Why does my nursing dog's belly look like this with inverted nipples?

Pregnancy lasts 63 days in dogs, so I’m not sure who told you she’s due at the end of March, but she wouldn’t be pregnant yet if that’s the case. Generally they will be able to nurse without issue. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello. It is very difficult to tell from your picture exactly what this is, but I think it might be an inverted nipple. This is not a problem, so just show this to your veterinarian at your next visit just to be sure. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Devon. The bumps in the pictures appears to be his nipples. These are completely normal even in male dogs. They were just likely difficult to see before his hair was shaved. As long as they are not enlarging, tender or changing in shape, you do not need to worry. I hope this information helps!

This is quite normal but is no indication of positive pregnancy diagnosis or size of litter. False pregnancy can also result in mammary gland and milk development. An ultrasound scan is recommended to confirm

[False pregnancy](https://www.petcoach.co/article/false-pregnancy-in-dogs), or pseudopregnancy, is a term used to describe a common condition in a non-pregnant female dog that is showing symptoms of [pregnancy](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pregnancy/), lactation, or nursing, without producing puppies. The affected female dog shows these symptoms about a month or two after her estrus (heat) is over. A hormonal imbalance is thought to play a central role in affected female dogs. Depending on the severity of problem, the symptoms may last for more than a month. Unless symptoms persist, treatment is typically unnecessary. Otherwise, your veterinarian may recommend hormonal supplementation or spaying to prevent further episodes. To reduce mammary gland secretions, your veterinarian will advise you on using cold or warm packs to minimize the stimulation that promotes lactation. An Elizabethan collar (cone) can also help prevent the self-nursing or licking behavior that can stimulate lactation. In some patients, reducing the daily food intake can help to reduce the production of milk. If you are not planning to breed your dog and do not want her to reproduce in the future, [spaying](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-great-reasons-to-spay-or-neuter-your-pet) is recommended for preventing future episodes of false pregnancy behavior. The overall prognosis is good and most dogs improve within two to three weeks, even without treatment.

Not all dogs get a big belly when pregnant, just like how human women are get pregnant differently. It could be Princesses is pregnant and the discharge is milk, but there could also be an infection causing it. I would have her seen by a vet for this problem. The vet can diagnose what is causing this discharge, and let you know if treatment is needed. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

The pictures are a bit blurry, but from what I can see, Katy's nipple looks normal. Since she has not been spayed, it is possible that she is experiencing a false pregnancy (or an actual pregnancy if she has mated with a male dog). If you are feeling any lumps associated with her mammary glands, it would be best to have her examined by a vet.