Spaying your female dog is one of the most responsible decisions you can make as a pet parent. It prevents unwanted pregnancies, reduces health risks, and can even improve your dog’s behavior. But I’ve noticed many dog owners still have questions about what happens after the procedure – especially when they notice blood or discharge.
So do female dogs still bleed after being spayed? Let’s dig into this important topic and uncover the truth.
The Short Answer
Yes female dogs can sometimes bleed after being spayed, but it’s usually not normal menstrual bleeding. In most cases any bleeding after spaying is either
- Post-surgical bleeding (normal in small amounts right after surgery)
- A sign of a complication (like internal bleeding or infection)
- Very rarely, continued heat cycles due to something called ovarian remnant syndrome
Let me explain each of these situations in more detail so you know exactly what to watch for with your furry friend
Understanding the Spaying Procedure
Before we dive deeper, it helps to understand what actually happens during spaying. This surgical procedure (technically called an ovariohysterectomy) involves:
- Removing your dog’s ovaries and uterus
- Eliminating the organs that produce reproductive hormones
- Creating a permanent form of birth control
- Providing several health benefits
Under normal circumstances, this surgery should completely stop your dog’s heat cycles, which means no more periods or bleeding related to estrus (heat).
Normal Post-Surgical Bleeding
If you’ve just had your dog spayed, some minor bleeding is completely normal. This bleeding:
- Usually appears within the first few days after surgery
- Is typically minimal (just small spots or slight discharge)
- May be visible around the incision site
- Could occasionally show up in urine
- Should gradually decrease and stop within a few days
Your vet will likely give you specific instructions on what to expect during recovery. Most will tell you that a few small drops of blood aren’t concerning, but anything more than that warrants a call to their office.
When Post-Spay Bleeding Is Concerning
Not all bleeding after spaying is normal. Here are some situations that require immediate veterinary attention:
- Excessive bleeding – More than just a few drops
- Bleeding that continues beyond a few days after surgery
- Fresh, bright red blood appearing days after surgery
- Blood-soaked bandages or dripping blood
- Swelling, redness, or discharge at the incision site
- Bleeding accompanied by lethargy, pain, or fever
Any of these signs could indicate a serious complication like internal bleeding, infection, or suture problems. Don’t wait – call your vet right away!
Can Spayed Dogs Still Have Periods?
In theory, a properly spayed dog should never have another period or heat cycle again. The surgery removes the reproductive organs responsible for these cycles. However, there’s an exception to every rule…
Ovarian Remnant Syndrome
In rare cases, a condition called ovarian remnant syndrome can occur. This happens when:
- Small pieces of ovarian tissue are accidentally left behind during surgery
- This remaining tissue continues to produce hormones
- The dog can still exhibit signs of going into heat
- Blood-tinged vaginal discharge may occur
A study from 1973 found this condition in about 17% of spayed dogs, but veterinary techniques have improved dramatically since then, making it much rarer today.
If your spayed dog appears to be having periods months or years after surgery, ovarian remnant syndrome could be the culprit. Your vet can diagnose this through:
- Vaginal swabs
- Hormone level testing
- Ultrasound imaging to look for leftover tissue
Other Causes of Bleeding in Spayed Dogs
Sometimes bleeding in a spayed dog has nothing to do with the reproductive system. Other possible causes include:
- Urinary tract infections – Can cause blood in the urine
- Vaginal injuries – From trauma or excessive licking
- Bladder stones – May cause bleeding during urination
- Tumors or growths – In the urinary or reproductive tract
- Blood clotting disorders – Can cause unusual bleeding throughout the body
This is why any unexplained bleeding should be evaluated by your veterinarian, even years after spaying.
The Activity Factor: Why Rest Matters After Spaying
One common cause of post-surgical bleeding is too much activity too soon. Many dogs want to run, jump and play almost immediately after surgery, but this can cause serious problems!
Too much activity can:
- Tear internal or external sutures
- Cause internal bleeding
- Lead to inflammation and swelling
- Slow the healing process
- Result in infection
This is why vets recommend keeping your dog calm and restricting activity for 10-14 days after surgery. Trust me, those two weeks of boredom are worth avoiding complications!
Benefits of Spaying (Beyond Stopping Periods)
While we’re discussing spaying, it’s worth mentioning the many benefits beyond just preventing heat cycles and bleeding:
- Longer lifespan – Spayed dogs often live longer, healthier lives
- Cancer prevention – Reduces risk of mammary, ovarian, and uterine cancers by up to 50%
- No pyometra risk – Eliminates the risk of this dangerous uterine infection
- Behavior improvements – Often reduces aggression and roaming behaviors
- No unwanted puppies – Prevents contributing to pet overpopulation
- More affection – Some spayed dogs become more affectionate toward their owners
- Cost savings – Much cheaper than raising unexpected litters of puppies!
Common Concerns About Spayed Dogs
Beyond bleeding, dog owners often have other questions about their spayed pets:
Will spayed dogs still attract males?
