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Dog Leaves Brown Spots On Bed?- 9 Possible Reasons and Remedies

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Dog leaves brown spots on bed

“My dog leaves brown spots on bed”- why? There are several possible reasons why this could be happening, and understanding them is crucial to solving the problem. Here are nine possible reasons: how to prevent your dog from leaving the brown spots and how to clean up. 

Why is My Dog Leaving Brown Spots on the Bed?

Here are nine possible reasons why your dog leaves brown spots on bed.

  1. Anal Gland Issues

One of the primary reasons a dog may be leaving brown spots on the bed is issues with their anal glands. Canine anal glands or sacs are small glands on either side of your dog’s anal area. 

These glands are designed to secrete a small amount of fluid when your dog defecates, marking their territory. However, if the anal glands are not expressed regularly, they can become impacted or even infected, leading to leakage of a brown, foul-smelling substance. This is a common issue among dogs, especially smaller breeds. 

According to a study by the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, around 12% of dogs brought in for veterinary check-ups have issues with their anal glands. So, it is likely to have a dog leaves brown spots on bed due to anal gland issues.

  1. Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs could also result in brown spots on the bed. Female dogs are more prone to UTIs, and if they suffer from one, they might leave behind small amounts of brown, smelly urine. 

UTIs are common in dogs, with statistics from the American Kennel Club stating that about 14% of dogs will experience a UTI at some point.

  1. Skin Infections

I have had my dog checked for UTI and anal gland, and they were okay, but still, the dog leaves brown spots on bed. In this case, it could be something as mild as a skin infection. Skin infections or pus formation on your dog’s body can lead to brown stains on your bed. 

If your dog has an open wound or a skin condition that leads to pus formation, that pus can leave a brown stain. Skin issues are quite common in dogs, with a study from Banfield Pet Hospital showing that skin conditions are amongst the top reasons for visits to the vet.

  1. Dietary Issues

Dietary concerns can also be why a dog leaves brown spots on the bed. If your dog consumes something that doesn’t agree with their system, it may result in diarrhea or loose stools. These can appear as brown spots, especially if your dog can’t make it outside in time. Foods that are too rich or changes in diet can cause this issue, especially in smaller breeds.

  1. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, can often cause skin issues in dogs, leading to a dog’s skin becoming discolored. This discoloration can rub off on the bed, leaving brown stains. A sudden change in your dog’s skin color warrants a visit to the vet.

  1. Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections, like fleas or ticks, can cause your dog discomfort, leading to scratching and biting at the infestation site. This can lead to open sores or the release of a brown substance that can stain your bed. Parasitic infestations are common in dogs and can be addressed with proper treatment and prevention methods.

  1. Infection with Pus

Infections resulting in pus formation can be why a dog leaves brown spots on bed. When a dog has an infection, the body’s immune response may produce pus—a thick fluid that often has a brownish color. This pus may leak from the infection site in severe cases, leaving brown spots on your bedding. According to a report from the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, pyoderma, an infection that results in pus formation, is a common skin issue in dogs.

  1. Porphyrins
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Porphyrins contain iron and can be a potential cause of brown stains on your bed. They are excreted through tears, saliva, and the dog’s anal glands. The porphyrins may leave brown stains if a dog cleans itself by licking or crying on your bed. A study in the American Animal Hospital Association journal reveals that porphyrin staining is common. It is particularly noticeable in light-colored dogs.

  1. Canine Bacterial Pyoderma

Canine Bacterial Pyoderma is a skin condition in dogs caused by a bacterial infection, often leading to pus formation and crusting on the skin surface. These crusts can flake off and leave brown spots on your bed. Pyoderma is a common condition in dogs. A study by Banfield Pet Hospital indicates that about 15% of dogs suffer from this condition at some point. 

In summary, brown spots on your bed from your dog can be a cause for concern. Understanding the potential underlying issues can help you take the necessary steps to resolve the problem. Always consult your vet when you notice changes in your dog’s behavior or bodily functions. Assigning the underlying issue can help your dog live a happier and healthier life.

When Should I Get an Anal Gland Check for My Dog?

Signs may emerge that signal your dog requires an examination of its anal glands. Here’s what to keep an eye out for. 

  • Foul Smell- If you notice a foul smell from your dog’s body, it could indicate anal gland issues. The fluid excreted from infected or impacted anal glands has a pungent odor that is hard to ignore.
  • Scooting and Licking- When dogs experience discomfort in their anal area, they may try to relieve the discomfort by dragging their butt across the ground, known as scooting. They may also excessively lick the anal area to alleviate the discomfort.
  • Brown Spots on Beddings and Furniture- If you notice brown spots on your bed or furniture, it’s worth checking your dog’s anal glands.
  • Excessive Chewing- your dog may also start excessively licking or chewing the area around their anus, which can indicate anal gland issues.

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it’s important to have their anal glands checked by a veterinarian. With timely intervention and proper treatment, these issues can be resolved before they escalate into more severe problems such as abscesses or pus formation. 

Prevention Measures You Can Take

You can take several proactive measures to prevent your dog from leaving brown spots on the bed. 

  • Regular Vet Check-ups- routine visits to the vet are crucial in maintaining your dog’s overall health, including urinary and anal gland health. Regular vet check-ups will allow any health issues to be detected and treated early.
  • Proper Hygiene- maintaining proper hygiene for your dog is key. Regular baths and bum clean-ups can prevent accidental staining, especially after a bowel movement.
  • Diet Management- monitor your dog’s diet. A balanced diet can help maintain healthy bowel movements and prevent issues with anal glands.
  • Anal Gland Care- if your dog has a history of anal gland issues, regular anal gland expressions done by a professional can prevent potential leakages.
  • Training –train your dog to potty outside or in designated areas to avoid urinary stains. Consider using doggy diapers to prevent blood stains if your dog is in heat.
  • Protect Your Beddings – waterproof and machine washable covers for your beddings can also be a good preventive measure. 
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Remember, each dog is unique, and what works best will depend on your dog’s specific needs and conditions. Always consult with your vet for personalized advice.

