Hi everyone,

my bitch gave birth 8 weeks ago. this morning one of my dogs was sniffing her and there appeared to be a lightly colored discharge.  I'm hoping she's not getting pyro. she acts happy and fine. It was only that one time so far. could it be from the birth. have any of you had a dog come in season again 8 weeks later?

I need some advice on this quickly but i'm in the US.

My vet did tell me that a bitch can continue to have 'spotting' right up to their next season after whelping.  The  time to worry is if the discharge is offensive smelling, I've never had one come in season 8 weeks after giving birth.

Just keep a very close watch on her and if you have any concerns get her to the vet, she may need a course of anti-biotics just to help clear up the last of the discharge.

Good luck

I had a Kerry Blue bitch years ago who did this - the vet reckoned it was a sub-involution of the placental sites.    She was fine in herself, and it cleared up after the next season.    Interestingly, a couple of years later she did, in fact, have an open pyo, but nothing to do with any whelping - she'd had no pups in the intervening time.

Maybe the two were somehow related, I don't know...

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Yes a bitch can have a vaginal blood discharge post whelping & continue until her next season, it is called sub involution of the uterus, it is basically where the uterus has contracted down & left folds or pockets causing pockets of fluid to gather & be discharged. However this should be confirmed by a vet (can be confirmed by ultrasound) as any vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge should be carefully monitored & checked by a vet.

thank you this is all very helpful !

still have only seen it that one time

I have had bitches still have the post birth discharge on and of for 12 weeks after birth, where as some have had nothing after a week.  It is similar with human mothers some have this go on for six weeks, some a few days.  As long as there is no bad smell about it showing infection then I would say don't worry.  Though having a vet take a swab if it is still worrying you might not be a bad idea to check for infection.

thank you , so far so good.