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What are these black spots on my pregnant dog's nipples? Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 50 lbs

I found these black spots on my possibly pregnant dog's nipples. They don't rub off easily or wash off, but they dont appear to be INSIDE her skin. She doesn't appear to be acting differently, or uncomfortable. I also wanted to note, she has extra nipples that dont appear to be growing like the rest, these don't appear to have as much, if any of the black spots. Please help! I'd like to know if this is some common treatable thing before I pay the vet to tell me nothing! Thanks!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Anna M., DVM

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 6th, 2018

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. These appear to likely be benign hyperpigmented spots, so if Magna seems comfortable and the spots aren’t changing, my level of concern is very low. Of course, the best input is possible when a vet can see the skin in person and take a sample if necessary to test (to rule out other common causes, such as a cancerous change), but I think chances are very high that this is nothing worrisome. I hope this helps!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on January 19th, 2018

    You don't need to worry, because those appear to be Silky's nipples. A lot of people think that male dogs don't have nipples, but they do. They should be present in a line from the chest down to the groin on both sides. They should not change in size or appear red. If they have any change in their appearance, they should be evaluated by your veterinarian.
    I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

    Vote Icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog's breasts got patchy discoloration after nursing. Is it normal?
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I hope Maggie's litter did great and that she was a great mother. This pigmentation actually looks completely normal. Some dogs as they age, they will accumulate more and more pigment on certain areas of their bodies. As long as she is not scratching these areas, licking them excessively I would not worry about them. If these areas become red and chronically irritated, then I would advise treatment. Again this looks like normal pigment accumulation to me since the skin otherwise is not inflammed and looks normal. Good luck with Maggie
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