My female dog is bleeding vaginally

Question
Hi, my dog is going to be a year old at the end of this month(March). She's been healthy up to date. I noticed about a week ago that she started eating grass. I thought maybe she had an upset stomach. She has become very upset when I leave her for work and she sleeps all day long now. I noticed last night that she was laying on her blanket and there were spots of blood where she was laying. She sleeps with me at night. I have blood on my blanket on my bed. The spots are of all sizes, sometimes small, sometimes there is a very big spot. She seems to be constantly cleaning herself in that area. Is there something I can do to find out why she's bleeding vaginally? Is that normal for a 1 yr. old female dog?

Answer
Hi Carly!  Is your dog spayed?  If not, what she could be experiencing is a heat cycle.  
If she is not spayed and you are noticing her experiencing the following symptoms:
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Bloody and pusy vaginal discharge
Vomiting
She may be experiencing a Pyometra.  A Pyometra is a very serious and fatal (with no treatment) uteran infection.  If she is experiencing these symptoms, you would need to get her to a vet asap for a hysterectomy and antibiotic therapy.
If your dog is spayed, she may be experiencing a vaginal infection called, Vaginitis.  
I would recommend a vet visit, just to ensure that there is no infection present.
When a dog is in heat, they will be a little more tired and they will constantly clean themselves, so this may be what she is experiencing.
A lot of dogs eat grass and her being upset when you leave is a form of Separation Anxiety.  Since she is about one year old, behavioral forms will begin to show.  Separation Anxiety in dogs is extemely common, my little shih tzu has it very badly.  Behavioral tendencies will begin to form between now, and two years of age.  During this time you will be noticing the things like grass eating and separation anxiety.  Sometimes aggressive dogs will begin showing their aggression around this time.  The puppy stage is over and their personality begins to form.  My dog is two years old and he has begun showing an extreme interest in tearing up paper towels and becomming extremely attached to one of his toys. I wouldn't worry too much about the separation anxiety.  This is her becoming more mature and realizing that she doesn't want you to leave.  That's actually a good thing!  She loves you and is saying "Mom...don't leave me! Come on lets play!"  Right now she is "finding herself" and realizing her likes and dislikes.
I hope this has helped and if you have any more questions please feel free to ask!
Give her some kisses for me,
Hilary