Why does my unspayed female dog have brown bloody vaginal discharge?

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.

I see that Princess Marie isn't spayed. With the discharge you are mentioning, I'd be very concerned she has a pyometra. A pyometra is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. She needs to see a vet immediately. Please take her into one now.

Has she been in heat recently? At her age with not being spayed I would worry about thisbdisxharge being from the uterus and her having an uterine infection. This can be an emergency that typically requires surgery. Often times they are weak, drinking more water, vomiting and not eating. Other options include a bladder infection which will need antibiotics. Your vet can distguish between the two and see what is needed

Hello sorry to hear about Molly. I would be concerned with fluid in her uterus. This fluid could be infectious or non-infectious. That is this could be a pyometra or infection of her uterus. The best way to diagnose an infected uterus would be to sample some of the fluid in her uterus as well as obtain bloodwork and an abdominal ultrasound. Ideally, you should have this evaluated by your veterinarian immediately as a pyometra can be quite detrimental to health. Hope this helps and best wishes.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think the most important thing to do is to call Tarra's owners. Ask if she is spayed. The most common cause of bloody discharge from the vulva in an unspayed female dog is either she is in heat (on her period) or has an infected uterus (emergency). If she is spayed then she could have a urinary tract infection or a bleeding/clotting problem. If Tarra in anyway is acting sick: lethargic, increased thirst or urination, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing heavy then you need to take her to a Vet today. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!

If Molly is not spayed, I would have her examined by a vet ASAP. It is possible there are issues such as a urinary infection, pyometra (infection of the uterus), prolapse (if things are protruding) or even additional issues such as parasites trying to bury in the skin. Since there is also blood present, it'd be best to have her checked out. Other signs to look out for include lethargy, fever, changes in eating or drinking, additional discharge, increased urination, and cloudy/bloody urine.

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.