Why is my male dog's nipple swollen? What are the possible causes?

Thank you for proving a picture of Hugo! It looks like one of his nipples is swollen. This could be due to trauma. He could have injured that area, and he now has a hematoma. It could also be an infection, which could be caused if he received a bite from another animal. It could be a reaction to an insect bite, such as an allergic reaction. Finally, it could be a fungal infection. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain so I do recommend it getting checked out by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing the swelling and how best to treat it. Good luck, I hope this helps!

You can apply a warm compress to it to help with pain and swelling. She will need to go to a vet to have it checked as it may be an infection or a growth. If she is nervous or anxious then i would call and see what arrangements can be made to minimize her stress. Such as medication for anxiety prior to travel or not waiting in the lobby with other dogs and people but maybe and exam room or the car until they are ready for you.

It is possibly local skin fold infection or mild inflammation around the nipple. Please, clean the area with antiseptic skin solution (ideally containing 4% chlorhexidine, for example Hibiclens) twice a day for 4-5 days. If it does not get better, you will need to take Lady to your local vets for a check.

In an older dog a swelling like this around the teat is most often a mammary lump. 50% are benign and 50% cancerous in dogs. They can be closely linked to hormones hence the fluctuation in size. Other causes would be mastitis or mammary development, but this photo does look like a lump. It can be tested by the vet to know what sort it is.

I am sorry to hear about Archie. Possible causes for this could include infection, abscess, or tumor. Unfortunately none of these causes are really treatable with at home care. If the area is growing rapidly, is painful or hot to the touch, or your dog is lethargic/not eating/uncomfortable then these are signs he should be seen right away. If he seems unbothered by the area and it isn't growing rapidly, you could try applying warm compresses for 10 minutes a few times a day. If it is an abscess this may help it come to a head and drain. Clean around the nipple well with a mild soap or antiseptic such as Hibiclens in case there is a superficial infection and apply a topical antibiotic such as Polysporin. If the area isn't getting smaller or is increasing in size, then vet care is needed. You may consider seeing if there is a low-cost vet clinic in your area. Some Humane Societies/Animal Protection Leagues/etc. have low-cost clinics for those who cannot afford a full service veterinarian. You can get more ideas on paying for vet care at http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

There are a couple of things that could be wrong with your dog. She could be pregnant causing her swollen nipples and making her feel ill. It could be that she has mammary tumors also causing these symptoms. If she had puppies recently, she could have mastitis (an infection of the mammary glands). Finally, she could have a pyometra which is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. Because both mastitis and a pyometra are fatal without treatment, and since I can't see her in person to rule them out, I think it's best that she sees a vet right away. The vet can diagnose what is causing these symptoms and the best way to treat her. Please take her into a vet now. Best of luck.

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.