1st time canine mother

Question
I have a 2-4 yr old lab mix who gave birth to 12 pups within the last 36 hrs. She seems to be doing well in all aspects except that she periodically discharges an amount of liquid tinged with blood. This is not urine. She has been eating,drinking,urinating and moving as normally as any mom who just had 12 babies. Should I be concerned? Thank you for your help. This lady has only been a family member for a week and was not very well cared for.I'm still learning about her needs. Thank you.

Answer
Hello and congratulations on your new puppies!

The bloody vaginal discharge is very normal, it may be bloody, dark-brown, it may sometimes even last up to 8 weeks, but it should be odorless. Sometimes metritis ( an infection of the uterus may happen especially if there is a retained placenta. The signs would generally be fever, loss of appetite, a foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Just make sure you watch your dog's appetite, general state of health and interest in the puppies, I am sure you will all be fine :-)
Kind Regards,
Caglar Kondu Erkip