Why Is There A Clear Jelly Discharge From My Female Dog?

The Short Answer is:

A clear jelly discharge can be normal for a healthy female dog. Unless the discharge is odorless and translucent, you should not be concerned. Changes in color or an offensive odor associated with the discharge can indicate a disease, so you should have your dog checked out. The treatment will depend on the cause of the problem.

In this article you will know the answer to the query “Why Is There A Clear Jelly Discharge From My Female Dog?“.

You’re not alone if your female dog has a clear jelly discharge and you’re wondering what might be causing it.

There is quite a bit of confusion among pet owners regarding problems with the nether parts of their dogs.

Is it normal for dogs to have vaginal discharge?

In some cases this is quite normal but you’ll have to keep an eye out for any other symptoms that may indicate something more serious. 

What types of vaginal discharges are normal in a dog?

Healthy female dogs have an odorless clear discharge that lubricates the vagina.

A discharge of this nature should be transparent and odorless but sometimes it may look more like jelly and be more consistent.

There is a watery type of jelly discharge but it is still a jelly discharge. You should not worry about your dog if she feels fine otherwise and is herself as usual.

Vaginal discharge in pregnant dogs

It is normal for a female dog to have an odorless discharge when she is pregnant. Your dogs behavior may indicate that there is a pregnancy problem so you should keep an eye on him. 

You can expect your dog to eliminate the mucus plug when shes about to give birth.

In the case of mucus plugs they are white or transparent and released from the cervix.

Mucus may resemble a jelly discharge since we’re talking about mucus.

However if you havenot been monitoring your dog you may discover a reddish discharge.

That means labor is well underway and the first puppy is on its way. The big day is just around the corner so hopefully you’re all set.

Donot hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

It really isnot that complicated.

New moms will know how to care for their puppies if the pups are delivered by dogs without assistance.

When should you be concerned about your dog’s jelly discharge?

As a quick recap clear jelly discharges or fluid ones are perfectly normal in healthy female dogs.

If your dogs discharge changes color turning green or yellow and you smell an unpleasant odor you should start worrying.

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is a general term for inflammation of the vaginal canal. Dogs can develop this condition at any age even before they reach puberty. In addition it can occur in both intact and spayed female dogs. 

Its good news that vaginitis may resolve itself after your young prepubertal female dog goes through her first heat cycle if she develops it.

Keep an eye on your precious darling especially if you do not plan on having puppies since male dogs are typically attracted to female dogs with vaginitis. There is no telling what will happen!

A clear jelly discharge in a dog may be used to attract male suitors but vaginitis may also result from:

• A urinary tract infection
• A bacterial or viral infection
• A foreign body stuck in the vagina
• Vaginal incontinence
• Anatomic abnormalities (like an ectopic ureter)
• Tumors (uncommon in young female dogs).

How to tell if your dog has vaginitis?

It is unlikely that the discharge you have noticed is your dogs only sign of vaginitis. The following signs should be watched out for:

• Swelling or redness of the vaginal area
• Frequent urination
• Licking of the vaginal area (more than normal)
• Scooting on the floor
• The vagina is rubbed against furniture or objects

A discharges color and odor are the most important factors to observe. Pus is never good and your dog should see the vet as soon as possible if its coming out. 

How is vaginitis treated?

To determine the cause the vet will probably run some tests. A blood and urine test is usually required but your dog may also need a vaginal culture test or a vaginoscopy (a small camera is used to examine the inside of the vagina).

You may need an X-ray or ultrasound if your veterinarian suspects an anatomical abnormality.

Despite the fact that these tests may sound scary they would not take very long and treatment is usually straightforward. It is also quite efficient. In the event that your dog has an infection antibiotics will be prescribed. Vaginal douches with disinfectant solutions may also be recommended by the doctor in some cases. You may have to perform these once or twice a day and your dog may naturally object to this. 

What is pyometra and why is it so dangerous for dogs?

Discharge from the vaginal area can also be a sign of pyometra a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. 

In simple terms pyometra is an infection of a female dogs uterus caused by bacteria. 

Dogs with this condition tend to appear within a couple of weeks after a heat cycle. It is estimated that 25% of intact female dogs will develop pyometra at some point in their lives. 

A high level of hormones (estrogens and progesterone) without a pregnancy causes the problem. During pregnancy these hormones make the uterus an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Dogs going into heat have a partially open cervix allowing bacteria to reach the uterus and cause infection. 

It is possible for Pyometra to cause a discharge from the vulva. Even though the discharge may resemble jelly it is rarely clear. The most common symptoms of pyometra are yellow green and dark red discharges. 

If your dog does not exhibit vaginal discharge he or she may still have pyometra. As the dog owner might not realize theres a problem closed pyometra can be extremely dangerous. 

You should always keep an eye out for other symptoms of pyometra in female dogs that are not spayed such as:

• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting
• Enlarged abdomen
• Depression

Pyometra is rare in dogs under the age of signs but there have been cases of it in young female dogs so do not rule it out. 

It is imperative that you take the dog to the vet as soon as possible. There will be a need for broad-spectrum antibiotics and IV therapy for your dog. It is common for the dogs uterus to be removed during surgery. 

Why is there a jelly discharge coming from the dog’s anus?

When it comes to jelly discharge pet owners tend to be confused about the source. When it comes to female dogs you might assume the discharge comes from their vagina when it actually comes from their anals. This may be due to impacted anal sacs or infection depending on the cause. 

There is important information to be aware of.

Is there a problem with the anal sacs?

It is generally believed that jelly discharge is caused by problems with the mysterious anal sacs. A dogs anal glands may leak when they are unable to be expressed normally through defecation. There is only one problem and its quite significant. To mark their territory dogs use fluid produced by their anal sacs. Theres something awful about that fluid. Your nose will alert you if the discharge is coming from the anal sacs.

Is the jelly discharge a sign of intestinal inflammation?

The presence of mucus or slime in your dogs feces may indicate large intestine inflammation.

Multiple causes can contribute to this condition some of which are benign.

Dietary changes

If you have recently changed your dogs diet do not be alarmed if you see a jelly discharge from her anus. Due to the sudden change the dogs digestive system did not have enough time to adjust. A new type of food should be introduced slowly mixing small quantities with the dogs old food over a few days preferably a week.

What are the signs of inflammatory bowel disease?

Dogs with mucus in their stools may also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a condition in which the lining of your dogs digestive tract becomes inflamed resulting in excessive mucus production and suspicious discharge. 

Inflammatory bowel disease is caused by a number of factors including:

• Genetic factors
• Food allergies
• Parasites
• Bacterial infection
• Weak immune system.

Inflammation of the digestive lining stimulates mucus production resulting in the jelly discharge. 

In addition to chronic diarrhea and vomiting a dog with IBD will lose weight rapidly so discharge will be the least of her concerns.

The treatment of IBD can include antibiotics steroids and dietary changes.

Conclusion

A clear jelly discharge can be normal for a healthy female dog. Unless the discharge is odorless and translucent you should not be concerned. Changes in color or an offensive odor associated with the discharge can indicate a disease so you should have your dog checked out. The treatment will depend on the cause of the problem.

A course of antibiotics will cure a vaginal infection or a urinary tract infection. It may be an inflammatory condition that requires medication as well as dietary changes if the discharge is coming from the anus rather than the vagina.  

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.