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My nursing dog's nipple is bleeding. Is it mastitis? What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed

My dog is nursing her 3 week old pups an blood is coming out of teat along with milk, I'm scared she might have mastitis, is it ok to give her cephalexin?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 20th, 2017

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Kiera! Blood could be from trauma. Mastitis is very painful and is an infection. The mammary gland is red, hard and painful. Pus can be detected from the nipple. I suggest and exam by your Vet first before starting any medications. We can not prescribe medications on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach because we can not perform and exam. An exam is required by law to have a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship in order to prescribe medications. The gland should be expressed or still nursed from. Cephalexin doesn't hurt the puppies. I hope this helps and good luck!

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