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Dog in labor, green discharge, puppies dying. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog is having puppies and it's green stuff coming out and the puppies are dying

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 9th, 2017

It's normal to see some green discharge after puppies are born, but if the discharge comes before the puppies are being born, that can be a sign of a premature placental separation. It's quite concerning that the puppies are dying. They are extremely fragile creatures, and unfortunately some don't make it, but if all of them are dying, that suggestions something seriously wrong. I would take the mother and the puppies into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see them now.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Please seek emergency veterinary assessment and possible urgent csection to remove the remaining pups as soon as possible. There are many possible complications during labor that can result in the death of pups, at this stage it may be wise to limit these by surgery although there is a risk the pups may already be compromised

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 1st, 2019

    I would recommend that you take her in. The discharge is what worries me a bit. Generally, we don't really see any discharge before actual labor starts. Hopefully its nothing, but I would recommend that you take her in. They will be able to do an ultrasound and make sure that the heart rate(s) of the pup (or puppies) is/are normal. Having said that, I will say that if you aren't hugely worried about the puppy's (or puppies'), survival, its not wrong to wait since she seems to be feeling ok. That may sound crass, but if cost is a concern or you don't have a lot "invested" in this litter, its not wrong to give her another day and see what happens. If at any point she is really pushing and nothing is happening, or if there is watery discharge and nothing starts happening within 2-3 hours, you need to get her to a vet for her own health. I hope that helps you.. thank you for asking PetCoach! https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/breeding-whelping-or-birth

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 8th, 2019

    Poor Queen, if the discharge is in vast quantity then I am worried for the the health of the remaining puppies and for Queen too. If the discharge is just the placenta from the previous dead pups then it is expected. However, it is difficult to judge from a distance without a lot of information and checking Queen over, If I was you, I would call your vet for a check up. Hope all goes well.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 4th, 2019

    Each puppy is in their own placenta so the others may or may not be dead. Abby needs to be in the care of a veterinarian if you want to give all the puppies the best chance at survival. I have never heard of an ER vet turning away a dystocia. Having a layperson "breeder" is not a replacement for a veterinarian.

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