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Why is my puppy's nipple red and swollen? What should I do now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | unspayed | 3 months old | 20 lbs

My 13 week old golden retriever puppy has an inflamed nipple. Can you describe what this is and how to go about treating it? We will be taking her to the vet as soon as possible.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Keay, DVM

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 23rd, 2017

Congratulations on your puppy! It is difficult to tell for certain from a photo, but it looks as though Mollie could have a pustule located adjacent to her nipple and that is what you are seeing. this is a little spot of infection under the skin (like a whitehead pimple in people). This isn't uncommon in puppies (we call it puppy pyoderma) and we often treat with a medicated shampoo or topical antibiotic in mild cases. I would wash the area with a mild soap and apply a triple antibiotic ointment for now and schedule an appointment with the vet to have it looked at to be on the safe side, as I said it is impossible to say for certain from a photo if this is exactly what is going on.
Vote Icon2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 13th, 2018

    Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Poop puppy. I can't really appreciate the swelling or clot that you have described, based on the photo you have attached. In fact, the nipple that is displayed here looks perfectly normal, pinkish in color with a protruding nipple. There is no bright bloody red discharge or scab seen at all here.

    If you are however, seeing something that isn't displayed in this photo, you can try just cleaning it with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water once a day until it heals. You can also apply just a thin layer of Neosporin on the area twice daily (if there is a brusie or small superficial cut of some sort).
    If you wish to repost another photo that maybe shows the area of concern a bit better,t then feel free to do so. Othewise this area looks just fine and Luna will likely be ok.
    Thanks and ake care of that fur baby!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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