nursing mother

Question
My dog is just at a year old and had her first litter of pups. It has only been three days and I have noticed that her nipples between her front legs are hard and none of the puppies are feeding off of them. If you just rub her she will screech..  is there a way to relieve that pressure in those nipples with out hurting her?


Answer
Hi Mindi,

I'm not a vet, but it sounds like your dog needs to be examined. She may have Mastitis.

Mastitis is an infection of the milk ducts. Also called "mammitis", or 'mastadenitis. Mastitis during nursing can be caused by a breast engorgement (swelling). Mastitis is a blocked milk duct. You may see cracked or damaged skin or tissue around the nipple. Bacteria gets inside, either by a crack, or even through the pores, and can come up suddenly, even if the teat is not engorged.

An engorged breast is a mild form of mastitis. Mastitis, if not treated can lead to "gangrene mastitis". Gangrene mastitis is caused by a bacteria that does not require oxygen to grow (areobic bacteria). The skin turns black and dies leaving a huge hole that will drain pussy blood. Your dog can develop a high temperature and would need antibiotics. This can result in the dog loosing the teat.

When a nursing dog develops mastitis, you're supposed to begin treatment immediately to avoid it turning into gangrene mastitis.

Until mastitis is ruled out by your vet, DO NOT allow the pups to nurse from the teats in question.

Best of luck,
Patti