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Why are my dog's nipples red and what should I do about it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 3 months old | 26 lbs

My female dog has red nipples. What causes that?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on June 28th, 2019

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on April 25th, 2019
I recommend to have Bllackey examined by her veterinarian and tested for skin and parasites. Many times, mites, ringworm or lace can cause a localized area itching. A bacterial infection is also possible. The doctor should also palpate the mammary gland to make sure there does not appear to be a tumor under the skin. Try to protect the area from further scratching as this can make it worse. You can also add an omega-3 fatty acid supplement for pets to her daily diet to improve overall skin health. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 25th, 2016
It could be that she is heading into her first heat if she isn't spayed. She is about the right age to go into heat for the first time, and you can see changes in the nipples when a dog goes into heat. If she is spayed, then she could have a skin infection in that area, and I would take her into the vet for an exam on Monday.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 10th, 2018
I am concerned that Loki's nipples are hot. They also look a bit red to me in the pictures you have provided. This redness and warmth can indicate mastitis, which is an infection of the mammary glands that can occur in nursing dogs. Mastitis is fatal without treatment, so I recommend taking her temperature rectally. A dog's normal temperature is between 101-102.5F. If it's above 103F, she needs to see a vet immediately. Also take her into a vet immedailtey if she stops eating, starts vomiting, and/or becomes very lethargic. Otherwise, monitor her and I would take her back into the vet on Monday for a health check. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Is it normal for my dog's nipples to be purple after puppies?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why are my unspayed dog's nipples red, swollen, and have a white spot?

Dogs who aren't spayed have a 25% chance of developing mammary tumors, and this could potentially be what is causing Chloe's red nipples and discomfort. I'd have her checked out by a vet first thing in the morning. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's nipple is swollen and red, but vet said it's nothing?

If you are concerned then you should get a second opinion. It is not normal for a nipple to be red and swollen. It could be infected and she may need an antibiotic to treat. Call another vet and schedule an examination.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's nipple has brownish-red discharge. What's going on?

Hi and thanks for your request. The one with red liquid may be affected by a mastitis, which is an inflammation/infection of the mammary gland. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Other care recommended for the bitch may include hydration, warm compresses using towels or cabbage leaves, and frequent expression of milk from the infected gland by hand. This alleviates discomfort and swelling while also encouraging blood flow. Hand-milking should be performed every six hours. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why are there red blotches on my dog's nipples after her first heat?

a higher hormone activity level such as during heat can indeed make the mammary complexes get more blood supply in preparation for a possible pregnancy. This should go away a little while after coming out of estrus (estrus = heat, and your dog is in heat for about three weeks after she stops bleeding. If the redness does not subside, or if the skin starts to look diseased, you should have your vet give Fufu a skin exam.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

As long as it doesn't seem to be bothering her I don't think there is cause for concern. Some pigment around the teat can be normal. Ask your vet to take a peek at it the next time you are in. If she starts to seem itchy, if it becomes painful, or if the air starts to fall out or the skin become red or oozing, take her in. I hope that's helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's nipple is red, inflamed, and looks like a pimple. What to do?

This looks like a mild skin infection/inflammation. I suggest you use these medicated pads on it. If after about a week to 10 days of use, the lesion is not better or looks worse then your vet should examine him. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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