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My nursing dog's teats are sore from puppy nails. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 9 months old | 65 lbs

My nursing dog's teats s are very sore looking. They're warm, but not hot so I don't think there's infection (yet). She's nursing 10 pups and they're a bit rough on her. I've trimmed their nails and given her a warm compress but she's a little crusty and scabby. I can clearly see where their nails have dug in her. Can I put aquaphor/Vaseline on her for the night and keep them separated? They're 4 weeks old and I've started them on puppy food and milk replacement. What can I do for her? Thanks!!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 4th, 2017

I am very sorry to hear that Lucy is having these problems while she is nursing her pups. It sounds like you are very on top of the situation and attentive to her needs. Since the pups are four weeks old hey will have started to wean, which I can see you have done. This means that Lucy can have a break too. I would place a tshirt on Lucy and let her tears have a break for a couple hours each day. Since she was also warm I would watch for signs of mastitis. Mastitis is a bacterial infection of one, or sometimes more then one, of the milk producing glands in the breasts. Other clinical signs would be; Swelling Firm Warm Discharge (other then milk) painful to the touch Loss of appetite Lethargy Neglect of puppies If you suspect that Lucy could have mastitis based on the above clinical signs I would suggest taking her to see a veterinarian. The vet will be able to prescribe an antibiotic, antiinflamatory medications and pain relief. In the meantime you can apply a cool compress to the affected area. Do not attempt any over the counter medications or ointments as they may cause pain or delay healing. I hope this was helpful and more importantly that Lucy starts to feel better soon.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Well done with her - you are doing everything right! Now that the pups are strong and teething it is inevitable she will get scratched etc. Some emolient such as vaseline may help but I would wait until you wean the pups. Aloe vera may be beneficial but only in a preparation that is suitable for ingestion and only if you can separate the pups for 4-6hours. An omega fatty acid supplement to the mother can help as a natural moisturiser

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