Yes, it is normal for dogs to bleed after giving birth. This postpartum discharge is called lochia, and it typically lasts about three weeks, though it can continue for up to eight weeks. The discharge ranges in color from green to red or brown, and it gradually decreases in volume as the uterus heals. That said, there are specific signs that distinguish normal recovery from a problem that needs veterinary attention.
What Normal Postpartum Discharge Looks Like
In the first few days after whelping, you’ll likely see a dark green, reddish, or brownish discharge from your dog’s vulva. This is lochia, a mix of blood, uterine fluid, and tissue debris left over from pregnancy. The green color comes from a pigment released when the placenta separates from the uterine wall, and it’s completely normal in the hours and days after delivery.
Over the first one to two weeks, the discharge typically shifts from dark green or red to a lighter reddish-brown, then gradually fades. The volume should decrease steadily. By three weeks, most dogs have very little discharge remaining. Some dogs, especially those with larger litters, continue to have light spotting for up to eight weeks. This extended timeline can still be normal as long as the discharge is decreasing and your dog is otherwise acting healthy.
Behind the scenes, your dog’s uterus is going through a process called involution, where it shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size. Research on canine uterine recovery shows that by nine weeks, the uterine horns are mostly contracted and uniform in shape. Full regeneration of the uterine lining takes about 12 weeks to complete. The discharge you see is a visible sign of this internal healing.
Signs the Bleeding Is Not Normal
While some discharge is expected, certain changes signal a problem. Pay attention to these red flags:
- Foul smell: Normal lochia has a mild, slightly metallic odor. A strong, rotten, or fishy smell suggests infection.
- Increasing volume: Discharge should get lighter over time, not heavier. If bleeding suddenly increases after the first few days, something is wrong.
- Bright red, heavy bleeding: A steady flow of fresh blood (as opposed to dark, tapering discharge) can indicate hemorrhage or a uterine problem.
- Discharge lasting beyond eight weeks: Spotting past the six-to-eight-week mark may point to a condition called subinvolution of placental sites, where the areas where placentas attached fail to heal properly.
Metritis: Uterine Infection After Birth
Metritis is an infection of the uterine wall that can develop in the days after whelping. It happens when bacteria enter the uterus during or after delivery. The hallmark sign is vaginal discharge that becomes increasingly foul-smelling, often with a change in color or consistency.
Beyond the discharge itself, dogs with metritis show systemic signs of illness. These include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, fever, and a noticeable drop in milk production. One of the more telling behavioral changes is reduced maternal instinct. If your dog suddenly seems disinterested in her puppies or stops nursing, that’s a warning sign. Some dogs with metritis also continue straining as if they’re still in labor. This condition requires prompt treatment, as it can become life-threatening if the infection spreads.
Retained Placenta
During a normal delivery, each puppy is followed by its placenta. If a placenta or a piece of one stays inside the uterus, it’s called a retained placenta. This doesn’t always cause problems. Retained placentas are often expelled on their own within the first day or two. But when they don’t pass, they can become a source of infection and lead to metritis.
Keeping count of placentas during delivery is helpful but not always easy, since dogs sometimes eat them quickly. If your dog develops a foul-smelling discharge, fever, or lethargy in the days after whelping, a retained placenta is one possible cause. An ultrasound can help confirm whether anything remains inside the uterus.
Subinvolution of Placental Sites
If your dog’s discharge continues beyond six to eight weeks and remains yellowish-red or bloody, the likely cause is subinvolution of placental sites (SIPS). This condition occurs when the spots where the placentas were attached don’t heal and contract the way they should. Instead of closing off and rebuilding normal tissue, these sites keep oozing blood.
SIPS is more common in younger dogs experiencing their first litter. The discharge is typically persistent but not heavy, and unlike metritis, dogs with SIPS usually feel fine otherwise. They eat normally, nurse their puppies, and don’t have a fever. The diagnosis is usually made by ruling out other causes. In most cases, the condition resolves on its own, though dogs with significant blood loss may need supportive care.
What to Watch for in the First Few Weeks
The simplest way to monitor your dog’s recovery is to track three things: the color, volume, and smell of the discharge, along with her overall behavior. Normal recovery follows a predictable pattern. The discharge starts dark and heavy, then gradually lightens in color and amount over two to three weeks. Your dog should be eating well, nursing her puppies attentively, and moving around normally within a day or two of delivery.
Any sudden change in that pattern deserves attention. A discharge that was fading but suddenly returns, a smell that becomes noticeably worse, or a dog that stops eating or becomes unusually lethargic are all reasons to call your vet. The same goes for continued straining or a visible mass near the vulva, which could indicate retained tissue. When things are progressing normally, the bleeding is simply part of your dog’s body cleaning house and returning to its pre-pregnancy state.