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My dog's breasts are swollen after puppies. Is it mastitis?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 4 months old | 140 lbs

Hello Ma’am My Rednose Pitbull had Puppies on 8/3/2021 and her Breast just look a little swollen to me. But the scratch’s and bites are from the puppies and this is my first dog birth so can u help me out a little? Are her breast/nipples swollen? Does she need to see a veterinarian ASAP? And do I need to bottle feed my pups? DM

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 26th, 2021

I agree, Mazi's mammary glands do look quite swollen. This can be a sign of mastitis, which is an infection of the mammary glands. Mastitis is very serious. I would take her into a vet asap to get this checked out. As for bottle feeding the puppies, weigh them daily and if they aren't gaining weight, they do need to be bottle fed. The vet can advise on this as well. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 27th, 2019
The swelling of the mammary glands will go down on their own. It is recommended that you don't do anything. This is a normal process. If she still had the puppies eventually they would not be nursing anymore and her milk would dry up on it's own. Same in this scenario.

Now, if the glands are infected that is different. If you are not sure if it is normal or infected then please post again with some photos and we can maybe help you better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on August 20th, 2019
These signs could be due to a mammary gland infection (mastitis).
A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.
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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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