Why do my dog's nipples look discolored? Is it normal after puppies?

Hello. If this is just pigmentation, & the skin is soft & supple, and the puppies are being well cared for, then there is nothing to be concerned about. The skin darkening is probably just a hormonal response. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. The amount of blood flow to the mammary glands ( not boobs ) has increased tremendously & this can cast a bluish tinge to the tissues. As long as the tissues seem soft & pliable, there is no pain & your dog seems comfortable nursing, then this is normal. Signs of infection in the glands ( mastitis ) would be pain, erythema ( redness ), lethargy, a reluctance to nurse, possibly a loss of appetite, a red discharge from the nipples, & ulceration of the tissues. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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

Thank you for your question. I think that she appears completely fine. It is normal to see a little skin irritation and what is visible in the photos is not worrisome. The puppies nails can scratch her and that is most likely the cause. As the start to develop teeth, watch for more serious problems, but so far she looks good. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If this is an abnormal color change, I recommend to have her examined by the veterinarian. It could indicate an infection or developing mammary tissue. It could also be related to itchy skin. I hope this helps.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The picture isn't the greatest quality so I hope I am seeing what you are seeing. The black at the ends of the nipples are normal and not of a concern, as is a little bit of a different colour near the belly button region. If there is a bump that is sore, swollen, red or hot where the belly button is and it is discoloured, this is not normal and very concerning, but this doesn't appear the be the case in the picture. Best of luck with your little one!

The area around the nipple appears to be a little red and irritated. If Bindi is licking the area it may be causing her some discomfort. Other than the slight redness, which may be normal for her, I do not see anything you should be concerned about. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.