- Retained placenta: A piece of the placenta may have been left behind in the uterus, which can cause ongoing bleeding and infection.
- Uterine infection (metritis): An infection of the uterus can also cause bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, and fever.
- Trauma: The birth process can sometimes cause trauma to the birth canal, which can lead to bleeding.
- Blood clotting disorder: Some dogs have blood clotting disorders that can cause them to bleed excessively after giving birth.
- Cancer: In rare cases, bleeding after giving birth can be a sign of cancer.
What to do:
If your dog is still bleeding two weeks after giving birth, it is important to take her to the vet to determine the cause. The vet will likely perform a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests to diagnose the problem. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the bleeding.
Here are some things you can do to help your dog while you are waiting to see the vet:
- Keep her in a quiet, comfortable place.
- Offer her plenty of fresh water.
- Feed her a bland diet.
- Avoid giving her any medications or supplements unless they have been prescribed by your vet.