her a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. Take her into a vet immediately if you are concerned about her behavior or symptoms. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on October 11th, 2017

    I would highly recommend an examination by your veterinarian. She could have an intestinal obstruction, or even an infection of the uterus called a pyometra. They can be life threatening. An x-ray will likely be recommended to help with the diagnosis, and possibly blood work as well. Good luck- I really hope that she improves soon.

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    Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 11th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If she just stopped bleeding within the last week, it could be pregnancy. The vomiting should be occasional and she should still be relatively active and eating close to her normal amount. If it has been 1 week or more since she stopped bleeding, I recommend taking her in immediately as this could be a sign of pyometra- a life-threatening infection of the uterus. If you’re unsure, take her to the vet. A rectal temperature and god physical exam can help narrow it down quickly. Best wishes to you and Gigi!

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