Dachshund-Swollen Nipples

Question
Our two year old Dachshund has developed very swollen nipples and a bad rash on the skin covering her rib cage. She will bite at herself also (I believe this may come from itching). She does have dry skin like a lot of Dachshunds. We gave her a bath last week (we only bathe her about once every month because of the dry skin). We use dog shampoo that is for dry skin. She has not been fixed, but could be due to go into heat soon. Do you know what could be causing this? We are really concerned about her and wonder what we could use on her that would give her some relief.

Answer
Swollen nipples are from her upcoming estrus. If you are not breeding this dog spaying her will prevent her from getting mammary tumors and pyometra, both which are not uncommon in intact females. Mammary tumors are very common and once they reach 4 yrs old intact you will not be able to prevent them later on.

She may experience a false pregnancy also which will cause the nipples to be enlarged, but that usually takes place after the heat cycle is over with.

As far as the rash goes she could have a contact dermatitis from laying on a new rug or from the new grasses outside.
She should have a skin scraping done by the vet to diagnose what it is.
Intact dogs are much more likely to get demodex mange than spayed ones, so it is something to be concerned enough about to get it looked at soon.

Dry skin is generally diet related and can be controlled and completely absolved with higher quality diets. I have never seen a dog on Science Diet with dry skin. The sensitive skin formula is especially good for this.

So make an appointment soon for the skin scraping.