What each color usually means
| Discharge | Usually means | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Clear, thin mucus | Normal in pregnancy, from about week 3 to 4 | Monitor |
| Clear, sticky mucus plug near term | Cervix preparing for labor | Get ready; labor is near |
| Green or black before any puppy | Possible placental separation. Emergency | Call the vet immediately |
| Dark green between puppies | Normal as placentas pass | Continue to monitor |
| Bright red blood, more than a few drops | Possible problem | Call the vet |
| Pus or foul smell | Possible infection | Call the vet the same day |
| Reddish-brown after whelping | Normal postpartum discharge for weeks | Call if heavy, smelly or she is unwell |
Call your vet now if…
- Green or black discharge before the first puppy.
- Heavy bleeding, or blood that keeps coming.
- A bad-smelling or pus-like discharge.
- Discharge together with fever, weakness, vomiting or loss of appetite.