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After dog birth: Is bloody discharge & not eating normal for mom?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female

My dog just gave birth last night. 9 puppies. One died. I'm just wondering what is normal for after birth. She has some, not a lot, of dark red watery bloody discharge. Also she doesn't seem to be hungry or thirsty. She ate and drank very little since she gave birth. She has gone to relieve herself about 3 times and has been nursing the puppies. Please let me know if this is normal and if it is when the bleeding should stop and when will she eat and drink normally again?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on August 10th, 2017

Make sure she has water close by and see if she'll eat a biscuit. Often new mothers take a day or two to get their appetite back. Give her another day or so then if she still won't eat or drink then take her in. As far as the discharge goes it can be there for up to a week or so. If she stops nursing or the discharge has a foul odor then again I would bring her in for an exam. They may take an X-ray to make sure there are no more puppies and perhaps give her medication to contract the uterus to get rid of any fluid or afterbirth. I'm not overly concerned and think she just may need another day to improve. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Eris.

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    Answered By Steve Popish, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Big batch of puppies, my friend. Normal to have that king of discharge for few days up to a week or so. Generally tapers off but occasionally will continue to be heavy especially if afterbirth is retained. Typically, though all the afterbirth is passed shortly after giving birth is complete. Because of the attention toward nursing and caring for puppies, eating and drinking will be reduced. Keep in mind that eating a good quality puppy food and drinking plenty of fresh water is important for nursing that many puppies, so encourage her to get away from the puppies several times each day to eat and drink. Appetite improves over few days after eating all the afterbirth as well. Not a bad idea to monitor rectal temperature, which is normally 100.5-101.5 F. In closing, a post helping exam by your local veterinarian is recommended to be sure she and the puppies are progressing normally, especially if the spikes a fever or continues to be off her food and water. Please feel free to set up a consult with me to answer additional questions and best of luck. Thanks, Dr Steve Popish

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