6 Reasons Why Your Female Dog Is Leaking Clear Odorless Fluid

If you’re noticing your female dog leaking a clear odorless fluid, it’s natural to feel concerned.

Could it be a sign of a sudden health issue?

In this article, we delve into the various reasons behind your female dog’s clear fluid leakage with comprehensive information and practical advice.

1. Your Dog Is In Heat

It’s not unusual that a female dog has discharge during her heat cycle indicating she is ready to mate.

A dog that isn’t spayed can have its first heat cycle at 6 months of age. Large or giant dog breeds can take longer, usually 18 to 24 months.

The first phase of your dog’s heat cycle is called the proestrus stage which can last an average of 9 days.

This is when you will notice your dog’s vagina starting to swell along with some bloody discharge.

As the cycle progresses, the next stage is called the estrus cycle which lasts from 3-21 days.

It is during this stage that the bleeding stops and the discharge becomes clearer.

If your female dog is not spayed, the clear fluid you see might be normal vaginal discharge from her heat cycle.

Symptoms Of A Dog In Heat

When a female dog is in heat, there are several distinct symptoms and behavioral changes.

• Swollen vulva
• Vaginal bleeding
• Clear or white discharge
• Increased urination
• Becoming more affectionate
• Change in behavior

2. Vaginitis

Vaginitis in dogs is the inflammation of the vagina which can cause swelling.

There can also be vaginal discharge in dogs which ranges from clear to cloudy.

But it is most often mucoid to purulent/white, cloudy, foul-smelling.

There are 2 common types of vaginitis, juvenile and adult vaginitis.

Juvenile vaginitis affects puppies or dogs that have yet to reach sexual maturity.

These young dogs often don’t show any symptoms, but you might see a clear or cloudy discharge at the opening of their vagina, usually after they pee.

There can be a high volume of discharge which can cause some concern to the owner.

Adult vaginitis affects adult dogs. It is more commonly seen in spayed dogs than in unspayed or intact dogs.

These dogs can also show signs of a clear to cloudy discharge from the vagina.

Other symptoms can also include:

• Urinary incontinence
• Excessive licking of the vulva
• Pus in the discharge

Causes Of Vaginitis

Bacterial infection is a common cause of vaginitis as it thrives in such an environment.

Vaginitis can also be caused by:

• Bacterial/viral infections
• Urinary tract infection
• Foreign bodies
• Vaginal trauma
• Congenital abnormalities
• Poor hygiene
• Neoplasia (Tumors)

Treatment For Vaginitis

To effectively treat vaginitis in female dogs, you need to bring your dog to the vet to be treated.

It involves physical exams and tests like urinalysis and vaginal swabs.

A sample of the discharge might also be examined under a microscope to check for the presence of bacteria.

Antibiotics, along with topical creams, are used to reduce inflammation and discomfort

Regular cleaning of your dog’s genital area can also help to prevent and treat this health problem.

3. Pyometra

Pyometra is a uterine infection that happens when there is a change in the dog’s hormonal level within its reproductive tract.

The lining of the uterus continues to thicken due to the hormone called progesterone.

The thickening of your dog’s uterus can worsen, leading to the formation of cysts.

These cysts release fluid, creating a condition that allows bacteria to grow in the uterus.

All female dogs that aren’t spayed can get pyometra but it is more commonly seen in intact older female dogs.

What Are The First Signs Of Pyometra?

It’s important to recognize the early symptoms promptly for timely veterinary intervention.

The first signs of pyometra include:

• Clear vaginal discharge (turning yellowish or green discharge eventually)
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Increased thirst and urination
• Abdominal enlargement
• Fever
• Vomiting and diarrhea

In cases of closed pyometra, the cervix is closed, preventing pus from draining.

Dogs with this condition may not show obvious symptoms until it has advanced significantly.

Treatment For Pyometra

Pyometra can be life-threatening and should not be left untreated.

The most common form of treatment is surgery to remove the infected womb.

Removing your dog’s infected uterus in the early stages improves her chances of survival and a full recovery.

It’s not uncommon for a dog to not eat much after its pyometra surgery. But it is essential that you try and whip up its appetite.

Antibiotics and pain meds will be given to help with the recovery process.

4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Most dogs would have gotten a UTI at least once in their lifetime.

It is more common in female dogs but male dogs can get it too.

My dog had UTI twice and it happened out of the blue which was a frustrating experience for both of us.

Urinary tract infections happen when your dog’s urinary tract becomes inflamed. This condition can even affect your dog’s kidneys or cause a bladder infection.

It is caused when bacteria move up your dog’s urethra or pee hole and cause an infection.

If your dog’s immune system is weak, bacteria from its gastrointestinal tract can impact the urinary system.

Symptoms Of UTI

There are several signs of infection to look out for when your dog is having a UTI:

• Straining to urinate
• Excessive thirst
• Cry or whine when peeing
• Dripping urine
• Blood in urine

The biggest telltale sign that made me realize that my dog had UTI was the frequent need to urinate.

She will be whining to go out to pee even after we just went half an hour ago but there wasn’t much urine.

She also looked like she was in visible discomfort while straining to urinate.

