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Should I trim hair around my pregnant dog's nipples for nursing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Female | unspayed | 35 lbs

Will a female pregnant dog clean her hair away from her nipples?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 29th, 2017

Not necessarily. Dogs aren't groomers like cats will. Licking around the nipples could be an indicator of infection, inflammation, or pain. If you are concerned about hair around the nipples because Bell is pregnant, then you may need to clip the hair on her belly before the puppies are born so that the hair doesn't get in the way of nursing. If I didn't answer your question, post a new one with a little more information!

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