menstrual cycles in dogs

Question
How much bleeding is expected for the menstrual cycles of dogs?  What is the normal color of the blood? Is panting and licking expected?

Answer
Hi Marie,

Just as in humans, the amount of discharge any one dog has during her heat cycle varies. A dog can have a heavy flow, or a light flow.

A pinkish to red colored discharge the first week, usually turning to a tannish color during the fertile period, and changing back to a red color before gradually stopping altogether. The flow may be fairly heavy the first few days and usually decreases in amount over the next week. Some females keep themselves extremely clean, and it may be difficult to tell if they are in season at all.

If you think your dog is having a medical problem, contact your veterinarian.

Best of luck,

Patti