Treatment For UTI

The vet will diagnose the root cause by doing a urinalysis or urine culture.

In more serious cases, an imaging test such as X-rays or ultrasound are required.

Urinary tract infections are usually treated with antibiotics and pain meds.

Giving your dog a healthy diet and making sure it drinks plenty of water can help prevent urinary tract infections.

If your dog is on dry food, try soaking its kibbles in chicken broth to encourage more fluid intake.

5. Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence refers to your dog’s inability to control its urination due to a weakened bladder.

It is caused by a weak urethral sphincter, a muscle that acts like a valve and regulates the flow of urine.

This condition is often seen in older dogs and female dogs that have been spayed, also known as spay incontinence.

Other causes of urinary incontinence are:

• UTI
• Birth defects
• Spinal cord injury
• Hormonal imbalance
• Urinary stones

If your dog leaks urine onto itself, skin infections or irritation may occur due to urine’s caustic nature.

The leaking of urine might not be in large amounts.

It could be just a small patch of clear odorless fluid on the floor or bed.

Many dogs are unaware that they are ‘leaking’ and they dribble small amounts when asleep.

Treatment Of Urinary Incontinence

Treating urinary incontinence in dogs requires both medical treatments and changes in lifestyle.

The vet needs to identify the root cause to resolve this issue.

Medication such as Proin or hormonal replacements are commonly used to treat this condition in dogs.

However, urinary incontinence can start to reoccur once the dog is weaned off Proin.

When in doubt, it is best to discuss with your vet before proceeding.

Using adult diapers for your dog or taking it out for more frequent bathroom breaks can help prevent urine leakage at home.

6. Your Dog Is About To Give Birth

As a pregnant dog nears her due date, it’s common to observe a clear, odorless discharge.

This is often a sign that the body is preparing for labor.

A pregnant dog will form a collection of mucus in the early stages of its pregnancy. This is called a mucus plug.

The role of the mucus plug is to safeguard the unborn puppies by blocking the entry of bacteria into the uterus.

The mucus plug looks similar to egg whites and is typically odorless.

When your dog loses its mucus plug, it means that the cervix has started to dilate and labor is around the corner.

An increase in vaginal discharge is normal when your dog is pregnant due to hormonal changes.

Vaginal discharge is usually thin and colorless in nature.

Should You Be Concerned?

This discharge from a dog are normal occurrence during the gestation period.

But it is worrying when a pregnant dog’s vaginal discharges occur significantly before the expected delivery date

If the discharge is accompanied by symptoms like lethargy, fever or behavioral changes, it may suggest an infection.

Green, brown or a bloody discharge is alarming. A purulent discharge could signal a complication in the pregnancy.

Please consult the vet immediately when you start to notice the above symptoms.

Why Is My Female Dog Leaking Clear Fluid From Its Anus?

Two common conditions that can cause your dog to leak fluids from its anus.

Anal Glands Issues

Dogs have two anal glands, located on either side of their anus. These glands play a crucial role in their communication and territorial behavior.

The glands secrete a fluid used for marking territory and conveying information to other dogs.

This explains why dogs always try to sniff each other’s rear end.

Anal glands empty naturally when the dog takes a poop.

Problems arise when these glands become impacted or infected. This causes a build-up of fluid in the glands as they can’t be emptied naturally.

You might notice some clear discharge. But it’s typically characterized by a foul smell and a brownish color.

Anal gland issues are painful and must be treated by the vet as soon as possible.

Gastrointestinal Issues

A clear discharge from the anus is more likely a sign of irritation or inflammation within the intestines.

This symptom can be caused by:

• Colitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Intestinal parasites
• Food allergies

The clear fluid from your dog’s anus could be a mucoid discharge that is produced in the dog’s colon.

You might also notice that your dog is passing out a clear liquid with this condition.

If your dog shows symptoms like clear mucus discharge, diarrhea, or blood in the stool, these are concerning signs.

A trip to the vet is needed for an accurate diagnosis.

The vet will perform fecal examinations, blood tests or x-rays to identify the root cause of the issue.

Vets may prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics or probiotics.

Why Is My Female Dog Leaking Smelly Fluid?

A smelly discharge is usually a strong indication of an infection in your dog’s body.

Infections can occur when bacteria or other pathogens enter the dog’s body and begin to multiply.

When this happens, the infection can produce unpleasant odors and cause inflammation and discomfort for the dog.

For example, an inverted nipple in dogs is usually caused by an infection, common in female and pregnant dogs.

Allowing such infections to go untreated can lead to more serious health problems for your dog.

It is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Remember, early detection and treatment are key to managing these conditions.

It’s always better to seek veterinary care early when you notice unusual symptoms.

Nora Quill

Nora is a passionate writer with a love for books, animals, and gardening.

Her writing is inspired by her two cats and a loyal dog, who serve as her muses, as well as the tranquility she finds in her garden.

With a knack for storytelling, Nora offers a unique blend of book recommendations, heartwarming animal tales, and gardening insights.

Whether you’re interested in paws, petals, or page-turners, Nora’s world is a treasure trove of engaging content.