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My dog has greenish-yellow vulvar discharge. Is it normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 10 months and 6 days old | 64 lbs

My dog has a discharge from her vulva. Is this a sign she is going to go into her first heat soon?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 28th, 2019

The discharge pictured is a greenish-yellow, so I'm concerned that Athena may have [pyometra](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pyometra/), which is a potentially deadly infection of the uterus that can happen in dogs. A tiny bit of white vulvar discharge can be within normal variations for puppies (called a "puppy vaginitis"), but a greenish-yellow discharge is never normal. I recommend having Athena evaluated by her vet or an emergency vet right away. Your vet will likely [recommend spaying](https://www.petcoach.co/article/spay-and-neuter-basics-for-dogs-and-cats/) Athena right away if they [diagnose a pyometra](https://www.petcoach.co/article/pyometra-infections-of-the-uterus-in-dogs/), as this removes the pus-filled uterus and ovaries. Spaying stops the heat cycle, eliminates the risk and cost of unwanted breeding, reduces the risk of breast cancer, and prevents the a pyometra from developing.

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32Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 13th, 2018

    That looks like pus. Since she is spayed, the infection can be limited to the vulva or it may spread to the bladder there. Keep the area clean and try to wipe away as much as possible so it can't spread. She does need to see a vet as antibiotics will be needed to cure this

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 28th, 2017

    This maybe from a vaginal or uterine infection. This can possible coincide with a recent heat cycle. She will likely need to be checked by your vet to see if she needs antibiotics or possibly being spayed.

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    13Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 8th, 2019

    Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The yellow discharge alone does not warrant a trip to the vet. I would be concerned about an infection around that area, in her vagina or in her urine. A lack of odor doesn’t mean anything either but you haven’t mentioned other signs, like increased thirst, urination, change in appetite, or lethargy. At this time I would continue to monitor Koa for these other signs and if noted, then I would see her veterinarian. If you do see the vet, try to catch a fresh urine sample in a clean container and bring it with you to her appointment. Good luck and kisses to Koa!

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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