My bitch is currently having her first season (is 10 months) and is currently on day 18 and her discharge is still blood red, everything I have read says it should now be pink or straw coloured by this stage

Should I be worried?

Bitches don't read the books (if only, so much easier LOL) and they are all different IME.   Both of my current entire girls bleed slightly throughout their heats and it's always fresh looking blood - becoming more watery towards the latter days but still obviously red.

I'd not be concerned unless it was to become very dark and smelly or has clotted looking debris in it.

regards, Teri

This is an interesting topic for me as my bitch, a miniature schnauzer, is 7 months and is just having her firsr season.  We are on day 9 now and there is hardly any blood at all!  My neighbour warned me that I would need to follow her around with a mop and bucket to clear up but that isn't the case as what there is she is cleaning it up herself.

Another friend said that her bitch didn't bleed heavily until the 3rd week!?  It's all so confusing........

I'm assuming there is no right and wrong and each dog is different??

Personally I have never known a bitch bleed heavily in the 3rd week, mind you I have never owned a bitch that bleed heavily enough to be a problem except where they clean up the rugs or furniture after themselves they leave little round clean patches so you are compled to have a spring clean every 6 months or so.

Think the truth is that all bitches are individuals and they are all different but few will be a problem as far as mess is concerned.

The books all say the averages, because there are so many variables. Just as some women have light periods and some heavy ones, all bitches' seasons are individual. And how she is on this season isn't an indication of how her next season will be. 

Thanks for the responses guys you`ve put my mind at rest, shes being very good and keeping herself clean

Will keep an eye on her over the coming days and weeks :)