Surprisingly, yes! Even after spaying, your female dog might still attract male dogs. This can happen because:
- Some hormones may linger in the system for a while after surgery
- If ovarian remnant syndrome is present
- Males may be attracted to your dog’s regular scent, not just hormones
- Some male dogs will mount females regardless of reproductive status
Will spayed dogs still want to mate?
This is very rare in female dogs. Unlike neutered males (who sometimes retain sexual behaviors), spayed females almost never show mating desires after recovery from surgery.
When to Call Your Vet
To summarize, you should contact your veterinarian if your spayed dog:
- Has excessive bleeding at any point after surgery
- Shows any bleeding more than a few days after surgery
- Appears to be going into heat (swollen vulva, discharge, male attention)
- Has blood in her urine that’s not clearly related to surgery
- Shows signs of pain, fever, or lethargy alongside bleeding
- Has a swollen, red, or open incision site
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to post-operative complications!
Recovery Tips After Spaying
To help minimize the risk of bleeding and other complications after spaying:
- Follow all post-op instructions from your vet
- Restrict activity for the recommended time (usually 10-14 days)
- Use an e-collar to prevent licking at the incision
- Check the incision site daily for problems
- Keep the incision clean and dry
- Provide a quiet, comfortable recovery space
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Administer all medications as prescribed
Final Thoughts
While female dogs shouldn’t normally bleed after being spayed (once they’ve healed from surgery), it can happen in certain situations. Understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you know when to seek veterinary care.
Remember that every dog is unique, and their experiences after spaying may vary. Some may heal quickly with no complications, while others might need extra care. By staying informed and vigilant, you’re giving your furry friend the best chance at a smooth recovery.
I’ve had three female dogs spayed over the years, and each experience was different. My terrier mix had a textbook recovery with barely any discharge, while my shepherd had some minor bleeding that worried me enough to call the vet (it turned out to be normal). Being prepared for what might happen can save you a lot of stress!
Have you had your dog spayed recently? What was your experience like? Feel free to share in the comments below!
Remember: This article is based on general information and my personal experience with dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian for specific advice about your pet’s health needs.
Benefits of Dog Spay Surgery
Dog spay surgery is a cost-effective procedure, as the costs of spaying are far less than the cost of treatment needed for a uterine problem like pyometra (which would typically include an ovariohysterectomy) or costs of having and caring for a litter.
However, there are other benefits of spaying your dog, such as:
- No longer contributing to pet overpopulation problem
- Alleviating the risk of unwanted or uncared-for pets by stopping the heat cycle and preventing pregnancy
- Preventing disease
- Decreasing roaming behavior
- Increasing life expectancy
Dog Spay Surgery FAQs
The best timeframe to spay a dog is highly debated and continually reviewed by the veterinary community.
Most veterinarians recommend spaying before your dog has her first heat cycle, usually around the age of puberty, or 6 to 9 months old. However, speak with your veterinarian about the best time for your dog.
Dog Spay Surgery After Care 5 Tips! | Veterinary Approved
FAQ
Is it normal for a dog to bleed after spaying?
At times, this wound can also appear inflamed. In this case, female dog bleeding a little after spaying is normal. This is often largely due to a fallen stitch, that hasn’t yet closed the wound. In this case, the bleeding will be minimal, remitting in seconds. Do spayed dogs get periods? Spayed dogs do not experience heat cycles or menstruation.
Why does my dog bleed after being spayed?
If you do see a small amount of bleeding from the wound after your dog has been spayed, you should consult with your vet and get it checked out. If your dog still bleeds after being spayed, it could potentially relate to a post-operative problem or internal bleeding around the wound. Many dogs will remain active after their operation.
What happens if a female dog is spayed?
In the majority of cases, once a female dog is spayed, she will no longer go into her heat cycle. As she is no longer going into heat, her body will no longer have the hormonal changes that result in periods and bleeding.
Can a dog spotting blood after a spayed?
Hi – thanks for your email. You wrote that your dog was spayed about 10 days ago and is now spotting blood and wonder if she is okay. Some dogs can have a small amount of bleeding after they are spayed. It should be a very small amount and stop normally on the first 3 days after the procedure.
Will a spayed dog bleed during her heat cycle?
However, spaying removes the reproductive organs responsible for this bleeding, so a spayed dog should not experience bleeding related to her heat cycle. To provide further clarity on this topic, let’s delve into some interesting trends related to the question of whether a spayed dog will still bleed:
Can a spayed dog bleed from a private area?
Could be an underlying issue so it’s best to have it checked. While spayed dogs should never have periods, your female might still bleed unrelated to her spay surgery. Bleeding from the private area in spayed dogs is an alarm signal and needs to be resolved asap.
Why is my dog having her period after being spayed?
After spaying, dogs typically do not have periods as their ovaries are removed, stopping the heat cycle. However, some may experience vaginal bleeding due to residual ovarian tissue (ovarian remnant syndrome) or urinary tract infections. Symptoms include spotting, licking, or discomfort.
Why is my dog bleeding from her private if she’s fixed?