Why is my dog's nipple bleeding and swollen after phantom pregnancy?

Hi There! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It probably was due to mild trauma (such as from scratching). Given how it looks, it will likely heal on its own without much treatment if you leave it alone and prevent your pup from licking or chewing at it. Good luck!

Just like in people, any unusual discharge from a nipple is not normal and could be a sign of mammary cancer. I do not think she needs to be rushed to a vet, however you should make an appointment with a vet to have it examined. It may be just mastitis, but it could be a malignant condition as well.

That could be a normal reaction of the mammary glands after the season, and it is likely to resolve spontaneously one or two weeks after the season. if signs persist more than that and discharge comes out from nipples a check up would ideal as false pregnancy or mammary gland inflammation/infection may be present.

Poor Bella. Bleeding from a nipple can be a sign of mastitis, which is fatal without treatment. Do not let the puppies nurse from that nipple, and take her and the puppies into a vet right away to get this treated.

I do not see anything immediately concerning on the pictures but it is recommended to get all lumps checked by your vet to rule out sinister causes, especially if there is any change in size, colour or texture. Some changes will occur with puberty and this may be what you can feel

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Kiera! Blood could be from trauma. Mastitis is very painful and is an infection. The mammary gland is red, hard and painful. Pus can be detected from the nipple. I suggest and exam by your Vet first before starting any medications. We can not prescribe medications on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach because we can not perform and exam. An exam is required by law to have a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship in order to prescribe medications. The gland should be expressed or still nursed from. Cephalexin doesn't hurt the puppies. I hope this helps and good luck!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bella. The pups may not be nursing that gland as often resulting in engorgement. I recommend encouraging the pups to use that gland. The other concern I have is that mastitis could be starting. Ideally she should see her veterinarian to ensure that this is not the case. I hope this information helps!