Do female dogs have discharge? Here’s What to Expect

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What are the clinical signs of vaginitis?

The most common clinical signs of vaginitis include increased frequency of urination, licking of the vaginal area, vaginal discharges of mucus, pus, or blood (rarely), and scooting or rubbing of the vaginal area. The vagina will often appear red and swollen. Vaginitis can appear in any female, spayed or intact, and at any age. Male dogs are often attracted to females with vaginitis.

There are numerous causes of vaginitis, including:

  • prepubertal (sexually immature) vagina
  • urinary tract infections
  • vaginal trauma
  • foreign bodies
  • urine or fecal contamination of the vulva
  • ectopic (abnormally situated) ureter
  • urinary incontinence
  • vaginal tumors
  • infection – bacterial or viral
  • vaginal hematomas or abscesses
  • anatomical abnormalities

    • Types of vaginal discharge in dogs

    As stated in the introduction, there are various types of vaginal discharge in bitches. By looking at the color, consistency and even odor of vaginal discharge, a veterinarian will be better able to make a correct diagnosis of the problem. The following types of discharge in female dogs may be found:

  • Pinkish discharge: this coloration is typical of the beginning of the estrous cycle and varies between light pink, watermelon, dark pink and may even have yellowish tones.
  • Bloody discharge: rather than a clear mucus, this will be a thick bloody discharge. Bloody discharge in dogs can be due to various problems, but it is a distinct symptom of open pyometra. However, it is important to remember that some bleeding will likely occur for dogs in heat or due to lochia after giving birth.
  • Green discharge: if it occurs during childbirth, it indicates the detachment of a placenta and the birth of a puppy should be followed in a few minutes. If not, it requires veterinary attention, since green discharge in dogs usually implies there in a infection.
  • White discharge: it is usually related to the presence of an infection, as we will see in the following sections. It can also adopt a yellowish or greenish color.
  • Transparent discharge: generally a clear and clean discharge will be part of the usual vaginal secretions but we will see in more detail why a dog has transparent discharge in the following sections.

    • Do dogs go through the menopause?

    In contrast to us humans, dogs dont go through the menopause, as there is no period in which menstruation does not occur. Hence, female dogs will be in heat for the rest of their life. However, some females that are older than seven years in age only go through the heat phase once a year. The heat intervals can also be extended in old age – but they do not disappear entirely.

    Dictionary tip of the day – Canine Vaginal Discharge