Understanding Dog Teats
Female dogs have mammary glands located along their underside that contain mammary tissue and milk producing cells. The mammary glands have teats for milk to exit the body and nurse puppies. According to the PetPlace article on dog mammary systems, each mammary gland consists of a teat covered by skin and associated glandular complex.
During pregnancy and nursing, a dog’s teats enlarge and elongate to facilitate feeding puppies. After weaning, the teats normally shrink back down in size. However, in some cases, the teats remain swollen and enlarged. This is especially common in dogs who have had multiple litters. Obese and older dogs also tend to have enlarged teats.
There are several reasons owners may want to shrink their dog’s enlarged teats. Oversized teats can be prone to trauma and infection. They may get caught on objects or be irritated by contact with the ground when laying down. Shrinking enlarged teats can help prevent injuries. It also gives the dog’s underside a more normal appearance if desired for aesthetic reasons.
Dietary Changes
A key part of shrinking dog teats is instituting dietary changes to help reduce body fat. This involves lowering carbohydrates and fat in your dog’s diet while increasing lean protein sources. According to the ASPCA, high protein diets help dogs feel fuller while consuming fewer calories.
Start by eliminating table scraps, unhealthy treats, and snacks. Limit treats to <10% of total daily calories as recommended by DogSlim. Transition your dog to a commercial weight loss diet formulated for dogs like Purina Pro Plan OM or Royal Canin Calorie Control. These foods contain optimal protein/fat/carb ratios for weight loss.
You can also consult with your vet to develop a customized meal plan for your dog. Feed 2-3 measured meals per day rather than free feeding. Use a calculator to determine the calories needed for weight loss. Gradually reduce portions by 10-20% to promote 1-2% weekly weight loss.
Additionally, fish oil supplements added to food can aid fat loss. Fish oil provides omega-3s that help regulate fat metabolism and storage. Consult your veterinarian on an appropriate supplemental dose of fish oil for your dog.
With the right dietary changes recommended by your vet, you can help shrink your dog’s teats as part of an overall weight loss regimen.
Exercise
Regular exercise is very important for helping to shrink enlarged or swollen teats in dogs. Exercise helps strengthen chest and abdominal muscles which provide support for mammary glands and tissue. Building muscle tone in the chest and abdomen will help lift and tighten teats over time.
Some good types of exercise to help shrink dog teats include:
- Regular walks – Aim for at least 20-30 minutes per day.
- Playing fetch – Throwing a ball or toy builds activity into exercise.
- Swimming – An impact-free activity that works the chest muscles.
- Agility training – Jumping, weaving, running all help tone the chest.
While exercise alone may not completely shrink enlarged teats, it will help strengthen the muscles supporting the mammary glands. Combine regular exercise with a healthy diet to promote fat loss and muscle growth for the best shrinking effect.
Topical Creams
Certain topical creams containing all-natural ingredients like vitamin E and aloe can be helpful for shrinking dog teats.
The Remedy Salve for Dogs by CBD Dog Health contains vitamin E oil combined with hemp extract for soothing irritated skin topically [1]. Another ingredient is organic aloe, which has hydrating and healing properties to reduce inflammation.
To apply topical creams:
- Clean the area first with a gentle cleanser and pat dry
- Apply a thin layer of the cream 1-2 times per day
- Gently massage it into the skin
While topical creams are generally very safe, potential side effects to watch for include redness, itching or skin irritation. Discontinue use if any negative reactions occur. It’s best to consult your veterinarian before trying a new topical product.
[1] https://cbddoghealth.com/product/cbd-salve-for-dogs-remedy/
Surgical Reduction
In some cases, surgical reduction of enlarged dog teats may be recommended by a veterinarian. According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, surgery may be necessary if the dog has developed severe mastitis or necrosis of the mammary glands that does not respond to other treatments (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mastitis-in-dogs).
There are a few different surgical procedures that can be performed to reduce enlarged dog teats:
- Mammary gland resection – Surgical removal of part of the mammary gland tissue.
- Mastectomy – Full removal of the mammary glands.
- Debulking surgery – Removing excess skin and tissue to reshape and reduce the size of enlarged teats.
After surgery, dogs will need to wear an Elizabethan collar and have the incision site checked frequently. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed. The recovery period can last several weeks as the incisions fully heal. Owners will need to limit activity and prevent licking or scratching at the surgical site. With proper aftercare, most dogs recover fully from teat reduction surgery.
