Why is my dog’s nipples swollen? Find Out Here

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Symptoms of Mastitis in Dogs

The most common sign of mastitis in a female or male dog is a swollen breast. This condition typically starts out with inflammation, redness, and pain. Nursing dogs may also be reluctant to feed their puppies due to discomfort, which can prevent puppies from gaining weight at a healthy rate. As the infection in the mammary gland spreads, a dog may become septic if mastitis is not treated. Septic infections can be life-threatening. Vomiting, diarrhea, and even anorexia are typically seen in dogs with more severe cases.

  • Swollen or discolored breasts
  • Inflamed, swollen, or red teats
  • Ulcerated breasts
  • Mammary glands that feel hot to the touch
  • Blood or pus in milk or seeping from teats
  • Painful breasts
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Reluctance to allow nursing
  • Nursing puppies arent gaining weight

    • Mammary Glands Feel Hot to the Touch

    If you touch your dogs mammary glands, they may feel hot due to inflammation and infection. Belly rubs are not wanted by most dogs with mastitis due to the sensitivity and pain it causes their mammary glands.

    Causes of Mastitis

    The most common cause of mastitis is trauma to the teat, which can allow bacteria to enter the mammary gland. This condition can also occur simply from too much milk in the gland. Nursing dogs are more likely to develop mastitis because of repeated trauma while feeding puppies.

  • Trauma: The most common reason for a dog to develop mastitis begins with trauma to the teat. Trauma from a nursing puppy or another type of injury allows bacteria, such as E. coli, to enter the mammary gland through the teat canal. This results in a bacterial infection.
  • Excess milk accumulation: Occasionally, too much milk is produced, and excess milk accumulates in the mammary gland. This pressure can cause mastitis without a bacterial component.
  • Dirty environments: Trauma isnt the only way bacteria can enter the teat canal. Simply being in a dirty environment can allow bacteria to cause an infection in the mammary gland.

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