Swollen nipples are a common occurrence in female nursing dogs. The swelling is usually benign, often being a normal part of nursing. However, sometimes it can indicate an underlying health issue like mastitis, skin infections, hormonal changes, or injuries. This article will provide an overview of the common causes of swollen nipples in nursing dogs, discuss when you should see the vet, and offer tips on prevention.
Normal Nipple Changes During Nursing
It’s completely normal for a female dog’s nipples to change during nursing. The nipples will enlarge and become more prominent as they prepare to produce milk for the puppies. This happens because increased blood flow and hormones like prolactin cause the mammary glands to develop and the nipples to swell. The nipples will also darken in pigmentation and color.
According to an article on normal dog nipple changes, “Once your dog has nursed puppies, her nipples will be more prominent, longer, and darker. When a mammal is pregnant, their nipple color darkens, and the nipple itself elongates and enlarges.” (source)
These nipple changes are completely normal for a nursing dog and help facilitate milk production and nursing for the puppies. The enlargement allows the puppy to properly latch on and nurse. As long as the nipple changes are not accompanied by pain, redness, or heat, they are simply a normal part of the nursing process.
Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary glands and breast tissue, often caused by a bacterial infection. It most commonly occurs in female dogs who are nursing puppies, usually within the first 2-3 weeks after whelping. The most common bacteria involved are Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli. Symptoms of mastitis include swelling, redness, and pain in the mammary glands, abnormal milk color or texture, lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. Affected mammary glands may feel warm and hard. If left untreated, mastitis can lead to abscess formation.
Treatment for mastitis typically involves antibiotic therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, warm compresses, milk drainage, and sometimes surgical drainage of abscesses. Antibiotics commonly used include amoxicillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, and trimethoprim-sulfa. Supportive care such as fluids, nutritional support, and pain medication may also be needed. Puppies may need supplemental bottle feeding if the mother is unable to nurse them adequately. Severe or recurrent cases may require early weaning of the puppies.
Prevention involves maintaining good hygiene and nursing area sanitation, monitoring milk supply and puppy nursing, and treating any wounds to the mammary glands promptly. Ensuring complete emptying of milk from the glands helps prevent mastitis. Some vets recommend massaging the mammary glands during nursing to help with milk ejection. If mastitis develops, prompt veterinary care is important for the health of both the mother and her puppies.
Skin Infections
One of the most common causes of swollen nipples in nursing dogs is skin infections, particularly bacterial and fungal infections. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus can enter the teat canal through cracks or wounds and infect the mammary tissue, leading to swelling, redness, and pain. Fungal infections like ringworm can also spread to the nipples and cause irritation, itchiness, and inflammation. Keeping the skin around the nipples clean and dry is important to prevent bacterial and fungal overgrowth. If skin infections are suspected, a veterinarian can take a skin scraping or culture to identify the organism and provide appropriate antibiotic or antifungal treatment. Prompt treatment of skin infections is recommended, as they can develop into a more serious case of mastitis if left untreated.
Injuries
Nursing dog nipples can become swollen due to injuries such as scratches, bites, or other trauma to the nipple or mammary gland area. Puppies nursing from their mother may inadvertently scratch or bite the nipple while feeding, causing inflammation and swelling. Damage to the nipple provides an opening for bacteria to enter and cause an infection, leading to mastitis.
Dogs can also injure their nipples and mammary glands through rough play with other dogs. Nicks, cuts, or puncture wounds on the nipples allow bacteria inside the teat canal, resulting in swelling and infection.
Preventing nipple injuries is key to avoiding subsequent swelling and inflammation. Keep nursing mothers separated from rambunctious playmates to prevent scratches or bites to sensitive nipples. Check nipples regularly for any wounds, and clean gently with a warm, damp cloth. Seek prompt veterinary care for any injuries to allow proper treatment before mastitis develops.
Treatment for nipple injuries focuses on cleaning the wound, controlling infection and swelling through antibiotics, and managing pain. Severe injuries may require surgery and intensive wound care. Catching nipple injuries early and getting veterinary help prevents extended discomfort from swelling and mastitis.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can sometimes cause a dog’s nipples to become swollen and irritated. Common allergens like pollen, grass, certain foods, flea bites, and chemicals in litter or bedding can trigger an allergic response in dogs. When a dog has an allergic reaction, its immune system overreacts and releases histamine, which leads to inflammation, itchiness, and swelling of the skin [1].
