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My dog just gave birth. Is her bleeding normal several days later?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is it normal for the dog to discharge blood after 4 days of birthing?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on April 8th, 2015

After the delivery, your dog may leak fluids and discharge for several weeks. This discharge is called lochia, and its color may be a shade of red. Lochia should be odorless -- if it has an unpleasant smell, contact your vet, as an odor indicates infection. Otherwise, general intermittent bleeding around the vulva may continue for weeks or, in some cases, months. If you notice that your dog is actually still bleeding a few days after birth, contact your vet. While it may be normal, you need to rule out complications like postpartum hemorrhage, which can result from poor blood clotting.

48Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on August 22nd, 2018
It is normal for a dog to have some discharge for as long as 6 to 8 weeks after whelping. Monitor for frank blood or active bleeding, lethargy, fever or loss of appetite. If she is behaving normally, continue to monitor at home.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on January 14th, 2018
Some dark bloody discharge for up to three weeks after giving birth can be normal. As long as she’s eating, drinking and nursing normally then I would just keep and eye on her. Usually this will resolve on its own without treatment. If there is a foul odor, she is not eating well, and stops nursing or seems suddenly ill or lethargic then she could have an infection that should be treated immediately. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Hershey.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 22nd, 2018
This light discharge is normal after whelping. It can last 4 to 8 weeks after whelping. You can monitor for lethargy, fever, GI upset, decreased appetite, bleeding or increased discharge. See your veterinarian if necessary, but as long as she is behaving and eating normally then there is no cause for concern.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 12th, 2020
You may see light bleeding or discharge for several weeks after whelping. Monitor for lethargy, odor, heavy bleeding, pale gums, exercise intolerance or difficulty breathing. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Is bloody discharge normal 6 weeks after my dog had puppies?

Yes, it is common to see slight discharge for several weeks after whelping. Monitor for lethargy, fever, loss of appetite or heavy discharge. Seek veterinary attention if you notice any of the listed symptoms.

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My dog is bleeding from her vagina 2 weeks after spay. Is this normal?

It is not normal for a dog to bleeding from her vagina after being spayed. She could have an infection of the uterine remnants, or she could have a bladder infection called cystitis that causes blood in urine and can look like vaginal discharge. I would take Eilie into the vet right away. The vet can do a physical exam, routine blood tests, a urinalysis, and possibly x-rays to diagnose what is causing her to bleed from her vagina. Once a cause is found, the vet can start treatment.

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My dog's first heat: Is her bleeding and spotting normal?

A dog's heat cycle lasts for around three weeks, so if she started on February 26, it should be ending soon. It's normal that she is spotting occasionally, and you know when she's out of heat when the discharge stops. Now if the bleeding continues for longer than three weeks or Sophie develops other signs such as anorexia, thick pus filled discharge, vomiting, increased bleeding, and/or lethargy, this is not normal and she will need to see a vet immediately. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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Is my dog bleeding like in heat one week after spay concerning?

Hello. As long as the blood is not excessive & seems to be decreasing day by day, there is no concern. This could just be some residual blood sloughing from the loss of hormones after spaying, & should stop very soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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My dog is pregnant and has brown discharge. Is this normal at 51 days?

It could be normal discharge. I would not be concerned about it if she is still acting normal and eating and drinking ok. We only get alarmed if we see green or black discharge (which could indicate placental rupture). Here is more information on other things to watch out for that could indicate she is having complications of her pregnancy. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=678&S=0&EVetID=0 Continue to monitor her and expect her to go into labor around day 65, but it can occur anywhere between 58-72 days gestation. Best wishes and take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My dog had puppies 6 weeks ago. Is dark vulva discharge normal?

This is not normal. Blood around the vulva can be a sign of a urinary tract infection or a uterine infection or hemorrhage. I recommend you make an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam so the cause for this can be established and treated.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My female dog won't stop bleeding after mating. What should I do?

No, that is not something that is normally seen. With your pet being 6 years old and a larger greed based on the weight you have indicated, she is really past the recommended age for breeding. If she is still bleeding after nearly 4 weeks and it doesn’t appear to be subsiding, she should be checked out by a veterinarian. She may have a uterine infection starting. I would also discuss whether breeding her any more s recommended. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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