Aftercare
After undergoing surgery to reduce enlarged teats, it’s crucial to follow your veterinarian’s post-operative care instructions to support healing and prevent complications. According to the VCA Hospitals, your dog’s activity should be restricted for about a week after surgery[1]. This means avoiding running, jumping, and other strenuous activities that could disrupt the incision site. Keep your dog rested, providing a quiet indoor area with soft bedding.
Properly caring for surgical incisions is also important. Your vet will likely insert either stitches or surgical staples that need removal 10-14 days post-op[2]. Follow instructions on keeping the area clean and dry. An Elizabethan collar may be recommended to prevent licking and chewing. Watch closely for signs of infection like discharge or swelling and contact your vet if concerned.
It’s essential to monitor your dog closely for any post-surgical complications in the days and weeks following the procedure. Signs to watch for include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, and abnormal pain or swelling. Alert your vet promptly if you observe anything out of the ordinary to ensure timely treatment.
Preventing Enlargement
There are a few ways to help prevent enlargement of your dog’s teats:
Spaying or neutering your dog is one of the most effective ways to prevent hormonal changes that can cause teat enlargement. According to the AKC, spaying removes the source of estrogen, which helps minimize mammary development and prevent potentially cancerous changes to the breast tissue (Source).
Avoiding obesity can also help. Excess fat produces more estrogen, which can stimulate breast tissue. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight limits additional hormone production (Source).
Monitoring your dog’s hormone levels through annual exams and bloodwork can help identify any imbalances early on. Your vet may recommend medication if necessary to regulate hormones and prevent overstimulation of mammary tissue (Source).
When to See a Vet
If your dog’s teats appear red, swollen, or feel hot to the touch, it could be a sign of infection or mastitis. Mastitis is a bacterial infection of the mammary glands and teats that requires prompt veterinary attention. Signs of mastitis include swelling, heat, pain, and redness of the teat. There may also be a foul-smelling discharge. Left untreated, mastitis can lead to abscess formation and sepsis. According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, most cases of mastitis resolve within 2-3 weeks with appropriate treatment, but severe cases may require aggressive antibiotic therapy (Source).
You should also see your vet if there is oozing, redness, or swelling around the surgical incision site after a dog teat reduction procedure. Non-healing incisions could indicate an infection that requires medical treatment. Other concerning symptoms to have evaluated include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or signs of pain. Proper aftercare and monitoring by a veterinarian is essential for detecting and addressing any postoperative complications after teat surgery.
Costs
The cost for shrinking dog teats can vary quite a bit depending on the method used. Here’s an overview of typical pricing:
Dietary Changes
Switching to a lean, low-calorie dog food may cost more than standard kibble. Expect to spend $30-60 per large bag for prescription weight loss diets from brands like Hills Science Diet or Royal Canin. Purchasing fresh lean meats, fish, veggies, and other whole foods for homemade diets gets pricey too, often $80-150+ per month for a 50lb dog. However, many dogs do well on standard high-protein, low-fat kibble which can cost as little as $15-25 per large bag.
Exercise Tools
Basic leashes, collars, and toys for exercise often cost $10-30. Higher impact activity devices like flirt poles, treadmills, or dog backpacks can range from $50 up to several hundred dollars. Swimming and agility training classes tend to cost $150-300 for a 6-8 week session.
Topical Creams
Over-the-counter topical creams advertised to reduce dog teat size are $20-40 per small bottle. These are not proven to be very effective.
Surgical Reduction
Prices for surgical teat reduction average $1,000-3,000 but can exceed $5,000 per source. This covers the costs of anesthesia, the surgery itself, medications, and overnight monitoring. There may also be added expenses for e-collar, pain medication, antibiotics, and follow up appointments.
Shrinking Dog Teats Humanely
When looking to shrink enlarged teats on a dog, it’s important to prioritize the dog’s health and comfort above all else. There are safe, vet-recommended products and procedures available to reduce swelling and size.
Topical creams containing ingredients like soy and vitamin E may help reduce inflammation and shrink the teats over time. However, only use products specifically formulated for dogs, and consult your vet first. Human creams can be toxic for dogs if ingested.
Surgical reduction of enlarged teats is also an option for severe cases. This should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian. The procedure removes excess tissue while sparing the mammary glands and milk ducts. Proper anesthesia and post-op care are essential.
While homemade remedies may seem tempting, avoid dangerous DIY methods like banding or restrictive devices. These can severely injure the dog and impair circulation. Only follow your veterinarian’s advice for safe, humane methods to address enlarged teats.
With patience and the right veterinary care, most dogs’ teats can be reduced in size comfortably over time. Focus on overall health rather than quick fixes to keep your dog’s wellbeing the number one priority.
