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Why are my unspayed puppy's nipples swollen before her spay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Female | spayed | 9 months and 23 days old | 24 lbs

My dog Lily (a pug breed) she’s almost 10minths old. Hasn’t been spayed yet but she will tomorrow. Her mammary glands are swelling. Do you know why her nipples are swelling ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on January 2nd, 2018

There are a couple of reasons that you might be seeing swelling with Lily's mammary glands. If she has had a first heat cycle (which can sometimes be a "silent" heat or difficult to see) that would be the most likely possbility. I would recommend that your vet examine her tomorrow to see what they think is going on. They will likely still be able to do her spay tomorrow.
I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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