Do Female Dogs Menstruate?

Indeed, female dogs have a reproductive cycle often referred to as “going into heat,” but it’s not the same as human menstruation. While humans have a menstrual cycle, canines have what’s known as an estrous cycle. 

In a female dog’s heat cycle, there is a period of vaginal bleeding – but this is not the same as a human woman’s period. Instead, the bloody discharge is part of the estrus stage, where the female dog is ready to breed. This stage can last for about nine days on average, during which time you may notice a small amount of blood and a change in the color and consistency of vaginal discharge.

Unlike humans, this discharge isn’t the canine body getting rid of an unfertilized egg and the uterus lining. Instead, it’s a sign that the dog is preparing for pregnancy and is at the most fertile point in her cycle. 

If you notice your female dog leaving brown spots on the bed — especially if she’s unspayed and around six months to a year old — she may be in heat. For more information on the heat cycle of female dogs, refer to this article from the American Kennel Club. 

Regular vet check-ups are crucial for monitoring your dog’s health and addressing any concerns promptly. If you have questions about your dog’s reproductive health, it’s always best to consult your vet.

Female Dog Leaves Brown Spots on Bed

Like their male counterparts, female dogs can leave brown spots on the bed for various reasons. 

  1. Urinary Incontinence

Unfortunately, urinary incontinence is more common in spayed female dogs. Female dogs are more susceptible due to hormonal changes. Thus, it can lead to them leaving brown urine spots on the bed. According to a study in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, spayed female dogs have a 20% risk of developing urinary incontinence. 

  1. Anal Gland Issues

Anal gland issues are another common cause of brown spots in female dogs. An impacted or infected anal sac can leak a foul-smelling brown fluid. An article from VCA Hospitals explains more about this issue.

  1. Heat Cycles

Female dogs in heat can also leave brown spots on the bed. During their cycle, female dogs discharge a blood-tinged fluid, which can leave stains on beddings. The American Kennel Club provides additional information about the heat cycle in female dogs. 

If your female dog leaves brown spots on the bed, it’s important to consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why Does My Dog Leave Poop Stains?

You might be curious when you notice your dog leaving brown spots on your bed. What is the brown stuff coming out of my dog? It could be discharge or even poop. There are several reasons why your dog leaves poop stains on your bed. 

One common issue is anal gland problems. Dogs have two small glands on each side of their anal area, which can occasionally get blocked, causing discomfort and leakage. When your dog sits or lies down, this can result in brown stains. If you notice a foul smell along with the stains, it could indicate an infection in the anal glands. 

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Other causes might include dietary issues or digestive problems, making your dog’s stool loose and more likely to stain. Always consult a veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog’s bowel movements or unexplained stains.

Dog Leaves Spots on Bed On Bed From Mouth

Have you been keen to check when your dog leaves brown spots on bed? If you have noticed the spots are coming from the mouth, it could be because of;

  • Oral Issues

Canine oral health issues can also lead to your dog leaving brown spots on the bed. An American Veterinary Dental Society study states that more than 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by age three. Dental diseases can result in your dog drooling foul-smelling, brown-tinged saliva that can stain your bedding. 

  • Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, it is a common condition in dogs. This can cause the gums to bleed, leaving your dog behind brown spots in their mouth. 

  • Tooth Decay

Another potential oral issue is tooth decay. Cavities can lead to internal bleeding in the tooth, causing your dog to produce brown saliva. 

  • Oral Infections

Often, oral infections can lead to pus or blood discharge, leaving brown stains on your bed. The American Veterinary Medical Association emphasizes the importance of regular dental check-ups to prevent such issues.

Always consult your vet if your dog exhibits any signs of oral discomfort or if you notice brown spots on your bed originating from their mouth to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment

Cleaning Up Tips

If you find brown spots on your bed from your dog, don’t panic! Here are several steps you can follow to clean your bedding effectively.

Step 1: Remove the Bedding

First, remove the bedding from your bed. Be careful not to smear or spread the stain further. 

Step 2: Pre-Treat the Stain

Next, pre-treat the stain. You can use a pet-safe, enzyme-based cleaner to break down animal waste proteins. Apply this cleaner directly to the stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and let it sit for the recommended time. If you are wondering if you can use Lysol, here is a guide for you. 

Step 3: Wash the Bedding

After pre-treating the stain, wash the bedding in your washing machine. Use the highest recommended heat setting on your washing machine that is safe for your bedding material. 

Step 4: Air Dry

Once the bedding is washed, air-dry it if possible. Heat from a dryer can set any remaining stain, making it harder to remove. 

Step 5: Inspect the Bedding

After the bedding is completely dry, inspect it for any remaining stains. If any stain remains, repeat Steps 2-4.

Winding Up

It’s important to remember that routine hygiene and regular vet check-ups are key to preventing these stains in the first place. Furthermore, proper training and diet management can also significantly reduce the occurrence of these incidents. If your dog continues to leave brown spots on your bed, it might be worth consulting your vet to rule out any underlying health issues. Any underlying issue for dog leaves brown spots on bed is resolvable. 

My name is Gloria. I have a passion for writing about dogs. After my degree in Zoology, I pursued my interest in dogs with a series of certifications on dog nutrition, grooming, and much more.

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