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My pregnant dog has brown discharge and bleeding. Is she in labor?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 8 months old | 15 lbs

My dog just discharged a brown looking fluid and is bleeding from her vagina, does this mean she is going to give birth soon? I uploaded pictures.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2017

Yes, sugar will start having contractions and straining very soon. If she is panting, but no straining after another 2hrs you must take her to your vet for an exam and they might give her oxytocin. The dark brown/ green discharge is from the placenta.
Vote Icon14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 17th, 2016

    This is highly abnormal, you need to take her to the vet urgently otherwise you will lose the puppies for sure and might also lose her. She is too old to be pregnant, you should have her spayed after this pregnancy or during the c-section which I suspect she will need.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 10th, 2019

    Unfortunately, it is too early to confirm pregnancy. You will need to wait another two weeks before your veterinarian can confirm a successful mating via blood test, palpation or abdominal x-ray/ultrasound.
    Monitor for lethargy, fever, straining to urinate, heavier discharge or bloody discharge. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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