Dog's nipples scratched and bloody: Is it normal? What's next?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are medications that can be used for scratching to reduce the urge to do it such as Apoquel or prednisone. This is only to help temporarily but it is important to address the possible allergy as well. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. I would not be worried about the lesion next to the nipple. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

That looks uncomfortable. It's impossible to know at this stage if the nipple is infected or if the skin on/around the nipple is inflamed and this is causing the enlarged size. The block dots could be flea dirt, blocked pores or debris Patrick has laid in. Your best option is to have Patrick examined by the veterinarian and to get medications to help the itchiness. These lesions could be several things including fleas, allergies, skin mites, bacterial infection, ringworm (which humans can get) or endocrine disease. If you can't get him in to the veterinarian, there are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the lesions once a day (not his whole body, just the lesions). Also protect the area from trauma by having your pup wear an elizabethan collar at all times. If the lesions do not start improving within a week or if they are getting worse, have him examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I don't think this looks too concerning but if you are worried you should take him to your vet for an exam. If you want to try something on him at home, I would suggest you try this product. If no improvement with using this then he should definitely see your vet. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-hot-spot-antimicrobial-gel-for-dogs )

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 area does look pretty irritated. While nail scratching can be a possible cause, irritation from nursing can sometimes cause rashes as well. Making sure the puppies are nursing different nipples may help, as well as keeping the nails trimmed. If it seems very itchy or irritated still, or worsens, having your vet take a look is best. Allergic reactions to something in the environment, infections of the mammary glands or surrounding skin, hormonal changes from birth and nursing, food allergies, etc can also be possible causes, so a complete exam is a good idea if it continues.