My dog's first heat has black, foul-smelling discharge. What's wrong?

With any new reproductive symptom out of the norm for your pet, it is best to have a vet take a look, especially if the symptoms persist, Tinkerbell continues bleeding, or if she seems otherwise ill or in distress. A vet check in person can help rule out any issues such as infections, hormonal problems, or other related issues that may be causing the change. If you're having trouble affording care, this site may help give you some options to make it more affordable if you need to bring Tinkerbell into your vet: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care

The color of discharge during a heat cycle can be extremely variable throughout the duration of the cycle and it can even change from cycle to cycle. Based on what you've described it sounds like Precious is experiencing a normal heat cycle. If the discharge becomes smelly or she begins to act lethargic or ill, have a veterinarian evaluate her just to be safe.

I recommend to have Izzy examined by her veterinarian today. Dogs who are in heat will have a bloody discharge that is usually very light colored. Infections in the uterus can be severe and even fatal if not treated quickly so it’s best to have her checked for this today. Cancer and vaginitis are also possible. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

That is very concerning. It is very likely that your female has a uterine infection. Unfortunately, if this is treated just with antibiotics, it will come back with the next heat. The treatment of choice is removing the pus-filled uterus. A uterine infection can cause kidney failure and sepsis, so this is a serious condition. Please take your dog to a vet today, if possible.

I'd have Iszadora seen by a vet immediately. This "spotting" could be due to a pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. Please take her into a vet now. If she does have a pyometra, she will need to be spayed. Best of luck.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Nymeria. The flow can vary throughout a dog's heat cycle and from one cycle to the next. As long as she is eating, drinking and acting like herself, it is most like a normal variation. If the flow does not decrease soon or she starts to act ill, then she will need to see a veterinarian. If the discharge starts to look like pus, this can be a sign of a serious uterine infection. In this case, she would need to seen right away. I hope this information helps!

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.