Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My nursing dog has mastitis. What can I do at home to help her?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 8 months old | 8 lbs

I think my nursing momma dog has mastitis. It's only in one teat. What can I do at home to help her. I cannot afford a vet trip right now.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amy Poole, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 16th, 2017

Poor Crisco! You can try to apply a warm compress to the area to help with the mastitis a few times a day to see if it improves/resolves. Mastitis typically presents as a red, firm, painful mammary gland. I would also recommend taking her temperature rectally. If she has a fever (>102.5) she really should go see your local vet for an evaluation and medication. Many cases of mastitis require antibiotics. Mastitis can also be very painful, so many patients require pain medication as well.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Sorry to hear about Crisco! To be honest with you she really does need to go to the vet. If she has mastitis she would benefit from pain relief as it's very sore for them. Also the vet can give her antibiotics of needed to treat the infection and stop it spreading. I would urge you to go as soon as you can because the longer you leave it the worse it may get! You could call your vet in advance and explain your situation, they may be able to help you in some way.
In the mean time you can apply a cold compress to cool the area. Don't let the puppies suckle that teat as it will irritate her further. Finally don't be tempted to give her human medicine, it could harm her and the pups.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my nursing dog's teat hard and clogged? Is it mastitis?

Yes, it does sound and look like that breast has got mastitis. Have you tried to gently wipe away the crusty covering on the nipple with some lukewarm water ? Then apply lukewarm compress on that single breast for 5 minutes at time, leaving about half hour in-between. If the breast is still quite hard, I think the only option is to take Dory to see your vet. Hope she gets better soon and greetings from my own Basset hound Poppy :-)

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Is my non-mother dog's sore, warm nipples a sign of mastitis?

Do not allow the puppies to suckle on the dog that is not their mother. She is getting mastitis (infection in the mammary glands). You need to keep them separated. You can try home treatment for the mastitis with cabbage leaves (see link below) but she may need to see a vet for systemic antibiotics. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mastitis-in-dogs )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My nursing dog has a red bump and high temp. Could it be mastitis?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Skye. Congrats on the puppies, I hope they are doing well! Nursing is a bit painful, and it may be an injury from nursing. Her temperature of 102.5 is on the high side of normal, and the 103.1 is a bit worrying. Keep taking her temperature. If it continues around 103, this spot gets worse, the area gets hard or firm, there is pus or discharge from her teats, or the teat itself become discolored, have her seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a teat lump, could it be mastitis? Can puppies nurse?

Absolutely keep nursing. In fact try to make the puppies use that nipple the most. Also warm water compress and massage can help too. I would also encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible as she may need antibiotic therapy. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pregnant dog's scratched nipple: Is it mastitis or just an injury?

It could be mastitis but it is hard to tell from the photos. Usually mastitis is warm to the touch and the teat is red/swollen/painful and there may be yellowish/green discharge. You can do warm compresses on it if you think it is mastitis to see if that will help but being that she is pregnant it may be best to have your vet check it out. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog had mastitis. How do I prevent future recurrence?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. To prevent mastitis you need to keep all the tits clean. You will have to wipe them with baby wipes (with no fragrance) at least twice a day. Also, make sure that Kaya's bed is washed regularly. You have to pay attention that the puppies feed from all the nipples. If you see that one of the nipples is engorged, you should manually express milk. Giving prophylactic antibiotics is not a good idea - it may harm the puppies and the mum too.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Nursing dog's engorged breasts: Is it milk buildup or mastitis?

Engorgement is the previous stage to mastitis, so if you manage to get the milk flowing, you will be safe. If not, the mammary gland will progressively become harder and more painful, progressing to infection that will require medical treatment. If in doubt best to have her checked over, as mastitis can be quite serious. Hope she gets better soon !

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share