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

If you are not taking a rectal temperature then you can't say for sure she is having fevers. Many dogs will feel "hot" to the touch but their temperature internally is normal. If you want to check for fever you must take a rectal temperature. As for the mammary glands, she may have mastitis. Without seeing at least a photo of them it is hard for me to say. I think when you have a nursing mother, it is better to be safe than sorry and have her examined by a vet. If you can get a mobile vet to come to your house that would be nice so you don't have to take mom and babies into a vet clinic. Of course, if you can't get a mobile vet you will need to take them in.

Yes, I would take Lulu into the vet just to be safe. The color of her teats could be due to so many puppies nursing, but mastitis can occur in nursing dogs, which is fatal without treatment. Because of this, it's always important to have any concerns with the teats checked out by a vet to sure everything is ok. I would make an appointment for her on Monday. I hope this helps!

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!

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 :-)

Thank you for your question. I think that she appears completely fine. It is normal to see a little skin irritation and what is visible in the photos is not worrisome. The puppies nails can scratch her and that is most likely the cause. As the start to develop teeth, watch for more serious problems, but so far she looks good. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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 )

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Kiera! Blood could be from trauma. Mastitis is very painful and is an infection. The mammary gland is red, hard and painful. Pus can be detected from the nipple. I suggest and exam by your Vet first before starting any medications. We can not prescribe medications on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach because we can not perform and exam. An exam is required by law to have a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship in order to prescribe medications. The gland should be expressed or still nursed from. Cephalexin doesn't hurt the puppies. I hope this helps and good luck!