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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

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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.

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    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.

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