Dog Whelp & Mucous

As the ''big day'' nears, it is quite normal for dog owners to be nervous about the whole birthing process of their dam. Preparedness is really key in preventing problems and recognizing the early warning signs of trouble. Mucous discharges are important tell-tale signs of things that may be going smoothly or things that may going potentially wrong. Depending on the characteristics of the discharge and when they occur, you should be able to determine if you are are dealing or not with a problem.

  1. Mucous Weeks Prior Whelping

    • A clear discharge in the last couple of weeks is normal.

      A few weeks prior whelping, the pregnant dam may occasionally expel a clear mucous discharge from the vagina, often after urinating. In a normal pregnancy, this discharge should be nothing but clear; at the most, it may present as a slightly cloudy mucus, explains veterinarian Vicki Sandage. The discharge should also be free of any significant odors, a strong odor indeed may be a sign of a uterine infection, according to veterinarian Mike Richards. Should the discharge have an odor, or contain blood or pus, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.

    Mucous Days Prior Welping

    • About 24 hours prior to whelping, dams will develop a distended vulva accompanied by a clear to milky discharge. This discharge is due to the release of the mucous plug, explains veterinarian Melinda Fleming in an article sponsored by Royal Canin and published on the American Kennel Club website. The ultimate role of the mucous plug is to seal the cervical canal during pregnancy to prevent the passage of bacteria into the uterus.

    Mucous During Whelping

    • Green discharge after the first puppy is considered normal.

      During the first stage of labor as the cervix is slowly dilating, a clear or slightly cloudy mucus may be excreted from the dam's vagina. Any discharge of any other color may signal something may be going potentially wrong, further explains veterinarian Vicki Sandage. A green discharge before any puppies are whelped may indicate troublesome premature placental separation, whereas a green discharge after the first puppy is whelped is considered normal.

    Mucous After Whelping

    • Right after birth, dogs typically expel a discharge made up of blood, mucous and placental tissue, known as ''lochia'.' This post-partum discharge is normally greenish in color and its purpose is to help remove residual materials to prevent infections, explains veterinarian Daniel Lauridia. Normally such discharge is odorless and present for several days for up to three weeks, turning to a dark red-brown color as it starts to fade.