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Why is my dog bleeding so much after giving birth and nursing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Great Dane | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 115 lbs

My Great Dane just gave birth 48 hours ago to her first pup of 15! She is still having a decent amount of dark red blood, but mostly when she's nursing or worried about the when they are whining. I was told by our vet it's normal for them to bleed for up to 12 weeks to a degree. They are closed and we aren't near a 24 hr vet. Is this normal? She shakes sometimes when they are nursing and then it comes out a lot too.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 4th, 2020

When puppies nurse, it releases oxytocin in the mother dog, which in turn causes uterine contractions. These uterine contractions can cause the blood to come out, and can cause her to shiver from pain. I'd have Ellie and her puppies seen by a vet on Monday to make sure everything is ok.

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