Seeing your dog bleed from her private area while refusing to eat can be deeply unsettling. While it may be a sign of a normal heat cycle in unspayed females, it can also point to serious medical issues like infection or reproductive complications.
We outline the common causes of a dog bleeding from her private area and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
My Dog Is Bleeding from Her Private Area and Not Eating — Why It Happens
A dog bleeding from her private area combined with appetite loss is often a sign of reproductive or systemic issues. It can signal something as routine as a heat cycle or as serious as a uterine infection, miscarriage, or cancer.
Dogs experiencing this combination of symptoms may also have a fever, lethargy, or signs of pain.
It’s important to differentiate between normal estrus-related bleeding and abnormal discharge linked to illness.
Dog Bleeding from Her Private Area and Not Eating: Common Causes
Heat Cycle (Estrus)
When an unspayed female dog is in heat, it’s normal to see vaginal bleeding.
This usually occurs twice a year and lasts about 2–4 weeks. During this time, she may experience behavioral changes, restlessness, and a reduced appetite.
The discharge is typically light to moderate and should not have a foul odor. If your dog is otherwise acting normal, eating less can simply be due to hormonal shifts.
However, if the bleeding is heavy or prolonged, or if she becomes lethargic, this may indicate a more serious issue.
Pyometra (Uterine Infection)
Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection in unspayed female dogs.
It often develops after a heat cycle due to hormonal changes that allow bacterial overgrowth in the uterus.
A dog with pyometra may have bloody or pus-filled vaginal discharge, a distended abdomen, fever, vomiting, and a refusal to eat.
This condition requires emergency veterinary surgery to remove the infected uterus and save the dog’s life.
Read more: Dog Acting Weird and Not Eating (What’s going on?)
Miscarriage or Abortion
Pregnant dogs can sometimes miscarry or have a spontaneous abortion.
This might result in bloody discharge and a sudden drop in appetite. The dog may seem depressed, fatigued, or uncomfortable.
Infections, hormonal imbalances, trauma, or genetic abnormalities can all cause pregnancy loss in dogs.
Veterinary evaluation is needed to determine whether there is retained fetal tissue, infection, or complications that require medical care.
Vaginal Tumors or Cancer
Tumors in the reproductive tract can cause vaginal bleeding and loss of appetite.
These may include vaginal polyps, fibromas, or malignant cancers such as TVT (transmissible venereal tumor) or carcinomas.
Signs often include straining to urinate, excessive licking of the vulva, discomfort, and visible masses.
Cancer-related appetite loss may stem from pain, inflammation, or general illness.
Trauma or Foreign Object Injury
If your dog recently played roughly, mated, or had access to sharp objects, vaginal trauma may be the cause.
Bleeding might be accompanied by swelling, licking, and signs of pain. Loss of appetite may result from discomfort or internal injury.
Injuries to the vulva or internal tissues need prompt evaluation, especially if bleeding is heavy or persistent.
Read more: My Male Dog Is In Heat and Not Eating (Why it happens)
Blood Clotting Disorders or Toxic Exposure
Some dogs may bleed abnormally due to clotting issues or ingestion of toxins like rat poison.
This can cause spontaneous bleeding from the vulva and other body areas, as well as systemic signs like lethargy, vomiting, and refusal to eat.
Bleeding disorders are serious and require immediate veterinary diagnostics and treatment, including possible blood transfusions.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Bleeding from Her Private Area and Not Eating
Start by observing the discharge. Is it bright red, thick, or foul-smelling? Normal heat-related bleeding is usually thin and light.
Check your dog’s temperature (normal is 101–102.5°F). A fever may indicate infection.
Offer bland, tempting foods like boiled chicken or rice to encourage appetite, but don’t force-feed.
Keep your dog calm and restrict excessive activity until you understand what’s causing the bleeding.
If your dog is unspayed and not up to date on exams, book a vet visit as soon as possible.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice any of the following:
Bloody discharge that’s thick, dark, or smells bad
Discharge that lasts more than a few days or worsens
Appetite loss that persists beyond 24 hours
Vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of abdominal discomfort
Lethargy, fever, or behavioral changes
Signs your dog is pregnant or was recently bred
These symptoms may indicate serious issues like pyometra, miscarriage, or cancer that can rapidly worsen without treatment.
Read more: Dog Getting Sick and Not Eating (Causes and what to do)
Key Takeaway
Bleeding from the private area and not eating can be related to natural reproductive cycles — or signal a dangerous underlying condition like pyometra or cancer.
Never assume it’s normal, especially if your dog seems unwell. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate care.
Your attentiveness can make a life-saving difference in your dog’s outcome.