My spayed dog has smelly, thick vaginal discharge and is leaking. Why?

Vaginal discharge can be caused by a number of things. Both the urethra and vaginal openings exit the vaginal/vulvar area so discharge could indicate a problem with the urinary tract or with the reproductive tract. With any strange discharge, it is a good idea to schedule a veterinary appointment to check it out. If the discharge becomes cloudy, green or yellow in color, it is best to seek veterinary care as soon as possible as that may indicate something more serious such as a uterine infection (in unspayed females, but can occur if part of the uterine stump is left during a spay).

Unfortunately without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain if the white discharge and smell is a major concern. It could be a sign of a pyometra, and that is fatal without treatment. To be safe, I think it's best you take her into a vet now to get checked out. Best of luck.

Discharge from this area can either be coming from the urinary tract (uti, etc ) or reproductive tract. Likely your vet will rule out uti first with a urinalysis and urine culture. A sterile vaginal exam may also be recommended. If persistent and not related to a uti then it may become important to make sure she was properly spayed. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Diesel. She will need to see her veterinarian. A urine test will likely be necessary to determine if she has a urinary tract infection. Your profile shows that she has been spayed. Vaginal discharge can be the sign of a uterine infection, but this would not be possible if she has been spayed. In the meantime, clean the area surrounding her vulva with some warm water. Once the skin is clean you can monitor for additional discharge. Do not allow her to lick as this can lead to inflamed or infected surrounding skin. I hope this information helps!

If your dog isn't [spayed](https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-dogs/), this could be a heat cycle. Or it could be a very serious condition known as [pyometra](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pyometra/), which means infected uterus. Especially if she had her heat cycle a couple of months ago, and if she's lethargic or has a fever you need to take her in to a veterinarian to be examined tonight. If she is spayed, this could be several things. She could have a [urinary tract infection](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-signs-of-urinary-tract-disease-in-dogs) and you're seeing her leak blood-tinged urine. I hope not, but depending on her age there could be cancer in the urinary tract that's causing bleeding (blood doesn't always look bright red). Very occasionally spayed dogs will continue to bleed if a piece of an ovary was left behind. Get her checked out by your veterinarian as soon as possible to figure out what's going on.

Hello, sorry to hear about Pepper. Vaginal secretions like this could be normal especially in an intact female. However, if she had a heat about 3-4 weeks ago, this discharge could be more concerning for an infection (pyometra) or a false pregnancy. Other signs associated with a pyometra could include a decreased appetite, lethargy, painful abdomen, and persistent discharge from her vulva. If you note any of these, then Pepper should be evaluated by her veterinarian immediately. Finally, discharge from the vulva could indicate a urinary tract infection, vaginitis, perhaps her heat cycle. If you note continue to note this discharge, then have Pepper evaluated. Hope this helps and best of luck.

It sounds like Izzy may have a urinary tract infection. I would recommend taking her to see the vet and have a urine run to check for an infection. She may require antibiotics for it. The fishy smell sounds like anal glands. While you are at the vet they can express her anal glands. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.