Allergies to ingredients in litters like perfumes, dyes, or dust can cause contact irritation around a nursing dog’s nipples as they lie in the litter. Allergies to grasses, pollens or certain foods may cause general skin irritation and swollen nipples. Flea allergy dermatitis is another common culprit, as flea bites on the skin can lead to severe itching, redness, and nipple swelling. Testing different litters, restricting access to certain grasses/plants, or putting a nursing dog on a hypoallergenic diet trial may help identify the allergen source if nipple swelling is due to allergies.
Abscesses
Abscesses in the mammary glands and nipples of nursing dogs are pockets of pus that form from a bacterial infection. The most common cause is Staphylococcus bacteria that enter through cracks or wounds in the skin of the nipple and mammary tissue.
Abscesses appear as firm, painful masses or swellings on the nipples or mammary glands. They may be red, swollen, and warm to the touch. Abscesses can develop quickly and lead to tissue necrosis if left untreated.
Veterinary treatment is required for abscesses. The abscess will need to be surgically opened and drained by the vet. Antibiotic therapy will also be prescribed. In some cases, the affected nipple may need to be removed if the tissue damage is too severe.
To help prevent abscesses, keep the nipple area clean and dry. Use an antiseptic wash after nursing. Avoid letting the puppies scratch or damage the nipples. Promptly treat any wounds, cracks, or signs of infection in the mammary glands. Weaning the puppies once they are old enough can also reduce the risk of abscesses.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mastitis-in-dogs
https://wagwalking.com/condition/bacterial-infection-of-the-breasts
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations are a common cause of nipple swelling in dogs. Female dogs may experience nipple enlargement due to pseudo-pregnancy, which occurs after a heat cycle when progesterone levels remain elevated. This tricks the body into thinking it is pregnant. According to WagWalking, the hormones prolactin and progesterone cause the mammary glands to prepare for milk production, resulting in swollen nipples.
Intact male dogs may also develop swollen nipples due to hormonal changes. Testosterone is converted to estrogen in the body, which can stimulate the mammary glands. Neutering can often resolve this type of nipple swelling in males.
If the nipple swelling is due to hormones, it should resolve on its own once the hormone levels return to normal. However, if the swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain, discharge, or fever, it’s best to have your dog examined by a vet.
When to See the Vet
While some nipple swelling in nursing dogs is normal, there are times when you will want to have your dog seen by a veterinarian. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to take your dog to the vet:
- Nipples remain swollen after weaning puppies
- Discharge or pus coming from nipples
- Nipples are hot, red, and painful to the touch
- Reluctance to nurse puppies
- Loss of appetite or lethargic behavior
- Presence of a wound or lesion on the nipple
- Swollen lymph nodes near the breasts
- Fever over 103℃
- Signs of illness in nursing puppies
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mastitis-in-dogs
If you notice any of these symptoms in a nursing dog, it’s important to have her examined right away. Prompt veterinary care can help diagnose and treat the cause, provide pain relief, prevent suffering in puppies, and avoid complications. Don’t wait to see if swelling and other signs resolve on their own, as delays may allow infections to worsen. Your vet can determine if medication, antibiotics, draining abscesses, or other treatment is needed for your dog’s swollen nipples.
Prevention
There are several tips to help prevent nipple swelling while nursing puppies:
Clean the nipple area daily with a gentle cleanser like dilute chlorhexidine to prevent infection. Gently pat dry. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, good hygiene can help prevent mastitis.
Make sure puppies latch on correctly when nursing. An improper latch can cause trauma to the nipples. Check that puppies are latched on with the entire nipple and aerola in their mouth.
Limit nursing sessions to 5-10 minutes per side. Frequent, short sessions are better than prolonged nursing which can cause nipple irritation. Allow at least an hour between nursing sessions.
Gently massage the mammary glands when nursing to help relieve pressure and encourage milk flow. Applying warm compresses can also help, as noted by AKC.
Make sure the nursing area is free of dirt or feces which could introduce bacteria. Keep bedding clean and dry.
Monitor nipples for any changes like redness, swelling or pain which could indicate early infection or mastitis. Seek prompt veterinary care if any abnormalities are observed.
