If My Dog Is Spayed, Will She Stop Bleeding?

The sight of your sweet doggie bleeding is always an alarming one. Sometimes, however, it isn't a sign of an injury or illness -- like the heat cycle, for example. Although female dogs don't get menstrual periods as human females do, they do experience some mild bleeding when they're "in season."

If your female dog gets spayed, then she will no longer go into heat, or estrus. Without going into heat cycles twice each year, your dog won't undergo all of the hormonal behaviors and physical changes that are part of it. Spaying essentially cuts all of those things out. Spayed female dogs bleed normally when they have wounds and so forth -- they just won't bleed due to heat.

The bleeding of the female doggie heat cycle is subtle and usually more like spotting than anything else. As the estrus cycle begins, dogs' vaginas secrete discharge with minimal blood. This typically is accompanied by the swelling of the external genitals. As the heat cycle progresses and female dogs get closer to mating, however, not only does the discharge lessen, so does the blood inside of it. With time, the discharge takes on a barely noticeable, light yellowish color.

Regular bleeding during heat isn't the only thing that ceases with spaying. The surgery -- which involves the elimination of the reproductive organs -- also puts to an end a lot of the behaviors that come along with the female canine "season," including urine marking, nervousness, vexation, immoderate crying, watchfulness and decreased ability to concentrate. Spaying stops female pets not only from experiencing bloody discharge, but also from dealing with hyper, jittery and stressed-out heat patterns.

Once you bring your pet home from the hospital or clinic after her spaying surgery, closely follow the care rules provided by the vet. If you see anything abnormal in your doggie, like bleeding or unusual exhaustion, it could indicate a surgical complication. Contact the veterinarian immediately if you notice potential problems with your pooch.