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My dog has a swollen gland with pus, no vet. Can I get antibiotics?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 11 months old | 38 lbs

My dog has come down with a sudden case of mastitis in one of her glands. She was incredibly lethargic and fevered this morning and after thoroughly checking her I discovered that her glad was swollen and very warm to the touch. When expressed the gland produces a yellowish green pus. I should not that she is intact but not pregnant nor has she ever been. We have expressed the gland completely, but with the holiday no vets in the area are open. Is there some sort of antibiotic I can purchase?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 4th, 2017

Poor Sookie! If she has mastitis then she will need an oral antibiotic to treat. You can not purchase one without a prescription from a vet who does an examination. You could soak the area in a warm Epsom salt solution and have her examined by a vet as soon as possible. You could try to find an emergency clinic and have her seen tonight, especially if the lethargy becomes worse. Hope she feels better soon!

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    There is no antibiotic over the counter you can purchase but a warm compress will help with the pain and swelling. Keep her quiet and rested for today and try boiled chicken and rice or syringe feeding her gatorade or pedialyte or chicken broth to keep fluids in her. Often expressing it takes some discomfort away so she might get relief from what you have already done.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Unfortunately you cannot get an oral or injectable antibiotic for her without a veterinary prescription (and this is what she needs). If she is weak/lethargic/vomiting or in severe pain, I would make a trip to the emergency vet. If she seems normal other than the gland, you can alternate warm packing to aid in drainage and putting cold cabbage leaves on the area and continue to express the infected milk as it accumulates. The vet will need to be sure this is truly just a case of mastitis and that we don't have a mammary tumor as well. Also discourage her from licking the area with an e-collar or t-shirt .

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