Vaginal Discharge in Dogs

Written By Michele K.
Published: 09/30/2015Updated: 10/02/2023
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Vaginal Discharge in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is any liquid material that comes from the vulva. In dogs, the appearance of this fluid or changes to its appearance can indicate a problem. Common types of discharge include clear and watery, bloody, mucoid, or purulent (containing pus). Each of these types of discharge can signal different conditions, such as infection, physical abnormality, trauma or reproductive issues. Schedule a visit with the veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice your dog dragging their hindquarters, licking the area or experiencing urinary incontinence.

Clinically significant or abnormal vaginal discharge in dogs is a disruption of the natural fluids produced by the body to clean the vagina. This may indicate an infection, injury or foreign body in the vagina. Additionally, it may also signal a secondary infection of the urinary tract.

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Average Cost

$950

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Symptoms of Vaginal Discharge in Dogs

  • Bloody, mucoid, purulent or watery discharge from the vagina.
  • Bloody or very cloudy urine
  • Difficulty holding urine
  • Excessive urination
  • Fever
  • Behavior changes
  • Reduction in appetite
Types
  • Mucoid (thick or grayish)
  • Purulent (containing pus)
  • Bloody (black, red or brown)
  • Watery (clear and thin)

Causes of Vaginal Discharge in Dogs

  • Trauma to vagina or uterus
  • Infection of urinary tract and/or vagina
  • Cancer of the pelvic region
  • Physical defect (e.g. fistula) involving the uterus or vagina
  • Later end of the estrus cycle

Diagnosis of Vaginal Discharge in Dogs

There are many reasons for vaginal discharge to appear, some of them benign and others more serious, so don’t be alarmed by the sudden presence of discharge, but do schedule a visit with the veterinarian. It's important to take quick action and not a "wait and see" attitude. Be prepared to give a medical history to the veterinarian, including any medications, surgeries or breeding activities, including whether your pet has been spayed. Note any sexual involvement with other dogs, regardless of whether breeding was intentional or possible.

The veterinarian will make a physical examination of your dog, checking for fever and signs of illness as well as examining the vulva and vagina for trauma, signs of infection, or an abnormality. Heightened vaginal discharge after estrus (“heat”) in an intact dog can be normal and may appear bloody. This is also normal for a number of days after an animal has given birth. However, if the bleeding and/or discharge persists, this could be a sign of a problem. 

Sometimes, the urinary tract and vagina can cross-contaminate infections, leading to bloody or very cloudy urine and purulent discharge from the vulva. A sample of this discharge can be taken for culturing to identify the pathogen. In cases of infection, a blood test may be performed to gauge the severity of the infection via white blood cell count, and to make sure the infection has not spread to the blood to cause septicemia (life-threatening blood poisoning).

Cancers of the vagina, uterus, and ovary can cause a variety of discharges and secondary infections, and your veterinarian may choose to ultrasound your pet’s pelvic region to look for masses. Ultrasound is an easily-portable technology that can provide medical images in even a small veterinarian’s office, and is non-invasive and inexpensive. However, more detailed images may need to be taken via X-ray or MRI, which are larger machines and require referral to a specialist.  

Treatment of Vaginal Discharge in Dogs

The treatment will vary depending on the underlying condition. Estrus-linked discharge usually clears up after the cycle ends. Infections will need medical attention, including antibiotics and possible surgery to drain and clean the infection site. This may require a hysterectomy on intact dogs or additional resection to animals that have been spayed.

Cancers will be treated according to the type, progression and location of the tumor. This may include chemotherapy, surgical intervention, or radiation therapy. Other abnormalities, such as a fistula (linkage between rectum and vagina) will need to be repaired surgically as well.

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Recovery of Vaginal Discharge in Dogs

The recovery of your dog will depend on the condition causing the discharge. Most infections are easily treated with antibiotics and cleaning of the area while more stubborn infections may need surgical cleaning and/or draining. Cancers vary widely in their recovery rates, so ask the veterinarian about treatment options and life expectancy. Surgery to repair a defect or trauma is usually successful provided post-surgical care instructions are followed, and the pet is kept from chewing the area.

Vaginal discharge can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog has vaginal discharge or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

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Vaginal Discharge Average Cost

From 92 quotes ranging from $300 - $5,000

Average Cost

$950

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Vaginal Discharge Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Labrador Retriever

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Seven Years

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58 found this helpful

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58 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Yellow watery discharge from Vagina She is spayed She also has decreased appetite Current weight 95 pounds She also has a fleshy skin growth on her abdomen.

March 9, 2021

Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM

58 Recommendations

Hello. She could have a urinary tract infection causing this discharge. I would clean her vulva with a baby wipe and see your vet for some antibiotics.

April 8, 2021

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Pit Bull

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Three Months

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44 found this helpful

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44 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Pus
My female pit bull is a little over 3 months old. She just peed and it looks like she had yellow pus on her vagina. This is my first time noticing it, it was only a little bit but it’s still concerning. Does this mean she has an infection? And if so what are the steps I need to take?

March 5, 2021

Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM

44 Recommendations

Hello, Pus in urine is usually an indicator of infection(UTI). On the other hand pus from the vagina is a common symptom of a condition known as pyometra. This is termed an emergency and should be looked into asap. Please take her to your vet for a more confirmatory diagnosis and treatment.

March 5, 2021

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Vaginal Discharge Average Cost

From 92 quotes ranging from $300 - $5,000

Average Cost

$950

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