Why is my dog's heat cycle discharge heavier and darker now?

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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Angel. The color and amount of discharge can vary throughout a dog's heat cycle. It can vary from pink to red to brown. Creamy discharge that appears like pus would be worrisome as it can represent a uterine infection. In this case, she would need to see her veterinarian right away. I hope this information helps!

It's not normal for a dog to have a black bloody discharge with a bad smell during her heat, and I would have Pip seen by a vet right away. I would be very concerned that this dark blood and bad smell could be indicative of an infection of the uterus. Have her seen by a vet ASAP for a health check.

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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Raina. Depending on what the discharge looks like, she may be in heat. The first heat cycle can start anywhere from 9-13 months of age in a dog her size. Then the dog will cycle roughly every 9 months. It will be a red to brown to pink colored discharge. If she finished her last heat cycle 2-3 months ago, she could have discharge from a uterine infection known as a pyometra. In this case, the discharge would be foul smelling and look more like pus. Lastly, she could have a urinary tract infection. Unless she is starting her heat cycle, she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

When you say you saw a white discharge you do not indicate where you saw the discharge coming from. Since you discussed heat later in the question I assume you mean you saw discharge from the vulva. An occurrence small amount of whitish discharge can be a normal finding. However, if you are noticing a yellow or blood tinged discharge, if she is drinking more than usual, if she isn’t eating well or otherwise acting “sick” then I would be concerned. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus and can be fatal. So if you are concerned that you are seeing abnormal vaginal discharge then she should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If this is the problem they will recommend to have her spayed immediately . Best of luck and I hope she is back to normal soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

This could be normal with nothing to worry about. If the discharge thickens, becomes yellow/green, or even a pink tinged color then I would be concerned about a vaginitis or pyometra. Pyometra could be life threatening if left untreated. If the clear discharge doesn't subside within a few days or if at any point she isn't acting right or stops eating, I would try to figure out a way for her to be seen by a vet. I would just be up front with the vet clinic about your cost concerns so they can be sure to get you an estimate and also come up with a plan that will suit both you and Freya's needs. I hope this helps!